DFS may be the world’s leading travel retailer, but Hawaii was where it all started. The Honolulu International Airport was the first duty free shop in the United States, opened in 1962. Since then, DFS continued to expand its local presence in Hawaii, opening its first downtown store in Honolulu in 1968 and its flagship location in Waikiki Square in 1975. So when DFS opened its Maui outpost at the Kahului Airport 22 years later in 1997, the brand was already deeply ingrained in the community — and its notoriety and reputation remain even stronger today.
Duty free pricing means all items sold at Hawaii’s DFS stores are offered at a lower price than what you can find at any store outside of the airport. DFS is the only duty free retailer in Hawaii.
All local everything
Local, local, local is the name of the game at the Maui Kahului Airport, from DFS’s green and white plantation-inspired store fronts with a style and vibe to match the culture to all the hyper-local offerings inside, like various foods, coffee, gifts, clothing, bath and body products and children’s wares. All items are from local Hawaiian vendors — making for a very unique and special shopping experience.
Notable brands include Big Island Candies with their classic assortment of shortbread cookies and brownies baked exclusively for DFS; Manoa Chocolate, an Oahu-based, bean-to-bar craft chocolate maker; Maui-based confectionary Hawaii Fudge Co.; Kaimana Jerky with their tuna, salmon and Maui Nui venison; and 100% Kama’aina, a local ready-to-wear brand featuring items like T-shirts, hats, tank tops and hoodies for both men and women.
Also not to miss is the whimsical, in-store branding, From Hawaii with Love. Designs are inspired by local bright yellow hibiscus and bountiful palm leaves, and items offered include local treats and travel essentials, like food, gifts, souvenirs and travel merchandise.
Private label collection
DFS also boasts a Hawaii private label collection called the Hawaii Collection. Though DFS offers unique private label collections at their North American stores, Hawaii’s private label collection was one of the very first to launch, and remains one of its most robust. Private label items include chocolates, coffee, and souvenirs like magnets, keychains and travel pillows with delightful Hawaiian images and scenes.
A festival vibe at the airport
This summer, DFS celebrates the island of Maui with its Local Festival brand campaign. The campaign features a lively festival ambiance five days a week with tastings and interactive experiences throughout both its stores through August.
Local brand Crazy Shirts will have artists signing their famed cotton T-shirts, dyed with favorite local foods and beverages like coffee, pineapple, chilis and beer. Hawaii Collection will offer chocolate samples and a fun Instagram photo opp. Local Festival will also see two new brand launches at DFS: Hawaiian Pie Company with their assortment of mini pies and Koho chocolates, offering tastings.
Stand-out service
From product expertise to cultural insight, customer service at DFS makes them stand apart. Sales staff speak over 25 languages and are experts in all store offerings, ready to assist every step of the way in your shopping experience.
Loyal T Membership
This multi-tiered membership service program grants you exclusive access to high-end local member events, promotions and special services while earning points with your purchases. Earn $5 on every 500 points, which you can spend in any DFS store world-wide. Starting with Jade, benefits grow as you reach new tiers, and everything from previous tiers remain available as you progress. Experiential offerings, like the exclusive Masters of Wine and Spirits event, make LOYAL T stand high above the rest among other member programs.
Global guarantee
DFS enables you to shop and travel with confidence at over 400 airport and downtown stores worldwide. With their Global Guarantee, you can return, repair or exchange your purchases at any DFS location, in person or by mail. Your satisfaction is their guarantee.
Take some Hawaii home with you
So be sure to arrive early for your flight or take your time meandering through the Kahului Airport after you land, because the Maui shops are truly one of the best ways to experience Hawaii and take some of the island spirit home with you. They are the one-stop shop for all your souvenirs and travel essentials.
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