17 Best Shopping in Big Island, Hawaii

Housed in the 1932 Toyama Building, this landmark North Kohala shop stocks sophisticated women's resort wear made of hand-painted silk or high-quality cotton in tropical designs by local artists. There are also plentiful vintage treasures, jewelry, gifts, hats, bags, and toys, plus handmade ukuleles by local luthier David Gomes.

C. J. Kale is an accomplished, award-winning photographer famous for capturing extraordinary images of lava flowing through the curl of a wave. Not a believer in using photo manipulation or special effects, Kale produces work that is as authentic as it gets. He and gallery partners Linda and Don Hurlzeler showcase their fine images of the beauty of Hawaii and other scenic places around the world.

Kapaau-based artist Gary Ackerman features his oil paintings and multimedia art in an impressionistic and abstract style at this small gallery. 

The real draw of the Bamboo Restaurant is its attached art gallery, which tempts browsers with elegant koa-wood furniture and an array of gift items, such as hand-sewn crafts, boxes, jewelry, and even upscale aloha shirts.

The Waikoloa branch of this fashion veteran offers really sweet matching aloha outfits for the entire family in tropical batik prints. Handbags, shoes, robes, jewelry, and lotions are also sold here.

The beautiful little shop carries lots of original jewelry handmade by local artists, as well as carefully chosen gifts, including unusual ceramics, paintings, prints, glass items, baskets, fabrics, bags, and toys.

Since 1990, this gallery has been enticing visitors with a vast collection of paintings and sculptures by more than 200 Big Island artists. There are also antique maps and prints, wooden bowls, paddles, koa furniture, jewelry, and glasswork. The shop hosts two annual wood shows and actively supports the local arts community.

It may seem like an odd combination to offer, but this funky little shop knows how to do both right. Handcrafted instruments start at just $100 and are made by local master luthiers David Gomes and Mark Evans. One lesson is included with your purchase, and they also have a great selection of other stringed instruments and accessories. Cigar lovers can sit in the lounge and enjoy a custom, hand-rolled Nicaraguan cigar for just $10. Or you can partake of the CBD option if cigars aren't your thing, then browse the cool selection of Hawaiiana in the gift shop before you leave.

The Hawaiian quilt is a work of art that is prized and passed down through generations. At this store, the oldest quilt retailer in Hawaii, you'll find everything from hand-quilted purses and bags to wall hangings and blankets. More than likely, a friendly Hawaiian tutu (grandma) will be in the shop talking story. You can even get a take-home kit and sew your own Hawaiian quilt.  

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 14K 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.

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.

Stores here include Martin & MacArthur, featuring koa furniture and accessories, and Tori Richard, which offers upscale resort wear, as well as high-end retailers Tiffany & Co. and Michael Kors. Gourmet offerings include A-Bay's Island Grill, Foster's Kitchen, and Island Fish & Chips. Shuttles run from the resorts to the center daily from noon to 8.

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, and you can also book your dive tour at the counter. 

The largest shopping complex on the Kohala Coast houses fashionable clothing stores, jewelry boutiques, galleries, gift shops, and restaurants such as Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar, Kuleana Rum Shack, and Romano's Macaroni Grill. Island Gourmet Markets, Starbucks, and an affordable food court are other options. Waikoloa Luxury Cinemas offers the ultimate movie experience and includes a restaurant called Bistro at the Cinemas, which is a worth a stop even if you don't hit a show with dinner.

Watercolorist and oil painter Patrick Louis Rankin showcases his own work at his shop in a restored plantation store next to the bright-green Chinese community and social hall. The building sits right at a curve in the road on the way to Pololu Valley, at the first gulch past Kapaau.

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.

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).