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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.
Among this shopping plaza's 40 shops are a guitar store, a pharmacy, a brewpub, a trendy boutique, and the popular Island Naturals Market & Deli. Other dining destinations include Happy Valley Seafood Restaurant, Sunlight Cafe, and Restaurant Miwa, a Japanese restaurant. There's plenty of free parking. Across the street, the Kilauea Market has a wide variety of hard-to-find Asian cooking ingredients.
Surfer chic apparel, compliments of Roxy, Billabong, Hurley, and even Honolua's private label, is for sale here for both men and women. This is a great place to shop for a bikini or board shorts, or to pick up a cool, retro-design T-shirt or Hawaii-style embroidered hoodie. There are also plenty of beach accessories, including hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen, plus a section dedicated to kids.
As the name suggests, this place is all about ukuleles—from music books to T-shirts and accessories like cases and bags. The independently owned shop carries a variety of ukuleles ranging from low-priced starter instruments to high-end models made of koa and mango.
Since 1977, this chocolate company has been satisfying sweet tooths with decadent desserts and sinful bites of chocolate heaven. Many truffles and candies incorporate local ingredients (passion-fruit truffles and chocolate-covered mango—yum). Cheesecakes and mousse cakes melt in your mouth. Of course, tasting is part of the fun.
Through a glass wall you can watch the chocolate artists at work Monday through Saturday from 9 to 5.
Located south of the airport, this large retail complex includes Costco, the best place to stock up on food if you're staying at a vacation rental. Kona Wine Market features curated wines and beers, while Mrs. Barry's Kona Cookies sells beautifully packaged, delicious "souvenirs."
From its plain name and exterior, this store doesn't look like much, but it sells the best selection of premium spirits, wines, and gourmet items on the island. Alvin, the owner, is a collector of fine wines, as evidenced by his multiple cellars. Wine tastings take place Friday afternoon from 3 to 6 and Saturday at noon.
This almost-oceanfront shopping plaza houses the exquisite Harbor Gallery, which represents many Big Island artists. Try the Big Island–made ice cream and shave ice (the best in North Hawaii) at local favorite Anuenue. Also here are Kohala Burger and Taco, Mountain Gold Jewelers, and Kohala Divers.
Held in the parking lot at Keauhou Shopping Center, this cheerful market is the place to go on Saturday morning for live music, local produce (much of it organic), goat cheese, honey, island-raised meat, flowers, macadamia nuts, fresh-baked pastries, Kona coffee, and plenty of local color.
About 5 miles south of Kailua Village, this large neighborhood shopping center includes KTA Superstore, Longs Drugs, Kona Stories bookstore, and a multiplex movie theater. Kenichi Pacific, an upscale sushi restaurant, and Peaberry & Galette, a café that serves excellent crepes, are favorite eateries, joined by Bianelli's Pizza. You can also grab a quick bite at Los Habaneros, Subway, or L&L Hawaiian Barbecue.
Lakeside restaurants and cafés, surf shops, designer boutiques, a nine-hole putting green, a farmers' market, a weekly Polynesian fire-knife show, and free morning petroglyph tours are just a few of the reasons to visit this conveniently located outdoor shopping center. Probably the best large center on the Kohala Coast, its roster of stores includes Martin & MacArthur, Tori Richard, and island jewelers Na Hoku, as well as high-end retailers Tiffany & Co. and Michael Kors. Gourmet offerings abound at A-Bay's Island Grill, Foster's Kitchen, and the more casual Island Fish & Chips. Shuttles run from the resorts to the center daily from noon to 8, although A-Bay's stays open until midnight, a rarity on the coast.
If you plan to dive or snorkel a lot, you can save by buying your own top-quality gear at this friendly shop. It also carries cute clothing, sun-protection wear for adults and kids, souvenirs, lotions, sunscreens, toys, and beach gear. Snorkel rentals (mask, snorkel, fins, and defogger) are $10 per day or $35 weekly. This is the premier dive shop in this area, where you can also book your dive tour at the counter. (If you are not certified, they do that too.)
This popular natural market carries handmade soaps and lotions, clothing, honey, organic groceries, and fresh vegetables. The deli counter offers a wide variety of smoothies and an excellent roast beef sandwich served with chips. Hot foods are available from 1 to 3 pm; eat outside on one of their small tables. There's even Ola Brew beer on tap and Big Island Booch kombuchas available. It's a great alternative if you don't want sit-down dining at the town's only restaurant.
Gary and Elizabeth Theriault showcase a variety of local art here, including Gary's Big Island life photos and Elizabeth's hand-painted drums and rattles. The gallery owners also feature other artists' work, including Hawaiian ipus (gourds used as instruments in hula), exotic wood items, paper sculptures, quilts, and jewelry, at their sweet cottage gallery.
This downtown center features a Ross Dress for Less (for suitcases, shoes, swimsuits, and aloha wear) and Hawaiian Island Creations (for a great selection of surf gear, clothing, and accessories). There's also an Old Navy, Island Naturals, Vitamin Shoppe, Office Max, and a number of other smaller clothing retailers. Food and drink options include fast-food standbys like Dairy Queen, Subway, and Panda Express, as well as Ultimate Burger, for local beef and delicious house-made fries, and Genki Sushi, where the goods are delivered via conveyor belt. Across the street, Target has fresh-flower lei for a fraction of the cost of local florists.
An awesome flower vendor creates custom arrangements while you wait at this touristy farmers' market near the ocean. There are more than 40 vendors with souvenirs and crafts for sale, as well as some of the best prices on fresh produce, lei, and orchids in Kona. The market is held in a parking lot at the corner of Hualalai Road and Alii Drive from 7 to 4.
Originally a hotel, the Kona Inn was built in 1928 to accommodate a new wave of wealthy travelers arriving by steamer and was booked months in advance. As hotels and resorts opened along the Kona and Kohala Coasts, it was transformed into a low-rise, outdoor shopping village with shops and island-style eateries. Although quite a few longtime shops did not survive the pandemic, new ones are expected to take their place. Broad lawns with coconut trees on the ocean side provide a lovely setting for an afternoon picnic. The iconic Kona Inn is best for drinks and appetizers.
On the mauka (mountain) side of Alii Drive, near Hulihee Palace, this small retail enclave in Historic Kailua Village includes galleries, T-shirt/souvenir shops, and Sam's Hideaway bar. Local favorite Hayashi's You Make the Roll offers outstanding sushi to go.
With more than 10,000 titles, this bookstore also sells Hawaiiana, children's toys, and whimsical gifts. Special events, such as readings, keiki (children's) storytime and book signings, are held weekly.
Mike Field's iconic, high-graphic artwork is on display at this small, quaint gallery. An active waterman raised in Hawaii, Mike captures the island lifestyle of canoe paddling, surfing, and sailing as well as island plants and landscapes. T-shirts and other inexpensive items are also for sale here.
Located in a large shopping center by itself, this small but upscale Macy's features name brands and island-influenced clothing for men, women and children, plus designer handbags, shoes, jewelry, and housewares, along with top-quality luggage if you find yourself needing to take more than you have room for. It's the best place in Kona to find high-quality, name-brand aloha shirts. They always have great sales and are beloved by local residents.
Small on space but huge on sustainable quality, this shop carries the owners' full line of proprietary organic skincare products created mostly of botanicals grown on their farm. The store also stocks the organic macadamia nuts and coffee grown on 60 acres the proprietors own and manage in South Kona.
Among the fine jewelry at this boutique is a wide selection of high-end pearl jewelry, including Tahitian black pearls, South Sea white and golden pearls, and chocolate Tahitian pearls. It also sells freshwater pearls in the shell, black coral (the Hawaii state gemstone), and diamonds. Creations in 14-karat gold showcasing Hawaii themes such as traditional heirloom designs and flora and fauna are also on display. Prices are high but so is the quality.
Local residents know that Mermaids is one of the best places in Kona to buy fashion-forward ladies' swimwear, cover-ups, sandals, hats, sunglasses, and other stylish beach accessories. Although on the pricey side, the swimwear is mostly name brand and high quality. There's a beautiful selection of pareau (sarongs), which are island-style wraps in tropical prints and colors. The owner's husband, Tony, is a famous surfboard maker whose World Core surf shop is just around the corner.
Living up to its name, this store stocks unique gifts from around the Pacific, like pure Hawaiian ohia lehua honey, Kau coffee, aloha wear, and tinkling wind chimes.
From tropical dresses to jumpers to swimsuits, this stylish boutique—a favorite of residents—carries a wide variety of Hawaiian-themed accessories and jewelry as well. Their selection of high-quality men's aloha shirts might be some of the best offered on the island. You can also find hats, purses, sunglasses, and a complete line of body and bath items.
Carrying contemporary silk and rayon clothing for women, and aloha shirts for men, this venerable shop is in Kainaliu, near the Aloha Theatre, but there's also a branch at Keauhou Shopping Center. You can even buy 100% Kona coffee at the stores, which is grown on their family farm.
With a welcoming, ranch-style motif, this shopping hub includes a large supermarket, some fun food court eateries, gift shops, and clothing boutiques. During the holidays, they install a very large Christmas tree and garlands by their classic stone fireplace, great for photos.
Although the Gallery of Great Things, known for art and collectibles, is this shopping center's star attraction, it's also worth looking into the Waimea General Store; Sweet Wind, for books, chimes, and beads; Bentley's, which sells locally crafted and imported home decor and gifts; and Hula Moon, for upscale women's fashions. Waimea Coffee Company satisfies with salads, sandwiches, and Kona coffee.
The Big Island's most comprehensive mall has indoor shopping, entertainment (a multiplex), and dining, including KFC, Hot Dog on a Stick, Cinnabon, Genki Sushi, IHOP, and Maui Tacos. The kids might like the arcade (near the food court), while you enjoy the stores, anchored by Macy's and Old Navy.
A favorite in Captain Cook, this Sunday farmers' market runs from 9 to 2 and offers great hot breakfast and lunch items, live music, produce from local farms, and artists selling their work. A limited version is open on Fridays.
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