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Everything You Need to Know About Costco Maui

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costco maui

If you are a Costco member, you know that shopping at your favorite warehouse store can help you save a bundle. Since many items are more expensive in Hawaii than on the mainland, being able to head to a Costco can help locals and tourists save big. Whether you live on Maui, are moving there, or just visiting the island on vacation, here is what you need to know about Costco Maui.

Costco Maui Location

The island of Maui only has one Costco. It is located in the city of Kahului, not far from the Kahului Airport and close to the northern shore of the island. This can be incredibly convenient for visitors. Once you grab your rental car, you can make a stop at the store, allowing you to stock up on items you need that you might not have brought with you.

If you head to the intersection of Dairy Road and Haleakala Highway, you’ll spot the Costco Maui location in a heartbeat. The official address for the Maui Costco Wholesale Warehouse is:

540 Haleakala Highway

Kahului, HI 96732-2303

For locals or travelers that want to contact the Costco Maui location, the store’s phone number is: 808-877-5241

While having only one Costco on the island seems inconvenient on the surface, Maui is fairly small, so most people can get there in a reasonable amount of time. There is practically a straight shot from Kihei to the Maui Costco, and visitors and residents of Lahaina can route through Kihei to reach the Costco.

In fact, most of the major tourist cities, like Wailea and Pa’ia, aren’t far away from the Costco. However, it can take about two to four hours to reach Costco from Hana if you take the Hana Highway, depending on the amount of traffic, as the road is very curvy and requires a significant amount of time and attention to navigate.

Costco Maui Store Hours

The Cost Maui warehouse offers reasonably convenient shopping hours, not unlike stores in the continental US.

If you want to head to the Costco warehouse on Maui, here’s when you should go:

  • Monday through Friday: 10:00 am to 8:30 pm
  • Saturday: 9:30 am to 6:00 pm
  • Sunday: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

As with other Costcos, the store on Maui does close on certain days of the year. In 2018, Costco Maui will operate on a holiday schedule on December 24, opening at 9:00 am but closing at 5:00 pm.

On Christmas Day, December 25, 2018, the Costco Maui warehouse will not open in observance of the holiday.

Warehouse Service at Costco Maui

The Maui Costco offers a wide arrange of services. Since filling up your car’s gas tank can be expensive in Maui, you may want to head to the Costco Gas Station to help you save. In some cases, gas will be $0.30 per gallon cheaper there than anywhere else on the island.

Additionally, the Maui Costco has a food court, hearing aid and optical departments, a pharmacy, a photo center, and a tire service center. Overall, it is a pretty much a one-stop shopping location for locals and travelers alike.

Cost-Savings at the Maui Costco

Depending on what you want to buy, making a trip to Costco Maui can be a smart choice. The prices for groceries, personal care items, and fuel tend to be lower than many other stores in the area.

Plus, the Maui Costco also carries fun items that tourists may appreciate. From travel books to Hawaiian shirts, you can typically find them at any Hawaiian Costco. The same goes for local coffees and macadamia nuts, making it a great option for enjoying some local flavors.

Other Costco Warehouse Locations in Hawaii

While Maui only has a single Costco warehouse, there are several others throughout the Hawaiian Islands. The island of Oahu actually has four, while Hawaii (the Big Island) and Kauai each have one.

The Oahu Costco locations are in the following cities:

  • Iwilei
  • Honolulu
  • Kapolei
  • Waipahu

If you are looking for a Costco on the Big Island, you’ll need to head to Kailua-Kona. On Kawai, head to Lihue.

The remaining eight main Hawaiian Islands (Kahoolawe, Molokai, Lanai, and Niihau) do not have Costco warehouses.

Should You Visit Costco Maui?

If you need to stock up on food, personal care items, and other essentials, or want to fill your gas tank for less, then heading to the Maui Costco might be a smart move. This is especially true if you are coming to Maui via the airport since the store is incredibly close.

However, if you are staying in Hana, you might not want to travel to Costco in the middle of your stay if you aren’t heading into that area for other reasons. The drive can be incredibly long, so take that into consideration before making a special trip.

Have you ever been to Costco Maui? Tell us about your experience in the comments below.

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Costco Cash Back Rewards: Are They Worth It?

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costco cash back rewards

Costco has a rewards program that allows members to receive cash back on their purchases – as if buying 100 rolls of toilet paper for less than 50 cents a roll was not enough. Wondering how you can get even more out of your Costco membership? Here’s what you need to know about Costco cash back rewards.

How Do Costco Cash Back Rewards Work?

Here’s how it works: First, you must have a current Gold Star or Business membership. To receive rewards, you need to upgrade to an Executive Membership, which costs an additional $60.

Once you are an executive member, you’ll receive a 2% rebate on select pre-tax purchases, mostly on items you will purchase at the front register. Recently, Costco began including select travel purchases. Costco’s travel program offers discounts at resorts and popular destinations as well as cruises. Not all travel purchases are eligible for the rebate, so check with Costco, first.

Other Costco Rebate Exclusions

Other exclusions to the rebate are tobacco-related products, gas, Costco Cash gift cards, membership fees, consumer and insurance services, photo center purchases and some alcoholic beverage purchases in certain states. And if you allow your cousin to purchase items using your card, they don’t count toward your rebate.

Even if you have been a member for years, you won’t get any rewards on purchases made before you became an executive member. Costco reserves the right to change its policy so if you are making a purchase based on the rebate, make sure it qualifies.

How Much Can You Earn?

The 2% rebates are capped at $1,000 annually. You don’t get the money automatically. The rebate is distributed via a rewards certificate when you renew your membership. You can use the rebate on most purchases you make at the register but again, always double check as policies change.

Is the Costco Executive Membership Worth It?

You have to spend $50,040 a year at Costco to get the $1,000 rebate. If you are already spending a lot of money at Costco for big-ticket items, it’s worth it. But if you are spending less than $250 a month, you won’t cover the $60 Executive membership cost.

Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi

Costco has another way for customers to earn cash back through their Anywhere Visa Rewards Card by Citi. While this is a Costco-branded credit card, you can use the card anywhere and receive rewards. You can get 4% back on your gas purchases at any station, including Costco gas pumps. If you eat at your favorite restaurant and use your card, you get 3% back. You will also receive 3% back on your travel purchases.

Customers receive 2% cash back on purchases at Costco both in the store and online. And you get a 1% rebate on any other purchases. You have to be a member of Costco and have good enough credit to qualify for the card to participate in the rewards program.

Is the Costco Anywhere Visa Rewards Card Worth It?

Yes and no. You have to spend $3,000 on each item to receive the maximum award amount of $2,730. Three thousand dollars is a lot of money to spend on gas and food each month. However, if you just want to make a few hundred dollars each year, it’s easily doable.

Like Costco’s other reward program, the rebate is issued once a year. Customers receive a certificate in February based on purchases made during the prior year. You can redeem your certificate for goods at Costco or you can get cash. You can’t use it on Costco’s website or for travel.

Keep in mind that you will also be paying interest if you don’t pay off your purchases each month. The interest you incur will likely be more than the rewards you’ll earn. Unless you are going to use the card for major purchases or use it for business purchases, the card may not be worth it.

Do you use Costco cash back rewards? Let us know in the comments below.

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Costco December 2018 Coupon Book

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Costco December 2018 coupons

Check your mailboxes! The Costco December 2018 coupon book is here and it does not disappoint. Not only is there no lapse between the November and December coupon books, but Costco is also rolling out special holiday savings during the month of December as well. Here’s what you need to know…

Costco December 2018 Coupon Book

December’s coupon book is rather large. It has 27 pages, each one filled with awesome deals. The savings in this coupon book are valid from November 27 until December 24. It is important to note that the Costco November coupon book and the store’s Black Friday specials both end on November 26 (the day before these coupons are valid). Below are just a few of the latest coupons.

  • Adidas Excel Lunch Pack: Namebrand Adidas lunch packs are only $12.99.
  • Apple iPad 9.7″ 32 GB Space Gray: Get $40 off Apple iPads at Costco with this month’s coupons.
  • Ave Six 3-Piece Chair and Table Set: A three-piece set is only $199.99 through December 24.
  • Bridgestone Tires: This month’s tire deals are on Bridgestone tires. Get $70 off a set.
  • Contigo Autoseal Travel Mug: These spill-proof mugs are only $14.99 for two (normally $18.99).
  • Fruit Company 12-Tier Fruit Tower: Many people gift fruit baskets for the holidays. Costco has a 12-Tier fruit tower for just $99.99. Five-box towers will be just $32.99.
  • Kirkland Signature St. Regis Bora Bora Package: Book a vacation for just $4,999 per person (flights from LAX). The deal essentially gets you two nights FREE.
  • Life Comfort 60″x70″ Urban Plush Throw: Grab one of these comfy throws for only $9.99.
  • Marvel Titan Hero Series: This pack includes 11 superheroes for only $49.99.
  • Microsoft Surface Go Bundle: Get $50 off this bundle at Costco through December 24. You’ll also be able to get up to $300 off other Microsoft Surface bundles.
  • Mirabella Towels: Bath towels are $4.99 each. You can also get a 4-piece set (two hand towels and two washcloths) for just $7.99.
  • Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 5000: Get $30 off this electric toothbrush set, equipped with replacement indicator and pressure sensors (normally $99).
  • Televisions: Buy any qualifying Samsung TV or soundbar with your Costco credit card and get 15% cashback.
  • Samsung Galaxy Note9, S9, S9+: Buy any of these Samsung phones with your Costco credit card and get 15% back.

Special Holiday Savings

These aren’t the only Costco deals available during the month of December. Costco will be sending out a Christmas Holiday Handout which will be valid from December 14 through December 24, overlapping the current deals. The book will undoubtedly discount even more great holiday gift ideas as well as other goodies.

For now, check out the full December 2018 coupon book below.

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Planning a Dinner Party? Here Are the Best Costco Wines

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best costco wines

For many people, the best Costco wines are Kirkland Signature wines. Because it’s the Costco store brand, it’s also the wine that usually comes at the best price. Plus, a lot of this wine can be traced back to bigger brand names that have a good reputation for great taste. Here’s what you need to know about Kirkland Signature wines, as well as some other options worth considering for your next dinner party.

Best Costco Wines: Kirkland Signature

Costco wines are sold in two different bottle sizes: 750 ml and 1.5 liter. For example, they sell a Champagne Brut in a 1.5-liter bottle for less than $20. Most of their wines, however, come in the smaller bottle. Many of those can be purchased for less than $10 per bottle. Some of the options include:

• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Chardonnay (two different types)
• Cotes de Provence Rose
• Malbec
• Merlot
• Pinot Grigio
• Rioja
• Sauvignon Blanc

In other words, if you have a favorite basic type of wine, there is a good chance you can get the Costco brand of that same wine.

Other Wine Options at Costco

Of course, just because many people think that the best Costco wines are the Kirkland Signature wines doesn’t mean it’ll be your favorite. Luckily, Costco offers great deals on other wine, too. In fact, they are reportedly the largest wine retailer in the United States. They are also the nation’s biggest retailer of Dom Perignon champagne, and they purchase more Bordeaux than any other seller in the country.

Moreover, Costco is known to only mark up their wine by 15% or less. Many stores add markup costs that are at least twice that percentage. Therefore, you can get some great brand name wine at prices that are significantly cheaper than the same wine if purchased at a competitor’s store.

Five of the best deals on name brand wine at Costco are:

• Brunello di Montalcino
• Coppola Sofia Rose
• Ecco Domani Pinot Grigio
• Rasha Claret Semi-Sweet Red Wine
• Washington Hills’ Apex Cabernet Sauvignon

A Blog for the Best Costco Wines

If you take your wine seriously, you might want to read more about each option at Costco. There is actually a Costco Wine Blog with tons of information about all of their wine, including detailed reviews. It isn’t affiliated with the Costco store. Instead, it is made for and by fans of the best Costco wines. Here are the five best 2018 Costco wines according to this source:

1. 2012 Hidalgo Tradicion H Rioja
2. 2015 Kirkland Signature Pauillac Bordeaux
3. 2010 Baron de Ley Gran Reserva Rioja
4. 2014 Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf-du-Pape
5. 2012 Foncalieu Les Illustres Coteaux d’Enserune

Notably, these are all red wines. If you prefer white wine, their best recommendation is the 2015 Stonestreet Estate Vineyards Chardonnay Alexander Valley.

Choosing the Best Wine for You

When determining which are the best Costco wines for your home, think about several factors. Price is important, but it’s not the only consideration. With a luxury item like wine, you also have to consider personal taste. Therefore, you should review the options at your own Costco store. Then you should compare the prices to other stores in your area. You will likely find that the price on your favorite wine is lower at Costco if you can find it there.

Oh, and by the way, you don’t even have to have a store membership to purchase the best Costco wines in many states. Check your state to see if they allow alcohol sales without a Costco membership.

Do you have a favorite Costco wine? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Read More

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Is Costco Open on Thanksgiving Day 2018?

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Is Costco Open on Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving Day used to be a day to spend at home with family eating turkey, watching football and napping. Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, was the day for shopping and doorbuster sales. However, over the last few years retailers like Walmart have started opening on Thanksgiving Day to kick off their Black Friday sales early. So, you may be wondering, is Costco open on Thanksgiving in 2018?

While many retailers have started opening their stores on Thanksgiving Day to start the Black Friday shopping early, some retailers have chosen to remain closed on Thanksgiving Day so that their employees can spend the day with their families. If you want to shop instead of nap after your turkey dinner, it’s hard to know which stores will be open and which will be closed on Thanksgiving Day.

Is Costco Open on Thanksgiving Day?

Costco will not be open on Thanksgiving Day. Costco locations are normally open on Thursday, but they will be closed on Thursday, November 22, 2018 for the Thanksgiving holiday. Warehouse locations do not open on Thanksgiving Day so that their employees can celebrate the holiday with their families. Warehouse locations will reopen at 9:00 a.m. on Black Friday.

Is Costco.com Available Thanksgiving?

If you can’t wait for Black Friday and want to shop on Thanksgiving Day, you can shop on Costco’s website and get early access to the Black Friday sale. Costco’s Black Friday sale will start on Thanksgiving Day at Costco.com. Online shopping with Costco has a few advantages over shopping in the warehouse.

Non-members can also take advantage of the Black Friday sale online. You do not have to be a Costco member to make purchases through their website, but non-members are charged a surcharge. Black Friday deals may not be as good a deal when the surcharge is added for non-members.

When Does the Costco Black Friday Sale Start?

The Costco Black Friday sale starts online Thursday, November 22, 2018 at Costco.com. In store, the Costco Black Friday sale starts on Friday. All Costco warehouse locations open an hour earlier than normal on Black Friday. They will open at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, November 23, 2018.

Black Friday sales prices are available Thursday, November 22, 2018 through Monday, November 26, 2018, but only while supplies last. There will be no rain checks offered for sale priced items that are out of stock. You can check out the deals in the Black Friday sale at costco.com.

When Will Costco be Open Thanksgiving Week?

Holiday hours can be a bit confusing. Usually stores close early the day before a holiday and, sometimes, open late the day after. The Costco hours Thanksgiving week are:

Sunday, November 18: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Monday, November 19: 10:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Tuesday, November 20: 10:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Wednesday, November 21: 10:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Thursday, November 22: Closed

Friday, November 23: 9:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Saturday, November 24: 9:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, November 25: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

If you have any questions about Costco’s hours this week or about any deals the company is having for the holiday, contact your local Costco directly.

Will you be shopping Friday for Costco’s Black Friday sale? Share with us in the comments below!

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Photo: Mike Mozart

Costco Liquor: Does It Offer Real Savings?

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Costco liquor

Kirkland Signature is the Costco liquor store brand. In other words, if you want to buy spirits at Costco, then you need to head to the alcohol aisle and look for that brand. But, is it worth it, or would it be more cost effective to buy your alcohol somewhere else? More than that, should you even bother with other brand names of liquor at Costco? We have the scoop.

Types of Costco Liquor

Kirkland Signature alcohol was introduced into Costco stores about ten years ago. Their selection has grown steadily. Some of the options include:

  • Small Batch Bourbon
  • Anejo Tequila
  • American Vodka
  • French Vodka
  • London Dry Gin
  • Spiced Rum
  • Whiskey
  • Aged 12-Year Whiskey
  • XO Cognac

Almost all of these are sold as 1.75-liter bottles. However, the tequila is a 1-liter bottle, and the cognac is 750 ml.

How Much Does Costco Liquor Cost?

The price that you will pay for Costco liquor depends on what you like. On the cheaper end, you can get the rumor American vodka for less than $20 per bottle. On the pricey side, the cognac and aged whiskey cost more than $50 per bottle. The other options all range between $20 and $30 per bottle. When you think about the amount of alcohol you’re getting – nearly two liters – you can see that this is a good price.

What About Flavor?

If you buy alcohol but don’t drink it because it tastes terrible, you aren’t saving money. So how does Kirkland Signature brand alcohol stack up? If you’re a spirit snob, you might want to be more selective. However, many people say that Costco beverages are comparable to major brand names.

In fact, there are some big names behind this brand. For example, Jim Beam produces the Costco bourbon and rum. Moreover, the tequila is made at the same distillery as Ciela tequila. Plus, multiple sources have said that Kirkland vodka is comparable to Grey Goose, which is one of the most popular top shelf vodkas.

Kirkland Signature Isn’t the Only Option

You will get the most savings if you purchase the store brand from Costco. However, it’s not the only option. Costco does offer other brands of liquor as well. For example, they typically sell Bacardi Superior rum and Bulleit bourbon.

Costco reportedly only marks up their liquor by 10-15%. Therefore, the more expensive a bottle would be at another store, the better the savings at Costco. In other words, if you like high-end alcohol, and you’re able to find what you like at Costco, then you’ll get a really good deal. However, they don’t have a big selection, so it can be hit or miss in terms of whether or not you’ll get the drink you want.

You Might Not Need a Costco Membership

One of the most interesting things about Costco liquor is that you don’t necessarily need a Costco membership to purchase it. In other words, you can take advantage of the reduced rate without having to pay the annual membership fee. This varies from state to state, so check with your local store. Reports indicate that Arizona, California, Hawaii, New York, and Texas are some of the states that sell Costco liquor without a store membership.

The Verdict: Can You Save Money With Costco Liquor?

So, what’s the verdict? Is Costco liquor a real savings? Yes. You’ll save the most money by purchasing the store brand. You can also save a lot if you purchase very high-end drinks that would be expensive elsewhere. However, you should always do your own cost comparison to make sure you get the best deal in your area.

Have you tried Costco liquor? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

Read More

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(Photo Credit: Mark Guim)