Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion.
Sorry! We don't have any recommendations for Big Island right now.
Residents like to complain that there isn't a lot of great shopping on the Big Island, but unless you're searching for winter coats, you can find plenty to deplete your pocketbook.
Dozens of shops in Kailua-Kona offer a range of souvenirs from far-flung corners of the globe and plenty of local coffee and foodstuffs to take home to everyone you left behind. Housewares and artworks made from local materials (lauhala, coconut, koa, and milo wood) fill the shelves of small boutiques and galleries throughout the island. Upscale shops in the resorts along the Kohala Coast carry high-end clothing and accessories, as do a few boutiques scattered around the island. Galleries and gift shops, many showcasing the work of local artists, fill historical buildings in Waimea, Kainaliu, Holualoa, and Hawi. Hotel shops generally offer the most attractive and original resort wear, but, as with everything else at resorts, the prices run higher than elsewhere on the island.
High prices are entirely too common at the island's resort spas, but a handful of unique experiences are worth every penny. Beyond the resorts, the Big Island is also home to independent massage therapists and day spas that offer similar treatments for lower prices, albeit usually in a slightly less luxurious atmosphere. In addition to the obvious relaxation benefits of any spa trip, the Big Island's spas have done a fantastic job incorporating local traditions and ingredients into their menus. Massage artists work with coconut or kukui (candlenut) oil, hot-stone massages are conducted with volcanic stones, and ancient healing techniques such as lomilomi—a massage technique with firm, constant movement—are staples at every island spa.
The dressy clothing here has been a tradition in Hawaii since 1959 and remains popular among locals and visitors alike. The store offers rayon, cotton, and silk aloha shirts for both men and boys, men's shorts, and some dresses for women and girls. Prices may be high, but you're buying the best.
The acclaimed boutique for women and men sells island wearables with bold colors and motifs designed by the legendary Sig Zane, known for his artwork honoring Hawaii's native flora and fauna. All apparel is handcrafted in Hawaii and is often worn by local celebrities and businesspeople.
Some shops here have closed because of the pandemic and recent nearby hotel renovation, but this pleasant complex is sure to recover as economic conditions improve. Pizza does not get better than at Knead & Bake, where you can dine in or order online for pickup. A small market lets you stock up on basics, and coffee, smoothie, and sandwich shops are still around, as well as a couple of nice surf shops, jewelry stores, and upscale clothing boutiques. Tommy Bahama Restaurant and Bar is one spot favored by locals for a pau hana (after work) cocktail and pupu (appetizer).
In a vintage home, this quaint gallery showcases finely crafted wooden bowls, koa furniture, paintings, and jewelry—all made by local artists. There's also a great little café where you can pick up a sandwich or house-made ice cream before descending into Waipio Valley.
Run by local artists Peter and Jeanette McLaren, the gallery showcases their woodwork and photography collections along with beautiful ceramics, photography, glass, and paintings from other Big Island artists. The historical building still has a working soda fountain dating from 1935.
Sign up for Travel Tips & News
Thank you for your interest!
