Sarah

I don't like Hilo Hatties most of what they sell is available all over town so why make the special trip. Just go into Long's for the chinse, Macey's home department store at Ala Moana for quality products, ABC stores for more chinse. All of these stores are in Ala Moana which is where you will find hilo hatties unless you are going to the main store which only offers larger qualities of the same stuff. I was just there.

I would go to Chinatown and buy some leis. They have these braided button leis (button was the name of the flower), they dry beautifully and they are only 10-12 dollars in Chinatown.

In Ala Moana there are two Japanese stores I like, Shirokiya and lida's. This is an interesting alternative to Hawaiian gifts. Huge assortment of Japanese products at both stores. I have not found a number of these producst in the finest Japanese stores in Manhattan. At Shirokiya I bought wooden kokeshi (sp)dolls. They are handpainted/signed and quite beautiful. Take a look at the display if you are in the mall. They range in price between $24 and $100 dollars. No they are not Hawaiian but very unique. I picked up 3 for different friends, so far everyone loves them. Gift wrapping is attractive and free. You also have interesting Japanese food products upstairs at Shirokiya. Lidas is smaller and not the department store shirokiya is but a fun store. I am kicking myself for not picking up a Japanese calendar there. Big beautiful photos of Japan. A different gift at $12.

Suzie

Sarah, the program that was on PBS on Saturday was Hawaii-Songs of Aloha. I don't see a repeat showing of this program anytime soon but it was part of the regular beg-a-thon that our local PBS overdoes all month, every month so maybe they'll show it again.

Stuff available at Hilo Hattie's can also be found at the ABC stores.

hc317

Sarah,

I work in Manhattan and the closest to a Japanese store in Teriyaki Boy! I know there's an upscale Japanese store somewhere in midtown. I just can't remember the name or location. Do you know of any? Just dying to buy these Japanese knicknacks. I remembered they sold stationery and office supplies, and some toys. Also, there's another Japanese store that sold desserts, etc.

Is ABC Stores comparable to a Duane Reade?

Thanks.

hc317

Any bad experience in Oahu? Cheesiest or any attraction not worth doing?

islandmom

I like the small shops in Kailua.

Sarah

HI HC317 I think you are thinking of Takeshimaya? There is also a Japanese Bakery which is very unique around 48-47 just off 5th. I saw another one when I walked into midtown from my 70's east side address. Sorry I can't recall. There is definately a presence just not what there is out on the west coast or Hawaii. Oh and on 23 street there is convenience store. Great place to pick up mochi ice cream, ponzu sauce etc...things you never had.I have seen other stores, and Chinatown looks like it has some Japanese things also.

I think Duade Reede is more comparable to Longs drug store. ABC is a convenience store designed for tourist. You would not go there to get a prescription filled blah blah. People living on Oahu don't frequent them for regular use.

islandmom

I LOVE http://www.teachest.com They sell their products at festivals and they may still have a shop. 808-591-9400. The mango iced tea is amazing! All of them are excellent.

simpsonc510

Just saw part of a great program last night on one of the HD channels.. HDNet or something like that. The program was all about volcanoes on Maui and Hawaii. It was very interesting! And especially since I had just seen Haleakala on Maui.

About ABC stores... I went there to get my snack foods and cold things to keep in my fridge in my room rather than always eating expensive meals at the Hilton. I also bought one of their phone cards to use for calling home. Calling home from a hotel room is quite expensive!
ABC also has the usual souvenirs.. the macadamia nuts, kona coffee, hula dolls and the like. The ABC stores are absolutely EVERYWHERE on Oahu. I don't know about the other islands. You can find one or two on every block, just about, along Kalakaua Ave, Waikiki. They are most definitely used by the tourists. The one on the grounds at the Hilton is the most frequented one on Oahu and is always busy.

simpsonc510

To hc317
I happen to like Hilo Hatties. I bought a lot of kona coffee beans and macadamia nuts and such there. I also bought a beautiful 3-piece silk outfit that wasn't cheap in any way! It was a flowered print that didn't look toooo Hawaiian so I can wear it to work this school year. The "big" store has a nice selection of jewelry from Maui Divers also. I like the 14kt gold "aloha" heart pendants. I bought one several years ago and always get compliments when I wear it.
I think I spent probably at least an hour and a half at the big Hilo Hattie's store on this recent trip and loved every minute of it!

hc317

Sarah-

You just refreshed my memory, its that bakery that I was really looking for on 48th or 49th St. I stop by the Japanese grocery store on 23rd st. almost every other day since I work a block away at CSFB. Been to Takashimaya several times to pick up flowers. They make such great arrangements. I like their tea garden in the basement.

That's great that ABC Stores are like convenience stores for tourists. Even more that there's so many around.

So what's the worst tourist attraction in Oahu, what shouldn't I do there?

Sarah

You know 1-5 people in Hawaii is dependent on the tourist industry for an income. Families on Oahu can be broken up when people move to the mainland because they lost their job.

With this understanding and this economy I just don't think it makes good sense to bash indiscriminately. Picking out what I think people should avoid seems indiscriminate to me.
Rants/Raves section is a good source for opinions though.

You know Shirokiya' bakery UPSTAIRS (downstairs has baked goods also) is better than that place off of 5th avenue.

hc317

good point. but i really want to make the most of my trip. I don't have weeks to spend there and want to make the most out of it. I just have so many ideas and I wanted to pick out the "MUST SEEs or DOs" while I'm there.

bashfulLV

If you're looking for a good price and huge selection for souvenirs, go out to the swapmeet at the Aloha Stadium. It's open on Wed/Sat/Sun all day each day. You can take The Bus out there or a shuttle - coupons for the shuttles and also for swapmeet admission are in the "Things-To-Do" books all over Waikiki. One suggestion - take an empty suitcase - preferably your carry-on, especially if it has wheels - then you can stash your treasures in there and pull them around instead of carrying a bunch of sticky plastic bags - it gets hot out there. But you can't beat the prices and selection you'll find. No reason to spend all your $$ on stuff to take back to friends & family - better you use it to enjoy yourself and the swapmeet will help you do that.