95 Best Shopping in Hawaii, USA

This vibrant shop on the Ala Malama strip sells quirky souvenirs like funny T-shirts, jewelry, and local products. They have a café counter offering sandwiches, smoothies, and salads. The owners act as informal area guides, helping visitors find their way around and arrange services that they may need.

Housed in the 1932 Toyama Building, this landmark North Kohala shop stocks sophisticated women's resort wear made of hand-painted silk or high-quality cotton in tropical designs by local artists. There are also plentiful vintage treasures, jewelry, gifts, hats, bags, and toys, plus handmade ukuleles by local luthier David Gomes.

The legendary shop stocks one of Hawaii's largest selections of maps, including topographical and relief maps, and Hilo's largest selection of Hawaiian music (feel free to ask for advice about your selection). It also has a wealth of books about Hawaii, with great choices for children. If you need an umbrella on a rainy Hilo day, this bookstore has plenty of them.

A local legend in the cookie- and chocolate-making business, Big Island Candies is a must-see for connoisseurs of fine chocolates. The packaging is first-rate, which makes these world-class confections the ideal gift or souvenir. Enjoy a free cookie sample and a cup of Kona coffee as you watch through a window as sweets are being made. The store has many interesting products, but it is best known for its chocolate-dipped shortbread cookies. 

The factory has custom-made kites you can fly or display. Designs range from Hawaiian flags to Hawaiian animals like pueo (owls) with a little bit of mermaid fun in between. Also in stock are paper kites, mini kites, and wind socks. The adjacent gallery carries an eclectic collection of merchandise, including locally made crafts, Hawaiian books and CDs, jewelry, and other souvenirs.

You might lose yourself exploring the trove of fine art and collectibles in every price range at this gallery, which represents hundreds of local artists and has a low-key, unhurried atmosphere. The "things" include hand-stitched quilts, ceramic sculptures, vintage kimonos, original paintings, koa-wood bowls and furniture, etched glassware, Niihau shell lei, and feather art by local artist Beth McCormick.

One of Hawaii’s better-known clothing lines for contemporary aloha apparel, Hawaii's Finest sells just that, and at fair prices. This shop on the Ala Malama shopping strip fits in with the Hawaiian pride that permeates Molokai’s culture. Their modern designs and bold colors adorn light cotton fabrics and accessories, and the apparel comes in a variety of sizes. This is your best option if you're looking for matching family wear.

Located near Costco in the Kaloko Light Industrial complex, this one-of-a-kind shop features the bronze creations of artist Charles Moore. Inspired by the vintage hula-girl lamps of the 1930s, Moore creates art pieces (both dancing and non-dancing) sought by visitors and residents alike. Mix and match with an array of hand-painted lampshades.

Beautiful hand-stitched Hawaiian quilts grace the walls here, quilting kits and books are plentiful, and the vast inventory of tropical fabrics is amazing. The friendly proprietors also offer fine art, photography, cards, and cool souvenirs you won't find anywhere else. A second location, Kilauea Kreations II in downtown Hilo, features a larger store and collection of fabrics as well as classroom space.

Originally a general store built in 1914, this shop features handmade products crafted by local lauhala weavers, who use the leaves of the hala tree. Among the offerings are hats, baskets, containers, and mats, many of which are woven by the proprietors. Owner Alfreida Kimura-Fujita was born in the house behind the shop, and her daughter Renee is also an accomplished weaver. The shop is closed Sunday–Tuesday.

Near Costco, this longtime local wine store carries both local and imported varietals (with more than 600 high-end wines), specialty liquors, champagnes, 150 craft beers, gourmet foods, and cigars. There are even some accessories for home brewers. As a bonus, the market delivers wine and gift baskets to hotels and homes, and it offers complimentary tastings Fridays from 3 to 6.

C. J. Kale is an accomplished, award-winning photographer famous for capturing extraordinary images of lava flowing through the curl of a wave. Not a believer in using photo manipulation or special effects, Kale produces work that is as authentic as it gets. He and gallery partners Linda and Don Hurlzeler showcase their fine images of the beauty of Hawaii and other scenic places around the world.

The dreamy, soft-focus oil paintings of award-winning painter Mike Carroll are inspired by island scenes. His work is showcased along with those of other local artists and visiting plein air painters. You can also find handcrafted jewelry, functional art, and other accessories.

Don't let the name fool you; along with a surprisingly good selection of fine wines and liquors, the store also carries cheeses and snacks for a nice wine and cheese at sunset experience.

Since 1980, Mrs. Barry and her family have been serving yummy homemade cookies, including macadamia nut, white chocolate–macadamia nut, oatmeal raisin, and coffee crunch. Packaged in beautiful gift boxes or bags, the cookies make excellent gifts. She even makes cookies for the family dog. Stop by on your way to Costco or the airport and pick up a bag or two or three—or just ask Mrs. Barry to ship your stash instead.

Spacious and classy, this store has clothing for every need, from casual men's and women's beachwear to evening resort wear, shoes, jewelry, home decor, accessories, and hats. There are fancy fashions for tots and a selection of original Lanai-themed clothing and accessories as well. Proprietor Jenna Gentry Majkus will mail your purchases.

This hole-in-the-wall confections shop has made a name for itself thanks to its pillowy mochi. The proprietors are best known for their huge, ripe strawberries wrapped in a white mochi covering, which won't last as long as a box of chocolates—most mochi items are good for only two or three days. To guarantee you get your fill, call and place your order ahead of time. 

Since 1970, this Waimea landmark at Parker Square has been a favorite of locals and visitors alike. Although specialty kitchenware takes center stage, the shop brims with local gourmet items, books, kimonos, and Hawaiian gifts and souvenirs.

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.

At the end of Old Volcano Road near Volcano Village, this small gallery and studio has hand-blown glass inspired by the eruption of Kilauea and the colors of the tropics. You can see the artists in action Thursday through Sunday from 10 to 4, and other days by appointment.

Kapaau-based artist Gary Ackerman features his oil paintings and multimedia art in an impressionistic and abstract style at this small gallery. 

The outdoor stalls at this mellow, parklike market, open daily except Monday, 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.

The real draw of the Bamboo Restaurant is its attached art gallery, which tempts browsers with elegant koa-wood furniture and an array of gift items, such as hand-sewn crafts, boxes, jewelry, and even upscale aloha shirts.

The Waikoloa branch of this fashion veteran offers really sweet matching aloha outfits for the entire family in tropical batik prints. Handbags, shoes, robes, jewelry, and lotions are also sold here.

The meandering oceanfront marketplace includes gift shops, cafés, restaurants (Outback Steakhouse, Humpy's Big Island Alehouse, Thai Rin, Lava Java, Foster's Kitchen, Fumi's Kitchen), sports bars, sushi, boutiques, crystal stores, Jack's Diving Locker, a running shop, and several art galleries. At night, locals gather to watch outdoor sand volleyball games held in the courtyard or grab a beer and enjoy live music. Directly adjacent is Ali'i Sunset Plaza, which is served by the same large parking lot. 

As local as it gets, this little shop is a classic Big Island tradition, selling preserved Hawaiian-style seeds, li hing mui (sweet and sour plums), Japanese snacks such as arare (small crackers), and handmade candies, in addition to authentic Hawaiian souvenirs.

Woodworker Gerald Ben and his wife, Renee, own this fine gallery that specializes in offering contemporary and abstract pieces while supporting the Holualoa arts community. It features a variety of art, including woodworking, sculpture, ceramics, photography, and painting.