Mabuhay Mart is a welcome addition to North Kihei! Tucked beside the Tesoro gas station, this little Filipino mart is small in size but big on variety. While it's a great go-to for Filipino staples--from snacks to pantry essentials--what really makes it stand out is its wide selection of unique treats from all over Asia. From Japanese Kit Kats, unique Lays chips flavors Korean candies, and more, it's a snack lover's paradise.
What's really drawing the crowd lately are the viral fruit shaped ice creams -- the ones that blew up on the mainland and have finally made their way to Maui. They do sell out quickly, but they've been getting more shipments in regularly and have added more flavors to the selection to keep things interesting.
The staff is friendly, and the store is clean and well-organized. The only reason it's not a full five stars for me is the pricing on some items--understandably higher due to import costs, but still a bit of sticker shock when you've had the same snacks in China, Japan, and the Philippines for a fraction of the cost. While it's tough to justify the splurge every time, once in a while, it's totally worth it. Sometimes I just miss certain treats I've had during past travels, and now I know Mabuhay Mart is an option when I'm feeling nostalgic for those snacks and willing to pay a premium.
All in all, it's a worth a visit--especially if you're craving a taste of Asia right here on Maui. read more