Produce on Maui

Between our roommates and ourselves (one of which is a vegetarian) we go through a lot of produce in our house. Never in my life has this been an issue but the cost of produce here is unreal! If you asked anyone about it they could easily tell you that you're just paying for all the fuel it takes to bring the produce from California or wherever it comes from. That answer makes sense, but then you ask why are we bringing expensive produce from California when it grows all over the island? Especially since Maui's weather is so perfect it causes plants to fruit multiple times per year. All of that and prices are still like this:

Mangoes at 3.69/#

Coconuts at 6 EACH!

Avocados for 2.50 EACH???

Papayas at 2/#

Small Lemons at $1 EACH- No way!

Everything is more expensive on Maui, but it doesn't have to be! Here is some of the produce I found between our house and the short walk to the store:

Meyer Lemons- Free-99

Coconuts!

Hawaiian Chili Peppers- Which grow towards the sky.

Thai Eggplant

Cayenne peppers

Hibiscus Flower

Papayas!