When you plan your next trip to Hawaii, be sure to save some room in your suitcase because you’re going to need it after all of the amazing shopping you’ll be doing. Whether you’re looking for designer goods like Chanel and Gucci or quaint island-inspired souvenirs to bring home to the family, Hawaii has it all. From world-class shopping malls to smaller markets, these are the best places to shop on all of the islands.
Don't Miss The Best Places to Shop In Hawaii!
1. Ala Moana Shopping Center, Honolulu
The largest shopping mall in Hawaii (and the largest outdoor shopping center in the world), Ala Moana Center is the perfect place to shop until you drop with 290 stores and 70 dining options to choose from. Their wide variety of boutiques and shops includes high-end designers like Chanel, Burberry, and Bloomingdale’s, as well as ABC Stores, Sephora, Longs Drugs, and local favorites like Honolulu Cookie Company and Freaky Tiki Tropical Optical. In addition to their massive food court, there are many well-known restaurants like The Pineapple Room and Vintage Cave.
2. Chinatown, Honolulu
Chinatown is home to a bunch of trendy restaurants, art galleries, boutiques and shops, making it the perfect place to spend an afternoon or even a whole day. Cindy’s Lei and Flower Shoppe is a great place to get fresh leis, while Maunakea Marketplace and Chinatown Cultural Plaza have lots of Asian shops, local businesses, and dim sum restaurants. Head to Barrio Vintage to check out old school clothing and accessories from previous decades, then shop for more up-to-date and stylish beach-themed merchandise at trendy stores like Tin Can Mailman or Hound and Quail.
3. Haleiwa
The North Shore is known for its huge waves, laid back island scene, and of course, the shopping. There are many vintage surf shops (North Shore Surf Shop, Tropical Rush) and Hawaiian art galleries (Aloha Island Art, Tabora Gallery) in plantation-era buildings that contribute to the unique culture of Haleiwa, as well as many cute beach stores like Guava Shop and Pakaloha Bikinis that sell the latest clothing and women’s accessories. Treat yourself to a sweet treat at the world-famous Matsumoto’s Shave Ice after a long afternoon of shopping.
4. The Shops at Wailea, Wailea-Makena
Home to more than 70 shops, boutiques, restaurants and galleries, The Shops at Wailea are located in the heart of Wailea Resort and open daily from 9:30am to 9pm. Retailers include high-end boutiques like Tiffany & Co, Louis Vuitton and Prada; local specialty stores like Mele Ukulele and Maui Dive Shop; and several great dining options that include Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar.
5. Maui Swap Meet, Kahului
This Saturday-morning market has been going on since 1981 and features more than 200 vendors selling food, clothing, artwork, and other souvenirs. It’s similar to a large flea market and is a great place to find the best bargains on Maui. The market takes place every Saturday from 7am to 1pm in the parking lot of University of Hawaii Maui College in Kahului. Admission is fifty cents per person.
6. Lahaina
One of the most visited spots in Maui, Front Street in Lahaina Town is known for its eclectic shopping scene that includes a variety of fine art galleries, souvenir shops, and restaurants. Some cool spots to check out include Maui Tees Outlet, The Pearl Factory, Hard Rock Café Maui, and Lahaina Center.
7. Poipu Shopping Village, Poipu
There is much to offer at this quaint mall that has 22 shops, among them jewelry, surf and clothing stores, as well as several local restaurants such as Puka Dog, which serves Hawaiian-style hot dogs. To add to the fun, they offer free Tahitian dance shows, fire knife dancing, and live drumming in the central courtyard area.
8. Coconut Marketplace, Kapa'a
Just as adorable as it sounds, Coconut Marketplace is an open-air shopping village that contains a unique mix of stores, galleries, boutiques, cafes and casual restaurants. They also have a Farmers Market and offer free Hawaiian hula entertainment for visitors to enjoy. The authentic hula show takes place Wednesdays at 5pm and Saturdays at 1pm.
9. Kukui’ula Village Shopping Center, Poipu
This shopping mall hosts a weekly farmers market every Wednesday from 3:30pm to 6pm and is home to dozens of award-winning restaurants, shops and boutiques including Tommy Bahama, Quiksilver, Malie Organics and Palm Palm. They also have a monthly Art Walk sponsored by the village’s multiple art galleries.
10. Prince Kuhio Plaza, Hilo
The largest indoor mall on the island of Hawaii, Prince Kuhio Plaza has a movie theatre, full service restaurants as well as quick snack stops, and a wide variety of retailers that include Macy’s, Pier 1 Imports, Pacsun, and more. The plaza also has featured events that include the Asian Cultural Festival and Craft Fair, Hui Okinawa’s Haari Boat Exhibit, and others. More information can be found on the official website at www.princekuhioplaza.com.
11. Kona Farmers Market, Kailua-Kona
This popular outdoor market is located on Ali'i Drive in the center of Kailua-Kona and has over 40 different vendors offering a huge selection of fresh local produce, Kona coffee, arts and crafts, flowers, souvenirs and more. Some of the more unique items available for purchase include wooden bowls and carvings, Hawaiian shirts, sarongs, scented Hawaiian salt crystals, and dream catchers. The market is open Wednesday through Sunday from 7am to 4pm.
This article was written by Kamala Kirk.