Summerhouse
(tel. 808/871-1320): Bright and sassy tropical wear, and the
jewelry and accessories to go with it, are a cut above at Kahului's
Summerhouse. T-shirts are tailored and in day-to-evening colors,
while dresses are good for either the office or a night out.
Bailey House Gift
Shop (tel. 808/244-3920): You can travel Hawaii and
peruse its past with the assemblage of made-in-Hawaii items at this
museum gift shop in Wailuku. Tropical preserves, Hawaiian music,
pareus, prints by esteemed Hawaii artists, cookbooks, hatbands, and
magnificent wood bowls reflect a discerning standard of selection.
Unequaled for Hawaiian treasures on Maui.
Brown-Kobayashi
(tel. 808/242-0804): At this quiet, tasteful, and elegant
Asian shop in Wailuku, the selection of antiques and collectibles
changes constantly but reflects an unwavering sense of gracious
living. There are old and new European and Hawaiian objects, from
koa furniture (which disappears fast) to lacquerware, Bakelite
jewelry, Peking glass beads, and a few priceless pieces of antique
ivory. Every square inch is a treasure trove.
Sig Zane Designs
(tel. 808/249-8997): This Hilo icon didn't skip a beat in
winning the hearts of Maui residents when he moved to Wailuku. It's
just like the time he moved to the Hilo Bayfront from his first,
more obscure location; his presence brought an infusion of energy to
the area and helped revitalize the entire neighborhood. Located on
Wailuku's Market Street, his new shop of aloha wear and Hawaiian
lifestyle treasures is a boon to historic Wailuku.
Hui No'eau
Visual Arts Center (tel. 808/572-6560): Half the
experience is the center itself, one of Maui's historic treasures: a
strikingly designed 1917 kamaaina (native-born or old-timer)
estate on 9 acres in Makawao; two of Maui's largest hybrid Cook and
Norfolk pines; and an art center with classes, exhibitions, and
demonstrations. The gift shop is as memorable as the rest of it.
You'll find one-of-a-kind works by local artists, from prints to
jewelry and pottery.
Village
Galleries (tel. 808/661-4402 in Lahaina, or 808/669-1800
in Kapalua): Maui's oldest galleries have maintained high standards
and the respect of a public that is increasingly impatient with
clichéd island art. On exhibit are the finest contemporary Maui
artists in all media, with a discerning selection of handcrafted
jewelry. In Lahaina, the new contemporary gallery has a larger
selection of jewelry, ceramics, glass, and gift items, as well as
paintings and prints.
Viewpoints
Gallery (tel. 808/572-5979): We love this airy,
well-designed Makawao gallery and its helpful staff, which
complement the fine Maui art: paintings, sculpture, jewelry, prints,
woods, and glass. This is Maui's only fine-arts cooperative,
showcasing the work of dozens of local artists.
Hana Coast
Gallery (tel. 808/248-8636): This gallery is one main
reason to go to Hana: It's an esthetic and cultural experience that
informs as it enlightens. Tucked away in the posh hideaway hotel,
the gallery is known for its high level of curatorship and
commitment to the cultural art of Hawaii. The 3,000-square-foot
(279m sq.) gallery is devoted entirely to Hawaii artists. Dozens of
well-established local artists display their sculptures, paintings,
prints, feather work, stonework, and carvings in displays that are
so natural they could well exist in someone's home. The
award-winning gallery has won accolades from the top travel and arts
magazines in the country and has steered clear of trendiness and
unfortunate tastes.