Saturday at Kahului Swap Meet: Tips From a Maui Vendor

On Saturday mornings in Kahului, the Maui Swap Meet brings together local sellers, island-style food, artwork, clothing, produce, and visitors looking for something more personal than another souvenir shop. For us at Maui Creative Company, it's also a chance to meet the people who wear our designs.

If you're visiting Maui and have a free Saturday morning, here's how to make the most of the market—from a local apparel business that sells there.

Where and when is the Kahului Swap Meet?

The Maui Swap Meet runs every Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College, 310 W Kaʻahumanu Avenue, Kahului, HI 96732. Look for the outdoor market area near Kahului Beach Road, across from the Maui Arts & Cultural Center.

It's in Central Maui, making it a practical stop if you're already exploring Kahului or planning shopping near the airport. Follow the event and campus parking signs when you arrive. Market hours can change around unusual circumstances, so check the current event listing if you're making a special trip.

What's the best time to go on Saturday?

Early morning is our pick. Coming between roughly 7:00 and 10:00 a.m. usually means less midday heat and more of the morning to browse. You'll also have time to talk with vendors instead of feeling rushed toward closing.

If you're not an early riser, you can still enjoy the market later in the morning. Just remember that it closes at 1:00 p.m., and the selection at individual booths can change as the day goes on. Plan on about an hour or two if you'd like to wander, shop, and grab a snack.

What can you buy at the Maui Swap Meet?

One of the best parts is that the stalls aren't all the same. Depending on who's selling that Saturday, you'll find a mix of:

• Maui-inspired apparel: T-shirts, tanks, hats, and other island wear.
• Handmade gifts: Jewelry, crafts, artwork, and small keepsakes.
• Fresh produce and flowers: Island-grown fruits, plants, and seasonal finds.
• Local food and treats: Snacks, drinks, shave ice, and prepared food from participating vendors.
• Souvenirs: Easy-to-pack gifts to take home for friends and family.

One of the best parts of the Maui Swap Meet is getting to meet the people behind the booths. Feel free to stop, say aloha, and ask about anything that catches your eye. You might hear the story behind a design, discover something new, or find a special souvenir to bring home.

Five practical tips from a Saturday vendor

1. Bring water and sun protection. It's an outdoor market. A hat, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes make browsing more enjoyable.
2. Carry a little cash. Entrance to the Maui Swap Meet is $1.00, and payment options differ from vendor to vendor.
3. Take your time. Walk a few rows before deciding what to buy, especially if you're comparing gifts or looking for a particular style.
4. Talk story with sellers. Ask where a product was designed, how it was made, or what makes it special. That's something you don't get from a big retail chain.
5. Keep a reusable bag handy. It's useful for small purchases and easier than juggling several bags while you walk.

Come say aloha to Maui Creative Company

We're a Maui-born apparel business, and the Saturday swap meet is one of the places where we get to meet customers face-to-face. We design island-inspired clothing and print on Maui with soft water-based inks. Depending on the week's selection, you may see designs such as Maui Turtle, ALOHA, and Hawaiʻi Wave.

Come by, take a look, and say aloha. We enjoy meeting visitors as much as we enjoy helping them find something to bring home.

Explore Maui Creative: If you can't make it on Saturday, you can still browse our Maui-inspired apparel online.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Kahului Swap Meet only on Saturdays?

Yes. Its regular schedule is Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. It's different from the Sunday craft fair in Lahaina.

Does the Maui Swap Meet charge admission?

Yes. Admission to the Maui Swap Meet is $1.00. Bring a little cash for entry and for vendors who accept cash.

Is the market indoors?

No. It's an outdoor market, so wear comfortable walking shoes and prepare for Maui's sun and occasional weather changes.

Is it worth visiting if I'm only in Kahului for a short time?

If your schedule includes Saturday morning and you enjoy browsing local markets, it's an easy way to experience a different side of Maui shopping. Even a shorter visit can be worthwhile.

Make a morning of it in Central Maui

After the swap meet, you can keep exploring with our guides to restaurants in Kahului and shopping near OGG Airport. For a broader overview of the market, see our Maui Swap Meet guide.

Visitor note: Hours and vendors may change. For an independent event listing, see Maui Now's Maui Swap Meet calendar.