Nestled along Maui’s north coast, Kahului serves as a hub of the island’s activities, featuring numerous shops, restaurants and businesses waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re a foodie eager to savor fresh island cuisine, an adventurer seeking outdoor thrills or a traveler looking for the authentic Maui lifestyle, a day in Kahului offers something for everyone. 

Start your morning early with a visit to Momona Bakery and Coffee Shop. The bright and airy bakery is located on a bustling corner, just a few blocks from Kahului Harbor and minutes from Kahului Airport. Opened in 2023, this woman-owned and operated business was founded by three Argentinian friends who wanted a place where their pastries could be enjoyed and the community could gather. Known for its freshly baked pastries that fuse the flavors of Europe and Argentina, Momona Bakery gained acclaim early on for its medialunas, an Argentinian version of a croissant soaked in simple syrup. In addition to its rotation of baked goods, the menu of Momona Bakery also features an excellent selection of savory options such as salads loaded with local vegetables, empanadas made from homemade dough, flavorful sandwiches and toasts topped with avocados, smoked salmon or beet hummus. In addition to grabbing a cup of their drip coffee or espresso-based drinks, you can order one of their smoothies to keep you fueled throughout the morning. 

 After finishing your morning ritual of breakfast and a caffeine boost, head to Maui Tropical Plantation to learn about the island’s unique agrarian history in various immersive experiences. About a 12-minute drive from Momona Bakery, this sprawling 60-acre site is known for its tropical gardens, tours and adventurous activities. One of the popular ways to experience the grounds of Maui Tropical Plantation is through the Tropical Express Tour, which gives guests an overview of the fruits and plants found on the land. Aboard the open-air tram, guests will loop around the plantation lagoon while viewing and learning about the area’s flowers, fresh fruits and stories. The 40-minute, family-friendly tour concludes with a 15- to 20-minute coconut husking demonstration. Another exciting way to view the grounds is by air on one of the zipline experiences. Whether you choose the Maui Zipline experience, which spans 300 to 900 feet in length and is suitable for children, or the Flying Hawaiian Zipline, Maui’s longest, highest and fastest zipline, you will gain a new perspective of the fields, ponds, groves and plantation structures. 

 After your adrenaline rush for the day, regroup at Maui Nui Botanical Gardens where the island’s indigenous flora, including rare and endangered plants only found in Hawai‘i, take centerstage. Founded in 1979 by Rene Sylva, a self-taught botanist who helped spark a renaissance within Maui’s conservation community, the five-acre site offers guests an opportunity to explore Hawai‘i’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage via relaxing, self-guided tours. An audio tour is available via phone or a printed tour that leads you through the grounds at your own pace. Among their diverse collection of plants are the canoe plants introduced to Hawai‘i by the first Polynesian voyagers, including 40 types of kō (sugarcane), 15 types of ‘uala (sweet potato) and 60 types of kalo (taro). While there, be sure to visit their events calendar which offers a selection of hands-on workshops focused on Hawaiian culture and native plant conservation. From lei making classes to Native Hawaiian plant propagation workshops, the events featured at Maui Nui Botanical Garden offer a way to gain a deeper understanding of the plants, traditions and values central to Hawaiian life. 

 If you're in Kahului on a Saturday, consider yourself fortunate, as that’s when the Maui Swap Meet takes place. Less than five minutes from the Maui Nui Botanical Garden, on the University of Hawai‘i Maui College campus, the Maui Swap Meet is renowned for finding great bargains.  Established in 1981, the Maui Swap Meet is a must-visit activity for those wanting to explore the island’s culture through its products and people. In the laid-back atmosphere, you can browse the eclectic blend of vendors, enjoy live music and support local businesses. From keepsakes of handmade jewelry to fresh, local produce and numerous vendors selling ready-to-eat food and snacks, the Maui Swap Meet offers an unfiltered experience of Maui. 

As midday approaches, Kahului has numerous locally owned restaurants offering some of the most delicious food you can find. One excellent option is Sparky’s Food Company, which features local Hawaiian cuisine. The story of Sparky’s begins with Duke and Natasha Sparks, a husband-and-wife team who started out delivering plate lunches to local businesses and making appearances at pop-up events. Slowly, the company grew, and the duo was able to purchase their first food trailer. Today, their restaurant menu features many original dishes the couple first offered and family recipes. One thing to note about Sparky’s is that they have an extensive menu,  meaning there is something for everyone. From their Hurricane Chicken Katsu entrée plate to a Loco Moco Sandwich with gravy, sometimes the most challenging thing about visiting Sparky’s is choosing what to order. A signature item to the restaurant is the kiawe smoked meat that starts with smoked pork sauteed with onions, glazed with Maui-made jam and available in four flavors: guava, spicy pineapple, liliko‘i (passionfruit) and strawberry. Be sure to check out their pupus (appetizers) which are great to share or accompany your meal, and save room for dessert because their Coconut Cake is the perfect sweet bite to end your meal with.

Another must-try spot is Tin Roof, a next-generation mom-and-pop shop owned by Chef Sheldon Simeon and his wife and business partner, Janice. Simeon made a name for himself as one of the rising stars in the culinary world while he was the head chef at Star Noodle, during which time he was nominated twice for the James Beard Award for “Rising Star Chef of the Year” and “Best New Restaurant.” Simeon went on to compete on Bravo TV’s tenth and fourteenth seasons of “Top Chef,” during which he won “Fan Favorite” both times. In 2016, Simeon and his wife opened Tin Roof, named in honor of the sound of rain hitting the tin roofs typical in his hometown of Hilo, Hawai‘i. In this take-out-only spot, Simeon showcases his authentic yet elevated take on local comfort food, presenting modern twists on traditional dishes like poke bowls, loco moco and saimin. The Kau Kau Tin menu features dishes reflective of the many ethnicities that worked on Hawai‘i’s sugar and pineapple plantations. From double-fried chicken thighs marinated overnight in a ginger-soy sauce to create his Japanese-inspired Mochiko Chicken to his roasted and then fried Duroc TM pork belly topped with tomato-onion lomi, each of his Kau Kau Tin options are bursting with flavor and creativity. Other noteworthy items include the Fish Sando, a panko-crusted piece of local kajiki (marlin) served with house-made tartar sauce and Dry Mein, which is served with Japanese kamaboko (fish cake), green onions, bean sprouts, fried eggs, crispy Spam and a side of dashi (Japanese soup stock) broth. 

Pack up your lunch and drink for a picnic at Kanahā Beach Park, a tranquil stretch of coastline between Kahului Bay and Spreckelsville Beach. To get an area of the beach park with picnic tables and restrooms, depart from Sparky’s or Tin Roof and drive west along Amala Place. After driving for about eight to ten minutes, you'll see a parking lot on the left side of the road with a wooden sign that reads “Kanaha Beach Park.” Once you’ve parked your car, you can either make your way to a picnic table or the sandy shores to enjoy an oceanside picnic. Under the shade of the tall trees, you can relax as you take in the view of the West Maui Mountains and the waves crashing against the shore. 

If you find yourself in Kahului on a Sunday,  visit the Maui Sunday Market in the Kahului Shopping Center parking lot. The Maui Food Technology Center established it to invigorate and revitalize the community. Both visitors and locals come together to shop at various vendor booths—offering everything from fresh produce to food products, handmade crafts and clothing. At the market, you’ll notice groups of people gathering to enjoy live local music or strangers sitting down for a chess game on a picnic table, so feel free to mingle with other guests and relish your time there. 

 After the market, spend the afternoon learning about the history of sugar plantations in the islands as you journey back in time at the Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum. Located on the outskirts of town, in the quiet sugarcane community of Pu‘unēnē, the Sugar Museum tells how sugarcane came to the islands with the first Polynesian voyagers and its growth to a significant island industry in the 1800s. The museum offers a deep dive into how the sugar industry shaped Maui’s economy, culture and communities during the “King Sugar” century in the islands. Guests can learn why sugar boomed in Hawai‘i due to specific geographic conditions, gain an understanding of sugar moguls Samuel T. Alexander and Henry P. Baldwin and view plantation-era artifacts that bring life to the stories of immigrant workers who played a vital role in the industry. On the grounds, you can also view vintage sugarcane harvesting equipment, which gives you a glimpse of the hard work on the plantations. 

 After exploring the markets and history of the island, cool down at Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave and discover why not all shave ice is created equal. With their ultra-fluffy, ultra-light shave ice made from 100% ultra-purified water combined with their premium ingredients, it is easy to see why Ululani’s shave ice stands out from the crowd. Start by choosing your size, keiki (child) or ulu (original), and then decide whether you would like to add a scoop of Roselani Gourmet Ice cream or azuki beans (Japanese sweet red beans) to your order. Then comes the most challenging part of narrowing down flavors. Ululani’s syrup flavors combine 100% cane sugar, ultra-purified water and natural fruit purees or juices to create their signature recipes. You can choose up to three flavors or one of their outstanding combinations. From habanero mango to sweet vanilla and even sugar-free options, you can mix and match to create your perfect shave ice blend. Or, select from their popular combinations like the Haleakala, which features leche and coconut syrup with a snow cap, or the Keiki Rainbow, which features cherry, blue raspberry and banana syrup. Finally, finish your shave ice with their premium, housemade toppings like toasted coconut, li hing mui powder, fresh mochi and snow caps of sweetened condensed milk mixtures. 

 As day turns to night, visit one of Kahului’s many lovely dinner spots. One must-try location is Brigit & Bernard’s Garden Café which offers a distinctive blend of Swiss-German cuisine and family-favorite recipes set in a charming, garden-like atmosphere. The family-run restaurant is known for its authentic European dishes such as schnitzel, bratwurst and spaetzle, all made from scratch with fresh ingredients. One must-try entrée is the Zueri Gschnetzlets, a specialty from Chef Bernard Weber’s hometown that features sliced meat sauteed in a creamy mushroom sauce and served with roesti potatoes and vegetables du jour. No matter what you select, be sure to save room for dessert and order some of their legendary Warm Apple Strudel served with homemade vanilla sauce. 

 Another outstanding dinner choice is Marco’s Grill & Deli, just a few minutes from Brigit & Bernard’s. Specializing in Italian and American cuisine, this popular long-standing restaurant opened in 1993 and is known for its casual, quick service and generous portions. Start your meal with a hot bowl of French Onion Soup loaded with house-made croutons and covered in melted cheese or their Fresh Manila clams steamed in a white wine sauce and seasoned with garlic, chili flakes and herbs. A standout on their salad menu is the Stuffed Tomato, which begins with a whole tomato sliced open and stuffed with their savory tuna salad. There are a lot of pasta and entrée dishes to choose from, but one house specialty that has customers raving is their Vodka Rigatoni, which features imported prosciutto sauteed with garlic in a pink cream sauce and topped with a blend of mozzarella and romano cheese. Whether you are a local or a world traveler, Marco’s Grill & Deli will offer a comfortable dining experience with various options. 

 End your evening at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center where you can enjoy world-class entertainment. The Maui Arts & Cultural Center has provided the island with over 30 years of entertainment, from live concerts, hula performances, film screenings or an art exhibit. You can connect with Maui’s vibrant arts and entertainment scene in their relaxed yet enriching environment. From art in the Schaefer International Gallery to unforgettable Alexander & Baldwin Amphitheater performances, the Maui Arts & Cultural Center provides an immersive and inspiring way to end your evening. 

From morning to night, Kahului provides the perfect backdrop to explore the island’s delicious flavors and unique local experiences.

Momona Bakery & Coffee Shop; 7 E. Ka‘ahumanu Avenue, Kahului; (808) 214-5389; Open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Sunday from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; linktr.ee/momonabakery.

Maui Tropical Plantation; 1670 Honoapi‘ilani Highway, Waikapū; Open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; mauitropicalplantation.com. 

Maui Nui Botanical Garden; 150 Kanaloa Avenue, Kahului; (808) 249-2798; Open Tuesday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; mnbg.org. 

Maui Swap Meet; 310 W. Ka‘ahumanu Avenue, Kahului; (808) 244-3100; pub36.shop/maui-swap-meet; Open Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Sparky’s Food Company; Wakea Business Center, 385 Ho‘ohana Street Bldg. 5, Unit C, Kahului; (808) 871-7390; Open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; sparkysfoodco.com. 

Tin Roof Maui; Dairy Center, 360 Papa Place, Suite 116, Kahului; (808) 868-0753; Open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; tinroofmaui.com.

Kanahā Beach Park; Amala Place, Kahului; (808) 270-7389; Open daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.; mauicounty.gov/facilities/facility/details/101.

Maui Sunday Market; 65 W. Ka‘ahumanu Avenue, Kahului; (808) 948-6382; Open Sundays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.; mauisundaymarket.com. 

Alexander & Baldwin Sugar Museum; 3957 Hansen Road, Pu‘unēnē; (808) 871-8058; Open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; sugarmuseum.com. 

Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice; Akaku Center, 333 Dairy Road, Kahului; (808) 877-3700; Open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; ululanishawaiianshaveice.com. 

Brigit & Bernard’s Garden Café; 335 Ho‘ohana Street, Kahului; (808) 877-6000; Open Mondays from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; brigitandbernards.com. 

Marco’s Grill & Deli; 444 Hāna Highway, Kahului; (808) 877-4446; Open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; marcosgrillanddeli.com. 

Maui Arts & Cultural Center; 1 Cameron Way, Kahului; (808) 242-7469; mauiarts.org.