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Eastern and Western traditions meet on Oahu, where savvy shoppers find luxury goods at high-end malls and scout tiny boutiques and galleries filled with pottery, blown glass, woodwork, and Hawaiian-print clothing by local artists. This blend of cultures is pervasive in the wide selection of spas as well. Hawaiian lomilomi and hot-stone massages are as omnipresent as the orchid and plumeria flowers decorating every treatment room.
Exploring downtown Honolulu, Kailua on the windward side, and the North Shore often yields the most original merchandise. Some of the small stores carry imported clothes and gifts from around the world—a reminder that, on this island halfway between Asia and the United States, shopping is a multicultural experience.
If you're getting a massage at a spa, there's a spiritual element to the lomilomi that calms the soul while the muscles release tension. During a hot-stone massage, smooth rocks, taken from the earth with permission from Pele, the goddess of volcanoes, are heated and placed at focal points on the body. Others are covered in oil and rubbed over tired limbs, feeling like powerful fingers. For an alternative, refresh skin with mango scrubs so fragrant they seem edible. Savor the unusual sensation of bamboo tapped against the arches of the feet. Indulge in a scalp massage that makes the entire body tingle. Day spas provide additional options to the self-indulgent services offered in almost every major hotel on the island.
For modern and authentic aloha attire made in Hawaii, Manuhealii is your place. The Kailua storefront is one of two physical locations (the other is in Honolulu). The clothes for women, men, and children aren't inexpensive, but their quality is superb.
For a look into the harvesting and design of coral and black pearl jewelry, visit this shop and take a free tour at its adjacent factory near the Ala Moana Shopping Center. Note that it's closed on weekends. Avoid the "Pick a Pearl" option at their other kiosk locations unless you're prepared to be upsold on a jewelry setting or two for the pearls "found" in your shells.
If you look at the wrists of kamaaina (local) women, you might see Hawaiian heirloom bracelets fashioned in either gold or silver and engraved in a number of Islands-inspired designs. Na Hoku sells these and other traditional Hawaiian jewelry along with an array of modern Hawaii-influenced designs that capture the heart of the Hawaiian lifestyle in all its elegant diversity. There are a number of Na Hoku locations on Oahu, as well as on the other Islands and the Mainland.
Like its larger sibling in the Ala Moana Center, this designer and island-lifestyle jewelry store sells Tahitian pearls and ocean- and marine-themed jewelry. Many beautiful Hawaii-inspired designs are featured here; the store also has branches around the Islands.
High-quality, handwoven Panama hats and tropical sportswear for men and women are the specialties here.
This gallery represents hundreds of artisans who specialize in koa furniture, bowls, and boxes, as well as art glass and ceramics. Original paintings and prints—all with an Islands theme—add to the selection. The store also carries unique handmade Hawaiian jewelry, starting around $20, with ti leaf, maile, and coconut-weave designs. Home items like locally made kitchen towels and Tutu Nene hand-sewn native Hawaiian ducks make great souvenirs.
While playing on the North Shore, check out this open-air plaza that includes a number of art galleries, as well as clothing, gelato, and jewelry stores, among its tenants. And don't miss the Silver Moon Emporium for eclectic Islands fashions. People drive out of their way for the Coffee Gallery or for happy hour at Cholo's Homestyle Mexican Restaurant or Maya's Tapas and Wine.
Housed in a converted silo in the historic Old Waialua Sugar Mill, this is a working factory where you can watch the soap as it's made. The soaps are all natural and use as many local ingredients as possible. The factory also sells lotions and essential oils, gift sets, and T-shirts.
Owner and interior designer Mary Philpotts McGrath creates a Hawaiian sense of place at this design studio/workshop known for its well-curated assemblage of sophisticated home items in all price ranges. You'll find a global collection of fine lighting, furniture, and textiles, as well as works by local artists and artisans.
This is a good place to buy the aloha-print fashions residents wear. Look for the limited-edition Christmas shirt, a collector's item manufactured each holiday season. Reyn Spooner has seven locations statewide and offers styles for men and children and, sometimes, limited-edition women's wear.
This boutique sells modern aloha wear for men, women, and children. Most of the prints and clothes are designed and made in Honolulu, and you'll also find accessories, bath and body items, and other local products.
Local, sustainably made specialty items fill the shelves of this small boutique in the Wai Kai complex, which features men’s and women’s clothing, children’s gifts, and upscale souvenirs.
The chain, popular throughout the Islands, sells and rents gear—including fins, snorkels, wet suits, and beach chairs—and schedules ocean activities with other suppliers. It's also a good place to seek advice about the best snorkeling beaches and conditions, which vary considerably with the seasons.
This water-sports store has everything you need for an active vacation under one roof. Purchase rash guards, swimwear, T-shirts, footwear, hats, and shorts. Book scuba-diving tours and lessons and rent kayaks, snorkeling or scuba gear, spears for free diving, surfboards, stand-up paddleboards, and bodyboards. Experienced surfing instructors will take beginners to the small breaks on the North Shore beaches, with their notoriously huge (winter) or flat (summer) waves. Warning to fishing enthusiasts: a fishing pole is the one ocean apparatus this shop doesn't carry.
Pieces by local and international artists are featured here, including original paintings; limited-edition prints; works in wood, metal, glass, ceramic, and acrylic; and handcrafted jewelry. There's another branch on Oahu, in the town of Haleiwa, and one in Lihue on Kauai.
Avoid the hassle of airport inspections: this company specializes in packing inspected pineapple and papaya and will deliver to your hotel and to the airport check-in counter. It also ships to elsewhere in the United States as well as to Canada. Think about ordering online.
Armani Exchange, Calvin Klein, Coach, and Saks Fifth Avenue outlets anchor this discount destination of around 50 stores.
This open-air mall at the west end of Kalakaua Avenue and next to the Royal Hawaiian Center contains 70 locally owned stores and restaurants. Get reasonably priced, fashionable resort wear at Mahina or buy local delicacies from the Poke Bar. Of course, you can pick up T-shirts, bathing suits, and casual beach attire here, too. The mall also features free local entertainment on its outdoor fountain stage at least once a week.
Tucked away in the Royal Hawaiian’s lobby, this tiny shop is a great place to pick up a memento of your surf lesson. It's filled with a variety of high-quality Waikiki Beach Services gear, including the best-selling logo rash guards and T-shirts of the type worn by their beachboys and surf instructors. There's also a selection of locally designed bathing suits from Pualani Hawaii, swimwear from the Colombian brand Maaji, accessories, sunscreen, and original artwork.
Heading west from Waikiki toward downtown Honolulu, you'll run into a section of town with distinct shopping-complex areas; there are more than 100 specialty shops and around 40 eateries here. The Ward Entertainment Center features 16 movie screens, including a state-of-the-art, 3D, big-screen auditorium, and all theaters have reclining chairs and access to an extended food menu and alcoholic beverages for those of age. The South Shore Market is a contemporary collection of local shops and restaurants, plus T. J. Maxx and Nordstrom Rack. For distinctive Hawaiian gifts, such as locally made muumuus, koa-wood products, and Niihau shell necklaces, visit Martin & MacArthur and Na Mea Hawaii. There's also free parking around the entire Ward Village, though sometimes you have to circle for a while to find a spot. Valet parking is also available.
In addition to exhibiting the beautiful and inspiring work of the world-famous marine life artist Wyland, this expansive art gallery showcases works by a number of other artists, both lesser-known and highly acclaimed. There are also locations in the Oahu town of Haleiwa and on Kauai.
