Kitchen Gadget Girl Cooks

Last month, on our trip to Maui to celebrate my Dad’s birthday, my sister-in-law Susanne and I found a few stores to satisfy our need for organic, natural and local foods.

The funniest find was that the local Longs Drug Store in Lahaina sells Maui Cattle Co. beef, island grazed beef raised in Maui, with no growth hormones, antibiotics or artificial ingredients. Longs carries all sorts of cuts, including Beef Rib Eye Steaks ($16.31/lb), Beef for Teriyaki ($4.19/lb) and Ground Beef.

Across the street, is the (relatively) new Lahaina Farms Market. Opened just a year ago, this store is a wonderful change from Safeway in the Lahaina Cannery Mall. Everything is so fresh and healthy, and I loved the produce section. I found all sorts of treasures, including local Hamakua Springs tomatoes and baby Bok Choy from Hana. The fish is super fresh and according to the butcher, they will be bringing in Maui Cattle Co. meats soon. On My Plate has a great post about the Lahania Farms Now Open.

And just in Kahalui, right outside the airport, is Down to Earth, Hawaii’s only all vegetarian, organic and natural food store. My sister-in-law stopped there after landing at the airport and stocked up for the trip, and said the staff was very friendly and helpful. She was able to find all their favorites from home, including organic shampoos and lotions.

We also ate at Mama’s Fish House, which prides itself in local ingredients. The menu even includes specific information about where every fish was caught, including the name of the boat captain! And we visited the Surfing Goat Dairy, tasting local cheeses made right on the island. Several local Maui restaurants serve this cheese, it is definitely worth seeking out.