web analytics

Shopping in Hawaii

Hawaii Akatsuka Orchid Gardens Hawaii (The Big Island) Akatsuka Orchid Gardens is really a warehouse stuffed with perennially blooming orchids and contains a sizable collection - ready for shipping. Seeds and starters for Kona coffee plants, papaya, guava, hibiscus and bamboo orchids are also available for sale. Ala Moana Center Honolulu & Waikiki, USA Holy fashion, this attractive open-air shopping mall could compete on an international runway with some of Asia's most famous malls. And the shoppers are top-shelf fashionistas, stocking up on couture. It is a lot of higher end stores but they can work as inspiration for those on a budget, who could then go and find the Gucci Belt Replica for example. The usual mall anchors are here, (Sears and Macy's) as are the designer name brands (you name it) and the trendy teen brands (Abercrombie & Fitch). A favorite for local color is the Crack Seed Center, where you can just scoop from jars full of pickled mangoes, candied ginger, dried cuttlefish and banzai (rice crackers, nuts and dried fish) mix. The ground floor or the shopping center is also the hub for TheBus service. Alan's Art & Collectibles Hawai'i (The Big Island), USA Time travel through Hawai'i's past in Alan's Art & Collectibles, a secondhand shop full of coconut ashtrays, bowling trophies, Elvis posters, record albums, aloha shirts and occasional treasures. Aloha Island Art O'ahu, USA In front of Jungle Gems, this outdoor stand sells unique gyotaku prints, based on a Japanese art form of handpainted fish prints. Artist Michael Hemperly uses handmade papers and sells his original works when the winds are too calm to go windsurfing. Aloha Stadium Swap Meet Honolulu & Waikiki, USA The Aloha Stadium, best known as the host to nationally televised football games and music concerts, transforms itself three days a week into Hawaii's biggest and best swap meet. For local flavour, it's hard to beat, with some 1500 vendors selling an amazing variety of items, from beach gear and bananas to T-shirts and old Hawaii license plates. Aloha Tower Marketplace Honolulu & Waikiki, USA This handsome harbourfront shopping centre is anchored by the 56m (184ft) Aloha Tower, built in 1926 to greet arriving cruise ships. Today the two-storey marketplace, with over 75 open-air shops and kiosks, is a theme mall with many Hawaiiana or only-in Hawaii shops. Some of Hawaii's best musicians perform at several of the waterfront restaurants and lounges. Antique Alley Honolulu & Waikiki, USA This cooperative shop is delightfully crammed full of rare collectibles and other cast-off memorabilia from Hawaii through the decades. Vendors sell everything from poi pounders and carved wooden bowls to vintage hula dolls, Matson cruise-liner artifacts and estate jewelry. Arius Hopman Gallery Kaua'i, USA A Kaua'i resident since the early 1990s, the well-traveled Hopman is an engineer-turned- watercolorist; his representational renderings of Kaua'i are easy on the eye. Art of Marbling Kaua'i, USA Becky J Wold creates exquisite marbled silks, which make unique scarves, sarongs, wraps or wall art. Also on display are Robert Bader's gorgeous wood sculpture, including translucent Norfolk pine bowls. Aunty Lilikoi Passion Fruit Products Kaua'i, USA This mom-and-pop shop run by Tony and Lori Cardenas concocts the gamut of delectable passion-fruit jellies and other condiments. The liliko'i-wasabi mustard beat over 300 rivals to win the 2005 Grand Champion Medal in the Napa Valley Mustard Competition. The liliko'i is the same variety you see growing wild on Kaua'i (with yellow skin and seedy orange pulp), but a pure fruit puree imported from Ecuador is used because locally grown fruit isn't available in such quantity or quality yet. Backdoor Kaua'i, USA The Hanalei Surf Company's sister is similar in youthful vibe, but carries skateboards and a wider selection of alternative street clothes by brands including Luci Love, Volcom, Paul Frank and Billabong. Bailey's Antique Shop Honolulu & Waikiki, USA This famous mecca for vintage and used aloha shirts promises over 15,000 choices. You're guaranteed to find something memorable. Bakery Maui, USA Lahaina's finest bakery, in a nondescript industrial park, offers sinfully sweet pastries, crispy croissants and generously heaped sandwiches. Banana Patch Kaua'i, USA Home of the colorfully painted 'Mahalo for removing your shoes' hanging tiles, originated by Joanna Carolan. Also find handpainted platters and bowls, fine jewelry and other gifts similar to those you would find at somewhere like Jacobs The Jeweller or others jewelry stores. Banyan Tree Gallery Maui, USA The nonprofit collective Lahaina Arts Society represents more than 100 island artists at this extensive gallery. The works run the gamut from avant-garde paintings to traditional weavings. Many of Maui's best-known artists got their start here, and there are some gems among the collection, so it's a good place to start your browsing. Big Island Candies Hawai'i (The Big Island), USA Big Island Candies makes stylishly packaged confections and shortbread - watch them hand-dip chocolate from behind picture windows. One visit makes short work of your gift list. Ching's Punalu'u Store O'ahu, USA This market and deli dates back to 1935 when it was founded by a local jack-of-all trades. A small shrine to the original owner resides beside the deli counter. In addition to the normal corner-store goods, you can pick up pre-made poi butter, mochi (Japanese sticky rice cake) and plantation iced tea (pineapple and mint) as well as bait (but not sushi). Cindy's Lei Shop Honolulu & Waikiki, USA A friendly and inviting place with lei made of maile (a native twining plant), lantern ilima (a native ground cover) and Micronesian ginger, in addition to more common orchids and plumeria. Cinnamon Girl Honolulu & Waikiki, USA Flirty rayon dresses that are cool, contemporary and island-made hang on the racks of this trendy shop designed by O'ahu resident Jonelle Fujita. Sandals, bejeweled necklaces and sweet, old-fashioned accessories like floppy hats line the shelves. Crazy Shirts Hawai'i (The Big Island), USA This iconic T-shirt company, founded in 1964, offers unique island designs on heavyweight cotton. A Kilauea motif is dyed using volcanic ash, and the Kona Brewing Company line is dyed using...beer! Dan De Luz's Woods Hawai'i (The Big Island), USA Dan is a master woodworker who takes native hardwoods such as koa, sandalwood, mango and banyan and crafts gorgeous bowls, platters and furniture. His store is an education, and his workshop is next door. Dan's Green House Maui, USA Looking for an unusual souvenir? Dan's specializes in 'fuku-bonsai' - a mini-tree only a few inches high with its roots grown around a Hawaiian lava rock. Davison Arts Kaua'i, USA View Hayley Davison's exquisite wood furniture and John Davison's striking paintings inspired by Kaua'i's landscapes. Ready to shell out around US$2400 for a lustrous koa rocker? Diamond Head Farmers Market Honolulu & Waikiki, USA Diamond Head Farmers Market is O'ahu's premier gathering of farmers and their fans. Everything sold at the market is local and has a loyal following, such as Don Akiyama's jams that are made with berries from the Big Island, and North Shore's Big Wave Tomatoes. Different restaurants are invited each week to prepare meals should you come only to'window' shop. Discovery Antiques Hawai'i (The Big Island), USA Packed with cases of Hawaiian antiques and curiosities, Discovery Antiques is great for a unique find. Keep the kids distracted with locally made ice cream sold right in the store. Stores like these need to use devices such as centrifugal chillers in order to keep their ice creams from melting, which is very common with the Hawaiian heat! Earth & Sea Gallery Kaua'i, USA All pocketbooks can find a gift here, from 'beanbag' geckos (filled with Kaua'i sand) to intricately carved wooden frames (around US$75 to around US$130) and coconut-shell lamps ($85). Edith King Wilcox Gift Shop Kaua'i, USA Located at Kaua'i Museum, this shopping delight features a broad selection of Hawaiiana books, plus koa bowls and other handicrafts. Enter the shop, free of charge, through the museum lobby. End of the Rainbow Kaua'i, USA Handmade jewelry, island-style clothing and sarongs, art prints and photography featuring mainly Kaua'i artists. The collection of genuine puka-shell necklaces (around US$75 to around US$200) is a far cry from cheapo fakes. The friendly proprietor makes browsers feel welcome. Foodland Honolulu & Waikiki, USA Full-service supermarket at Hawaii's biggest mall, with free parking. Foodland supermarket O'ahu, USA If you're looking to eavesdrop on community gossip, then hit this grocery store during prime time: right after school. It does not sell alcohol (thanks to the Mormons), but all the other staples are here. But becareful in supermarkets, sometimes slip signs aren't displayed. My friend was seriously hurt because of it. She decided to talk to someone similar to Florida slip and fall accident lawyers to get some legal insight. Hale'iwa Art Gallery O'ahu, USA This modern art space carries North Shore and Polynesian artists including Alfred Furtado, who is known for painting vivid pictures of hula dancers, many of whom are relatives by marriage. Hana Coast Gallery Maui, USA Stop by this gallery at the north side of Hotel Hana-Maui even if you're not shopping, just to see the museum-quality wooden bowls, paintings and Hawaiian featherwork. Hilo Hattie Honolulu & Waikiki, USA You can't escape ads for this warehouse of kitschy Hawaiiana, built to process gigantic busloads of tourists. If you need a cheap aloha shirt, matching muumuu or plastic puka shell necklace, Waikiki's ubiquitous ABC Stores are probably cheaper, however. Hilo Hattie Kaua'i, USA Ubiquitous statewide, this tourist chain sure draws in the tour-bus crowd. While it's a convenient one-stop shop for generic souvenirs (eg macadamias), beware of overpriced edibles or mediocre knickknacks made in China or the Philippines. Hilo Seeds & Snacks Hawai'i (The Big Island), USA A closet-sized shopfront, Hilo Seeds & Snacks contains an overwhelming variety of 'crack seed', that bizarre Chinese dried-fruit snack that some find addictive and others find - well, try some yourself. The friendly owner will explain the types: plums dried with salt, vinegar, sugar and more, some medicinal and others mild. Mango with li hing powder is a sweet choice. Hilo Surplus Store Hawai'i (The Big Island), USA This vintage army surplus store is the place for jungle-grade machetes or a bolt of camouflage Gore-tex. Campers will find rain gear, tents and authentic mess kits. Holualoa Ukulele Gallery Hawai'i (The Big Island), USA In the historic Holualoa post-office building, Sam Rosen sells ukulele handcrafted by himself as well as other craftsmen at prices only serious buyers would consider. Signed portraits of local ukulele legends Jake Shimabukuro and 'Ohta-san' give the gallery a professional seal of approval. Honokaa Trading Company Hawai'i (The Big Island), USA Afternoons are lost rummaging through the dusty treasures in this secondhand store. Highlights are used books on Hawaii, vintage business signs, a few true antiques and aloha shirts. Opening hours are subject to the owner's hula schedule. Hula Girl Kaua'i, USA Aloha-shirt aficionados will find a wide selection of quality, name-brand shirts (around US$40 to around US$130). Feel the silky soft Tori Richard line in cotton lawn (around US$70 to around US$75). Also sells women's dresses, jewelry, island-made ceramics, art prints and other souvenirs. Hula Supply Center Honolulu & Waikiki, USA For 60 years, Hawaiian musicians and dancers have come here to get their kukui-nut lei, calabash drum gourds, Tahitian-style hula skirts, nose flutes and more. Kapa-print aloha shirts and Hawaiiana CDs, DVDs and books are nifty souvenirs for nondancers. International Market Place Honolulu & Waikiki, USA The International Market Place has all the kitschy, tacky souvenirs you ever wanted, spread among a hundred stalls under a sprawling banyan tree in central Waikiki. Ipu Hale Gallery Hawai'i (The Big Island), USA Next to the café, this gallery sells ipu(gourds) decoratively carved with gorgeous Hawaiian imagery in an ancient method unique to the Hawaiian island of Ni'ihau. Lost after the introduction of Western crockery, the art form was revived by a Big Island scholar just 15 years ago. Island Books Hawai'i (The Big Island), USA Island Books is the best used bookstore for miles, with a good Hawaiiana section and an extremely knowledgeable owner. Move fast or get caught in his enjoyable chatter. Island Soap & Candle Works Kaua'i, USA Follow your nose toward the soothing fragrances of plumeria, pineapple and dozens more. Established in 1984 to recreate the art of soap- and candle-making, the company is now a mini-chain. Itsu's Fishing Supplies Hawai'i (The Big Island), USA No visit to Hilo is complete without a stop at Itsu's Fishing Supplies - yes, a fishing-supply store! - which sells Hilo's best ice shave (note: Hilo folks call it 'ice shave', not 'shave ice'). The ice shave is hand-cranked off an ice block, scooped into a cone and topped with your choice of sweet syrups - double your pleasure and add ice cream in the middle. The hardworking owners offer a popular, fresh lunch buffet as well. Iwa Gallery O'ahu, USA This smaller gallery carries primarily the wax candle works of owner Scott Bechtol; his most popular pieces are the crying Tiki candles, designed so that the wax drips out of the candle like tears. Jeff Chang Pottery & Fine Crafts Honolulu & Waikiki, USA Not everything at this beautiful downtown gallery is island-made, but it is all handcrafted. The striking raku pottery is made by Chang himself. You'll also find exquisite hand-turned bowls of Hawaiian hardwoods, art jewelry and blown glass by some of Hawaii's finest artisans. There's another branch at Ward Warehouse. Kamaka Hawaii Honolulu & Waikiki, USA Dozens of shops sell cheap plastic and wood ukuleles around Waikiki and Chinatown. But this legendary instrument maker near Restaurant Row specializes in the real thing: handcrafted ukuleles made on O?ahu, with prices starting around $500. In business since 1916, its signature instrument is a 'pineapple' ukulele with an oval-shaped body that produces a less twangy sound. Kapaia Stitchery Kaua'i, USA Nirvana for folks who sew, with a wide selection of tropical fabrics, Hawaiian quilt and pillow kits and needlepoint designs. Custom-made aloha shirts and other handmade items on sale for those who can't thread a needle. Kauai Chocolate Company Kaua'i, USA Chocoholics, get your fix here. Signature treats include the Krabs (with caramel, pretzels and macs), luscious fudge, Piko Paint (edible body goo) and lots of sugar-free options. For massive decadence, buy Da Brick, a 16oz hunk of macadamia toffee, caramel, chocolate and more. Kaua'i Products Fair Kaua'i, USA Worth a browse, this outdoor fair on the north side of town sells handmade souvenirs, photography, aloha wear, produce, herbal remedies and much, much more. Kaua'i's Hindu Monastery Gift Shop Kaua'i, USA While not Hawaiian or local, the souvenirs here are unusual - chanting CDs, alarm clocks with the Great Crystal on the face, granite lingams and tiger-eye Ganesha figurines. Kaukini Gallery & Gift Shop Maui, USA Just before the 14-mile marker, the hilltop Kaukini Gallery & Gift Shop has works by island artists, with watercolors, native-fiber baskets, pottery and much more. There's a soda machine here, too, and a good bird's-eye view of Kahakuloa village from the grounds. Kihei Kalama Village Maui, USA Kihei overflows with souvenir shops of all sorts, the most interesting being Kihei Kalama Village, opposite Kalama Park, which has a collection of stalls selling cheapo T-shirts, sarongs and jewelry. Kilohana Plantation Kaua'i, USA While touristy, this classy collection of shops boasts a scenic historic-manor setting and quality goods. Find intricate Ni'ihau shell lei, scrimshaw, dolls, woodcarvings and contemporary paintings by local artists. The aloha shirts at Kilohana Clothing Company are top-notch. Kimura Lauhala Shop Hawai'i (The Big Island), USA Three generations of Kimuras weave quality lauhala (pandana plant) products here, as they have since the 1930s. Originally, they purchased lauhala products from Hawaiian weavers and sold them at the family's general store. When demand increased they took on the production themselves. Don't fall prey to cheap imports - the lauhala hats, placemats, baskets, bags and floor mats sold here are the real deal. Kokonut Kids Kaua'i, USA A smorgasbord of unique, top-quality, locally made children's clothing and toys. The colorful screen-printed tees and handmade sun hats are irresistible. And where else can you find a tropical-print Barbie camping tent and sleeping bag? Kona International Market Hawai'i (The Big Island), USA This awesome new complex is made up of five large warehouse buildings filled with individual stalls selling everything imaginable, including gifts, beach gear, boutique-quality clothing, produce and flowers. There's a food court and ample parking. Kong Lung Co Kaua'i, USA If you appreciate fine furnishings and Asian design, Kong Lung is a must. Browse the high-quality lifestyle wares, including classic Japanese pottery, imaginative chopsticks, designer aloha shirts, glossy collector books and unique children's toys. Kukui Grove Shopping Center Kaua'i, USA Kaua'i's only true 'mall' includes major department and big-box chains including Macy's, Sears, Longs Drugs, Borders, Kmart, Star Market, Radio Shack and banks. It resembles any suburban mall; don't expect designer boutiques or fancy restaurants. Zeidman Gallery Hawai'i (The Big Island), USA Bowls and sculpture made from over 50 types of Hawaiian wood - most of them grown on the Big Island - are on display at L Zeidman Gallery. The craftsmanship standard is high, with prices to match. Lahaina Printsellers Maui, USA Hawaii's largest purveyor of antique maps, including fascinating originals dating back to the days of Captain Cook; also sells affordable reproductions. Lai Fong Department Store Honolulu & Waikiki, USA For antiques, junk and kitsch, a great place to browse is Lai Fong Department Store, which sells a variety of antiques and knick-knacks, including Chinese silk clothing, Oriental porcelain and old postcards of Hawaii dating back to the first half of the 20th century. Leonard's Honolulu & Waikiki, USA This classic Portuguese bakery is famous for malasadas, an addictive, spongy, often-cream-filled donut. Try coconut cream; you'll be hooked. Locals Only Honolulu & Waikiki, USA The brand name, which has been around since 1981, says it all. It's a casual place to pick up rayon reproductions of vintage aloha shirts and T-shirts that represent island lifestyles, such as a Rastafarian-colored shaka sign with the logo 'Keep Hawaii Green.' Longs Drugs Kaua'i, USA Longs is the local favorite catchall store. Find a wide range of gifts - from classic macadamia treats to locally published children's books - plus snorkeling gear, bodyboards and cheap rubbah slippah (rubber flip-flops). Made on the Big Island Outlet Hawai'i (The Big Island), USA Made on the Big Island Outlet store stocks a wide selection of top-notch souvenirs, island crafts, edibles, clothing and oddities, including take-home potted bonsai. Mana Hawai?i Honolulu & Waikiki, USA This airy space offers authentic Hawaii-made products (eg woodcarving and bowls) as well as photos and books on Hawaii, and hosts classes in Hawaiian language, hula, lauhala weaving etc. ManuheAli'i Honolulu & Waikiki, USA When Hawaii gals need a party dress, many look to this homegrown shop for original and modern designs. The flowing rayon dresses take inspiration from the traditional muumuu, but are transformed into contemporary looks that range from daring to sassy. Marta's Boat Kaua'i, USA The whimsical Marta's Boat will delight 'princesses of all ages' with feminine and sexy threads from Paris, LA and New York. Distinctive lingerie and frocks shine, but jewelry and excruciatingly cute little-girl clothes also enchant. Be prepared for big-city price tags. Maui Crafts Guild Maui, USA One of the island's best galleries, this collective of Maui artists and craftspeople sells everything from pottery and jewelry to handpainted silks and natural-fiber baskets. It's on the makai side of the road as you come into town from Kahului. Maui Swap Meet Maui, USA Skip the mall and head to this quintessential island scene where you buy direct from craftspeople and local farmers (admission 50¢). You'll not only find fresh organic Hana fruits, Kula veggies and homemade banana bread, but it's a fun place to souvenir shop for everything from Hawaiian quilts to Maui designed T's. This place glows with aloha and the prices are unbeatable. MauiGrown Coffee Maui, USA On the mountain side of the highway, next to the former sugar mill's smokestack, this shop sells west Maui's newest homegrown crop, Ka'anapali Estate coffee. Buy it by the pound, or test it by the cup. Mauna Kea Galleries Hawai'i (The Big Island), USA Mauna Kea Galleries has authentic, one-of-a-kind items and artifacts, and prices to match. But browsing is free: check out Duke Kahanamoku's surfboard, original Webber engravings (from Cook's voyage), poi pounders, movie posters, vintage aloha shirts and classic kitsch. Montsuki Honolulu & Waikiki, USA Designers Janet and Patty Yamasaki refashion classic kimono and obi designs into modern dresses. Hybrid wedding dresses, formal attire or sleek day wear can all be custom-crafted even for short-term visitors. Na Kani O Hula Maui, USA Producing instruments for hula halau (troupes), the shop sells 'uli'uli (feather-decorated gourd rattles), bamboo nose flutes and more - any of which would make a fascinating souvenir. Native Books/N? Mea Hawai?i Honolulu & Waikiki, USA Specializes in Hawaiiana books and hosts cultural performances and classes. Neptune's Garden Gallery at Last Chance Store Hawai'i (The Big Island), USA New owners have turned the Last Chance Store into a gallery for their stained glass - much of it whimsical, some of it stunning. They also still carry water, soda, snacks and ice cream. Nite Owl T-Shirts Kaua'i, USA A T-shirt is a T-shirt is a T-shirt? Minds might differ, but on Kaua'i it's caveat emptor regarding the iconic Kimo's Hawaiian Rules T-shirts and paraphernalia. The authentic producer of those words is Nite Owl T-Shirts, a screenprinting company established in 1985. Don't be fooled by copycats who have swiped their famous words. You can find femme tanks and extra-extra-extra-large sizes, at the Port Allen headquarters. Nohea Gallery Honolulu & Waikiki, USA A soothing space amid the shopping-mall madness, this high-end gallery sells handcrafted jewelry, glassware, pottery and woodwork, the vast majority of it made in Hawaii. Island artisans occasionally give demonstrations of their craft on the sidewalk outside. O'ahu Market Honolulu & Waikiki, USA The commercial heart of Chinatown revolves around the markets and food shops on Kekaulike St. Noodle factories, pastry shops and produce stalls line the street, which is crowded with hobbling grandmothers and errand-running families. An institution since 1904, the O?ahu Market sells everything a Chinese cook needs: ginger root, fresh octopus, quail eggs, slabs of tuna, jasmine rice, long beans and salted jellyfish. You owe yourself a bubble tea if you spot a pig's head in the market. O?ahu Market Honolulu & Waikiki, USA The colorful O?ahu Market is the bustling heart of Chinatown for more than a century. Oshima Hawai'i (The Big Island), USA Locals joke that there is nothing you can't find at Oshima, making it a good family-run alternative to the big box stores in Kailua-Kona. It stocks everything from groceries and pharmaceuticals to snorkel gear and surf wear. Pahala Plantation Store Hawai'i (The Big Island), USA Housed in a historic bank building, this little shop sells local products, books and interesting gifts. Inquire here about renting restored plantation cottages. Pegge Hopper Gallery Honolulu & Waikiki, USA The Pegge Hopper Gallery is one of several good art galleries and antique shops in Chinatown. As its name suggests, the gallery showcases the works of Pegge Hopper, whose prints of voluptuous Hawaiian women adorn many a wall across the islands. Pohaku T's Kaua'i, USA Plenty of quality tees and tanks showcase original Kaua'i-theme designs. Also available are handmade aloha shirts, kids' clothing and other Kaua'i-made items. Progressive Expressions Kaua'i, USA Established in 1972, this was the South Shore's first surf shop. Original owners Marty and Joe Kuala sold the shop to the Hanalei Surf Company in 2005 but Joe still designs and crafts boards sold here. Rainbow Books & Records Honolulu & Waikiki, USA Carries new and used books, CDs and records. Shung Chong Yuein Honolulu & Waikiki, USA Shung Chong Yuein sells delicious moon cakes, almond cookies and other tasty pastries at bargain prices. This is also the place to buy dried and sugared foods - everything from candied ginger and pineapple to candied squash and lotus root. Come early before the counters are emptied by loyal customers. Sig Zane Designs Hawai'i (The Big Island), USA Famous state wide, Sig Zane custom designs his own fabrics and styles, lifting the humble aloha shirt and tropical-flower dress into the realm of fashion. Sudha's Art Gallery Hawai'i (The Big Island), USA Run by the longtime chairman of the East Hawai'i Cultural Center, Sudha's Art Gallery sells high-quality paintings, sculpture and woodworking. Upstairs, find secondhand books. T&L Muumuu Factory Honolulu & Waikiki, USA So much flammable aloha wear in one space - it is worth a visit just for the oddity factor. This is an auntie's shop, where polyester still represents progress. Bold-print muumuus run in sizes from skeletal to queen, and pu'u skirts are just funky enough to wedge into an urban outfit. Talk Story: The Bookstore Kaua'i, USA A used bookstore that's also the town's gathering place where there's live music on Friday nights, cribbage on Tuesday and chess on Thursday. You'll also find wi-fi and book signings. Owners Ed and Cynthia exude aloha spirit. Tin Can Mailman Kaua'i, USA Bibliophiles and collectors, enter your heaven. This jam-packed shop lives up to its description, 'Fine Books and Curiosities'. Amid shelves of new, used and rare books, find delightful Hawaiiana collectibles: vintage LPs, aloha shirts, maps, photos, postcards and more. Two Ladies Kitchen Hawai'i (The Big Island), USA For a delicious island take on traditional Japanese mochi (sweet rice dessert) and manju (baked adzuki bean-filled cake), stop at Two Ladies Kitchen. Tempting, beautifully packaged mixed boxes allow for sampling (with flavors like peach and passion fruit), but whatever you do don't pass on the specialty, strawberry mochi. This handmade delight is a prize possession. Village Gifts & Fine Arts Maui, USA This little shop in the Masters' Reading Room sells prints, wooden bowls and silkscreened fabrics, with a portion of the proceeds supporting the Lahaina Restoration Foundation. Vintage Aloha Kaua'i, USA Gallery owner Melinda Morey has created an attractive space to showcase fine vintage Hawaiiana, jewelry, artsy books, home furnishings and her own vivid paintings. Waikiki Beach Walk Honolulu & Waikiki, USA Part of the Outrigger Enterprises' much-anticipated makeover of Waikiki, this new shopping center includes a Trump Tower hotel, Hawaii-based shops and restaurants. Waikiki Shopping Plaza Honolulu & Waikiki, USA Just opposite the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center, this three-story plaza features close to 75 shops and eateries, most with an Asian theme, along with drop-in weekend classes in the art of making lei and shell necklaces. Waipio Valley Artworks Hawai'i (The Big Island), USA One of the better gift shop/galleries you'll find, with lots of koa and ceramic art, plus an excellent selection of books and prints. Several Waipi'o tours leave from here, and the shop sells cheap sandwiches, muffins, coffee, water and trail snacks. Ward Farmers Market Honolulu & Waikiki, USA Ward Farmers Market, across the street from Ward Center, is this almost daily fresh market and grocery. For the average tourist, a visit here is more like sightseeing for food and is a good introduction to Hawaiian and Asian dishes and ingredients, from local produce to prepared meals. The market covers the budget range from blue collar to gourmet imports. Ward Warehouse Honolulu & Waikiki, USA This is the original Victoria Ward complex that today takes in the adjacent and more upscale Ward Centre, the rambling Wards Farmers Market and Ward Entertainment Center, a movie and restaurant complex. Ward Warehouse is an accessible two-storey complex with specialty clothing shops, music and bookstores, several courtyard eateries and free parking. Westside Sporting Goods Kaua'i, USA Head here for outdoor gear, including camping and hiking supplies such as fleece sleeping bags, camp-stove fuel, tabi (reef-walking sandals) and first-aid kits. Yat Tung Chow Noodle Factory Honolulu & Waikiki, USA If you look inside one of the half-dozen noodle factories in Chinatown, you'll see clouds of white flour hanging in the air and thin sheets of dough running around rollers and coming out as noodles. One easy-to-find shop, Yat Tung Chow Noodle Factory, makes nine sizes of noodles, from skinny golden threads to fat udon. Yellowfish Trading Company Kaua'i, USA At this notable Hawaii memorabilia shop, find an irresistible selection of collectibles, eg vintage aloha shirts, handmade jewelry, glossy photo books and antique ceramic

You might also like: