53 Best Shopping in Oahu, Hawaii

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 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. 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 Island-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-theme jewelry.

Newt is known for high-quality, handwoven Panama hats and tropical sportswear for men and women.

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 under $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. A second Nohea Gallery location is in the Hyatt Regency Waikiki.

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. 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.

Featuring stylish, high-quality activewear especially for ocean, paddling, and beach enthusiasts, this locally owned shop was founded in 1999 in the nearby beach town of Kailua. Its original designs are created in-house and showcase the ocean, nature, and unique images of Hawaiian culture. Items, many of which contain sun protection (UPF apparel), include shirts, rash guards, board shorts, surf leggings, hats, accessories, and more. 

Along Pauahi Street, between the cross streets of Smith and Bethel, are several hip and trendy stores, coffee shops, and restaurants. Roberta Oaks sells modern aloha wear for men, women, and children. There's also a location of Fighting Eel, with its fashionable local clothing and accessories. BAS Bookshop has a well-curated selection of art and design books from around the world, along with pottery, clothes, and other small items. A branch of Morning Glass Coffee shares an open hallway with the music-centric EP Bar. Native Books at Arts & Letters, Valia Honolulu, Ginger13, and The ARTS at Marks Garage are among the other offerings in this area.

This famed jeweler creates heirloom-quality Hawaiian pieces in platinum and different shades of gold that feature traditional scrolling patterns, enameled names, and inlays. Items from the outfit's Wedding Collection are often sought by celebrities.

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.

The chain, popular throughout the Islands, sells or 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 a number of 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 you'll also find locations on other Islands.

Frequent visitors return to this store year after year for a fresh supply of unique, locally made, Hawaiian-style clothing for youngsters.

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, find unique pieces by local artists at Under the Koa Tree, 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 five distinct shopping-complex areas; there are more than 135 specialty shops and 40 eateries here. The Ward Entertainment Center features 16 movie screens, including a state-of-the-art, 3-D, 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. Over at the Ward Gateway Center, the Ohana Hale Marketplace is worth a stop to visit 140 local small businesses, including food stalls, apparel and accessories shops, and gift and craft stands. You can hop on TheBus or take a trolley from Waikiki. There's also free parking around the entire Ward Village, though sometimes you have to circle for awhile 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 other Islands.