Kihei Kalama Village — Local services in Maui

Cute little market full of little shops to buy souvenirs, but ‘most’ are overpriced (to be expected) especially the dresses and outfits at the first area to the left when you first walk in.

Not only are all of the outfits the same as you’ll see everywhere else in Maui, but their prices are GROSSLY exaggerated. My 16 year old daughter wanted this 2-piece set (bandeau and short skirt) that was priced at $75-$80. Something similar to this sells for $30-$35 in other areas that we’ve been to on Maui and O’ahu.

I politely asked the owner if she’d consider coming down in the price for my daughter, and she RUDELY declined - but honestly this didn’t bother me. It was what she specifically said immediately after.. She said, “You should go back home and work harder so you can come back and buy this for your daughter!!”- Ummmm…EXCUSE ME…..WHAT!?!?!? I had to stop and ask my elderly mother if I heard her correctly before I replied.

The bottom line is, I certainly don’t mind paying elevated prices to support local Hawaiian businesses BUT I adamantly refuse to support ANY business that 1.) treats their potential customers with disrespect and 2.) grossly overprices their items in an blatant attempt to rob tourists. I mean, I could see if these were handcrafted items, but these were items that were probably purchased in bulk at $1-$2 per garment (maybe).

This experience was not cool at all. Good thing, I was able to move past this and enjoy the rest of my stay on Maui because I had a bad taste in my mouth. I just said a quick prayer for her, because...

I was at Panda Express. I don't think I should say anymore. A nice building and kitchen had lunch. My friend wanted to try this out. I don't eat, processed foods or fried foods. I thought I would just he got the sample. I paid the $8 for the one entree actually was $11 with tax and everything. The bathroom was horrible. Haven't even seen this is the average unsanitary situations. Wash your hands and grab another clean to grab the handle. This is why we put the trash can right next to the door so you can discard. I am a calmary chef, high volume, fast paced and supervise. I expect restaurants and stores as like a secret shopper would. To give honest unbiased reviews. And my personal professional opinion being employed at some of the highest level resorts on the mainland and even working for a Hawaii based food service company for the University of Santa Cruz, California. And I hold a 91 on my safe and serve and that's Management level. I was at another place that will not say and almost got sick because of the smell of the burnt frying oil that turns into acid. It's great for everybody else. All the people I know eat there. I do better make in my own unprocessed with less processing. The your average people don't have time to bring their lunch or even make it. So everybody eats out. Enjoy yourselves. Where is...

Little quaint shops and a lot of restaurant choices. You can find some spectacular hand crafted pieces here.

Loved Maui Pearl picked up a couple of nice jewelry from there. The owner Stacy is extremely welcoming and knowledgeable about her designs and about the island. The manager Eva will give you suggestions of where the locals go and hang out. They have really pretty designs of silver that they design in house. They are a diamond in the rough in the center of the plaza. Definitely worth going to pick up unique designs.

You can also find some really beautiful tiki carvings in this plaza grab a cup of coffee and shaved ice while you are there. Really nice that they have free parking in the plaza. If you are trying to eat at the restaurants make sure to make a reservation online makes it a lot easier.

Will be back to visit the plaza next...