Cost of Groceries

Question

Can any one advise how much more groceries are in Kihei than here in Canada. Maybe compared to our Walmart and Costco?? Thanks.

Answer

Grocery prices in Kihei, Maui, tend to be higher than in most Canadian cities, largely due to shipping costs and the island’s reliance on imported goods. You can expect to pay a premium on everyday items compared to what you might find at Walmart or Costco in Canada.

Here’s a rough comparison of what to expect:

Fresh produce: Local fruits like papaya, pineapple, and bananas can be reasonable, but imported fruits and vegetables often cost 20–50% more than in Canada.
Meat and seafood: Prices for chicken, beef, and pork can be 25–40% higher. Fresh fish and seafood can vary, with local catches sometimes reasonably priced, but imported options more expensive.
Dairy: Milk, cheese, and yogurt are typically 20–35% more expensive than Canadian supermarkets.
Pantry staples: Rice, pasta, canned goods, and condiments are generally 15–30% higher.
Snacks, beverages, and alcohol: Packaged snacks, sodas, and alcoholic drinks can be 20–50% more expensive than in Canada.

Shopping at Costco in Kihei may help reduce costs, as bulk items are closer to mainland prices, though some items will still be higher due to import fees. Local supermarkets like Safeway, Foodland, or Times tend to be pricier, especially for smaller quantities. Farmers’ markets can be a good way to get fresh produce at competitive rates, sometimes even lower than supermarkets for local items.

In general, if you’re budgeting for groceries on Maui, expect to pay roughly 25–35% more than in Canada for a standard weekly grocery shop, with variations depending on whether you buy local or imported products.