Galliano

Never stayed at resort condo b/4, yet April/May we will be staying at two in Maui over 14 nites. Research has taught me to plan on shopping after landing at airport, but not sure what kind of things to buy. Any non-food items necessary? Do I bring some things from home in an extra suitcase? I'm afraid if I don't plan some kind of serious list that I'll buy all of the wrong stuff in a hurry to get to our destination and begin our vacation. Thanks for any and all advice! (This will be our 20th wedding anniv. so really looking forward to this trip.)

ajcolorado

Call your condo and ask what comes standard. The condo we had was very well equipped for cooking and even had spices in the cupboard. Find out if the condo has a gas grill available for guests use.

Maui is civilized - they have Safeway, Costco, etc. We called our airlines to find out what size box is allowed and we filled a box with cereal, pasta, etc. Food can be more $$ in Maui but we found that there was not a huge savings by bringing the items we did. Still, our menues were planned and it made things easier - just had to buy breakable items (pasta sauce in glass jars etc.) and perishable items. Also, by buying ahead of time, you don't have to cut into your spending money to buy things like Fruit Loops.

Bring anything you absolutely have to have to make life happy...for example, you only drink "Brand X" coffee or you have to have that salsa that is only available locally. You make want to bring commonly used seasonings but you may need sealed new containers - check airline restrictions.

We tried to plan meals that let us use our left-overs the next day. Tacos one night meant breakfast burritos the next morning. Spaghetti one night got added to minestroni soup for lunch. etc. We spent some times figuring out portions that would give us plenty to eat but that would realistically get used. We didn't want to get to the end of our trip and have to throw away a bunch of stuff.

Hope this helps.

sylvia3

You should bring your grocery discount cards (Safeway, Costco), or sign up immediately as you walk in the store (tho once my condo key had a local store card already attached). I've walked into places (condos by owner, usually) that needed salt and pepper (!), and some that had tons of food-- leftover pasta, etc., in the cupboard, and all the condiments, including salad dressing, in the fridge. I would go to the condo, relax, make a list, and then make a relaxed trip into Kahului (for Costco/K-mart), or the local Safeway; you will never get everything you need right from the airport, and you KNOW you'll need to go back for something, so why not check out the place first?
Then come back with everything you need and your champagne for that first sunset..

sylvia3

p.s. Though shlepping food in a box might be a good idea if you have kids along, the two of you should be able to cost-effectively buy the stuff you need on Maui--prices aren't that much more that it is worth it (IMO) to bring food!

OldSouthernBelle

To add: We also stayed in Mana Kai (South near Wailea), and there are many options for shopping there as well!

Belle

OldSouthernBelle

I don't know why this didn't post prior to my last one??

If you reveal at which condo's you'll be staying, people will tell you your options, near and far.

We stayed at Maui Kai @ Honokawai, and there was two grocery stores and several 'strip malls' nearby. ABC stores are everywhere and they are like mini SuperStores..they have just about everything! Also,they have a card you get stamped, and, you get a reward (after $100 spent, I believe)...or you show your receipts.

Belle

teresazona

The one thing that I always find missing in the condos that we have stayed at,is a good sharp knife. It really makes slicing and dicing alot easier with one. As far as food goes, the prices are getting closer to the mainland every time that we go.

likeswords

Bring a small piece of luggage, and stock it with things you know you will need that you won't want to buy there (Angostura bitters, your favorite curry powder, kosher salt, etc.). Don't fill the luggage; you can use it to bring back whatever you buy during your stay that you don't want to abandon.

When you arrive (depending on where your condo is), stop at a Safeway or a Star Market for food for that night and/or the next morning, and at Longs for booze and mixers if necessary (get your POG at the market). I skip Costco because I don't want to buy a zillion pounds of pork chops and then feel obliged to eat them more often than I'd like at the expense of trying local stuff.

Call your condo to ask where/what are the best and nearest markets, and what to expect in terms of spices/staples (mine had rice and soy sauce, among many other things, which I learned after buying same). It's nice to leave the nonperishables for the next person, if that's okay with management. You will need to buy refrigerator food (mayonnaise, mustard, etc.), but it's easy to shop once a day almost everywhere but on the Road to Hana, and that way you get to try all the local yummy markets, fish markets, and farmers' markets. I did feel the need for a good, sharp knife (and wish I'd had my cleaver), but I'm not sure how you would fly with these things.

Have a great time!

BigJim

Agree with everybody else. It depends a lot on which condo you're staying at. But do call ahead of time to find out. You can always stock up on things at Costco or Walmart, which is right near the airport.

Barbara5353

The hassles of bringing food in your luggage just aren't worth the small savings. Don't forget that airlines are now enforcing baggage weight limits, too.
Personally, I like shopping at Star Market or Foodland when I am on Maui.
There are unique items not found on the mainland. If I were staying for a couple months I might find it worthwhile to go to Costco. Since everything Costco comes in jumbo sizes, it is hard to use stuff up on vacation.
You'll waste more $$ than you saved.

sylvia3

True about Costco; if you aren't bringing the eating machines (in my case, teens), you don't necessarily need 5 lbs of hamburger and chicken and a giant box of Cheerios--the wine selection is not great, but a bit cheaper. (Remember, you can get great island coffee at the local grocery stores.) I still say check out the condo, make a list of your personal needs, do it all after you've enjoyed the first sunset (you'll probably be awake anyway...)

suze

You could make your grocery list ahead of time or on the plane ride over. Then you'll be focused when you reach Safeway (or wherever). To me it is not worth packing food over on the plane. My experience is not vast but I think it's fun to make do with however your condo is equipped. I really enjoy shopping locally, and would rather experiment & try something new than eat food brought from home.

Galliano

Thank you all for replying! You've given me great advice. We will be staying at the Napili Kai for the first 7 nites (not really a condo but will have full kitchen), and at the Whaler in Kaanapoli for the last 7 nites. Also; are there liquor stores available? We do have our favorites, and after all, we will be on vacation Thanks much!

OldSouthernBelle

Yes, the ABC stores abound...look on the internet, they have a website and you can see what they offer, even order!

You will love the location of Napilli Kai...we went there one day to snorkel and the beach is heavenly!

Whalers location is in the heart of all the activity, so I think you're in for a GREAT vacation!

Belle

suze

I believe liquor is available in grocery stores also, right? I'm pretty sure I noticed it at Food Pantry in Waikiki. And likek Belle mentions, definitely at any ABC Store.

For a quicky tropical cocktail, try my "mai tai" recipe... just buy a quart of "POG" (passionfruit, orange, guava juice) and mix it with local made rum. Cheap and delicious!

sylvia3

I LOVE POG! The best juice blends ever, esp. with ice and a splash of poison. (But yes, the groceries have aisles of booze.)

DawnCt

I bring a rolling duffle bag. I have teens and young adults and there are some things that I can collect over a period of time that makes the things they like more available and affordable. I usually purchase condiments, salad dressing, etc in plastic containers. I bring Crystal Light ice tea mix, lemonade etc and when they have offers at home, such as buy one get one or two free, I will stick them in the bag. Canned tuna fish is handy, along with peanut butter, cereal, which I find is more expensive in Hawaii and I like to bring the laundry tablets because they are small and don't make a mess. I have had a hard time finding them lately however. We used everything I took for groceries and bought fresh stuff at Safeway, Foodland and Costco with shopping card.

jtrandolph

We stay in condos or apartments whenever we can when we travel.

I have found that what is available in the kitchens varies widely. In lots of cases, we were staying in a privately owned time share where the managment of the building had no idea how the kitchen was stocked.

So, I usually pack small salt and pepper shakers, a few small and medium plastic storage bags, and, yes, a sharp knife (but, be sure to pack it in your luggage. We lost an expensive boning knife once because my absent-minded husband put it in his carry-on. oops)

And that's all. We stop at the condo and take stock and then go out for supplies.

BarbaraS

Recipes and spices or anything you know you'll need and it's sold only in large sizes and you use only a small amount of it.

sylvia3

Good idea, taking small spice supplies you might want (finally a use for all those prescription bottles?).