The Shops at Wailea open-air shopping center

The Art of Shopping in Wailea

Luxury brands meet local creativity

Written by a Local Expert

The Art of Shopping: Luxury & Local Finds in Wailea

Shopping in Wailea is an experience in itself, blending high-end international fashion with the unique creativity of local Maui artists and designers.

The Shops at Wailea: An Open-Air Retail Paradise

The heart of Wailea's retail scene is The Shops at Wailea, a beautiful, open-air shopping center that is a destination in its own right. With over 70 shops and restaurants, you can find everything from luxury giants like Gucci, Prada, and Louis Vuitton to art galleries and charming local boutiques. The atmosphere is relaxed and upscale, and there is ample free parking, which is a huge plus.

With over 70 shops and restaurants, The Shops at Wailea offers everything from luxury international brands to authentic Hawaiian art and island-inspired fashion.

Spotlight on Local Designers & Boutiques

While the luxury brands are a major draw, I always encourage visitors to seek out the shops that capture the unique spirit of Hawaiʻi.

Mahina

Born on Maui's north shore, Mahina perfectly embodies "effortless beachtown chic." Their boutiques are filled with stylish, affordable, and wearable dresses, tops, and accessories that are perfect for the island lifestyle.

Style: Beachtown Chic | Price: Affordable

Tori Richard

This Honolulu-based company is a piece of Hawaiian history. Founded in 1956, Tori Richard is renowned for its sophisticated resort wear and iconic Aloha shirts. Their prints are true works of art, often produced on their proprietary Cotton Lawn fabric, which is incredibly soft and light. A Tori Richard shirt is a timeless, authentic piece of Hawaiʻi.

Style: Classic Aloha Wear | Since: 1956

Keliki

This is a young, contemporary beach boutique that features its own line of colorful, custom tropical prints alongside other trendy resort wear brands. It's a great place to find a unique and vibrant outfit.

Style: Contemporary Beach | Price: Moderate

A Tour of Wailea's Art Scene

Wailea is a major hub for fine art in Hawaiʻi, and spending an afternoon gallery-hopping is one of my favorite ways to get inspired.

Maui Hands

This gallery is a must-visit for anyone looking for authentic, local art. With a mission to represent over 300 Hawaiʻi-based artists, Maui Hands showcases an incredible diversity of work in every medium imaginable—from original paintings and sculptures to handcrafted jewelry, woodwork, and traditional Niʻihau shell lei.

Artists: 300+ Hawaii-based | Media: All types

Lahaina Galleries

A cornerstone of Hawaiʻi's fine art scene since 1976, this gallery features a beautifully curated collection of work from both esteemed local artists like Ronaldo Macedo and Steve Turnbull, as well as renowned international artists. They often host "artist in residence" events, giving you a chance to meet the creators in person.

Since: 1976 | Focus: Fine Art

Enchantress & Freeborne Gallery

This gallery is an experience—eclectic, vibrant, and full of rock-and-roll energy. Curated by artists Bootzie Alexandra and James Freeborne Welch, it features a unique collection of paintings, sculptures, and bold jewelry from artists like Walfrido Garcia and Beck Paschoal.

Style: Eclectic & Bold | Vibe: Rock-and-roll

Photographer's Pick: The Galleries

The art galleries in Wailea are a huge source of inspiration for me. My advice is to not just browse—talk to the gallery staff. At a place like Maui Hands, they can share the personal stories behind the local artists, connecting you to the culture and the ʻāina (land) in a really deep and meaningful way. It's a fantastic way to find a piece of Maui that truly speaks to you to take home.