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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.
The outdoor stalls at this mellow, parklike market offer tropical flowers, produce, soaps, kettle corn, coffee, coconut postcards, cookies, jewelry, koa wood, clothing, antiques and collectibles, handmade lei, silk flowers, and kitschy crafts. The made-on-site barbecue is a real hit. A food kiosk also serves shave ice, fish tacos, coconut water, fresh-fruit smoothies, and hamburgers. Free parking and Wi-Fi are available.
This gem of a supermarket carries standard groceries and a surprisingly good selection of specialty items for such a small store. They also have excellent organic and Hispanic food aisles. Fresh poke is available by the pound at the butcher counter. This is probably the best place on the island for fresh fish, as the owner once fished with all his current suppliers and still maintains those connections. Grass-fed meats are plentiful too. Prices can be on the high side at times, balanced with good prices on other items.
Woodworker Gerald Ben and his wife, Renee, own this fine gallery that specializes in contemporary and abstract pieces while supporting the Holualoa arts community. It features a variety of art, including woodworking, sculpture, ceramics, photography, and painting.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tucked away in a small downtown Kona retail center below Longs, this nifty gourmet wine and spirits shop offers restaurant-quality "wine list" wines at affordable prices. It's also the place to find large-format craft beers, Champagne from France, single-malt whiskies, organic vodka, small-batch bourbon, rye whiskey, fresh bread, and artisan cheeses from around the world. George Clooney's Casamigos tequila is the store's house tequila. A certified wine specialist, proprietor Alex Thropp was one of the state's top wholesale wine reps for decades. Wine tastings take place Friday and Saturday afternoons from 3 to 6.
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