Shopping and retail options in Hawaii: Unique local boutiques and artisan shops. Traditional Hawaiian crafts and goods. Major shopping centers: Ala Moana, Waikiki. Farmers markets for fresh produce and goods. Duty-free shops at airports. High-end designer stores available. Limited big-box retailers on certain islands. Variety of local food brands. Support for small, family-run businesses. Tax-exempt shopping on some islands.
Unique local boutiques and artisan shops.
Hawaii is home to several unique local boutiques and artisan shops, such as Hana Hou, which preserves island culture through handmade goods and lauhala weaving, Hula Moon Boutique, which offers exclusive and classic clothing, and Pilikana Boutique, which supports local entrepreneurs and artisans through workshops and community engagement. To explore these hidden gems in more detail, visit the Kona Boutiques guide, where each shop offers a distinct slice of Hawaiian culture and creativity that you can't miss. Immerse yourself in the vibrant local scene and find treasures that encapsulate the spirit of the islands.
Traditional Hawaiian crafts and goods.
Ha'aheo, Hawaiian Crafts is a Hawaiian-owned business on Oahu, specializing in traditional Hawaiian crafts such as Ni'ihau shell lei, seed lei, and lauhala weaving. With most products handmade by the owners, their commitment to continuing ancestral traditions is evident. On the other hand, Puko`a Studios focuses on creating modern Hawaiian fashions using traditional practices and materials, including kapa, the traditional fabric of ancient Hawaii. Their dedication to cultural and environmental sustainability is reflected through the use of native Hawaiian plants and ethical production methods. Furthermore, Kauai Made Products showcases a variety of artisans and boutiques offering both traditional and modern Hawaiian crafts, such as Hawaiian outrigger canoe paddles, hand-painted ceramic tiles, Hawaiian pottery, feather lei, and koa wood gifts, which beautifully highlight the rich cultural heritage of Hawaii.
Major shopping centers: Ala Moana, Waikiki.
Ala Moana Center is the world's largest open-air shopping center, located in Honolulu, featuring over 300 stores, including department stores like Macy's, Neiman Marcus, and Nordstrom, as well as local boutiques and restaurants, and offering free cultural events such as daily hula shows. In the vicinity, Waikiki Shopping Plaza stands as a 5-story shopping and dining complex in the heart of Waikiki. It features internationally known brands like Victoria's Secret and Sephora, along with exclusive boutiques offering made-in-Hawaii gifts and a variety of dining options, including unique restaurants and bars.
Farmers markets for fresh produce and goods.
In Hawaii, particularly on Oahu, farmers markets offer a wide range of fresh produce, including locally grown fruits, vegetables, seafood, and specialty products like Manoa honey and Waialua chocolate. These markets also feature handmade products, local cuisine, and entertainment, providing a vibrant shopping experience for both residents and visitors. Discover a variety of offerings on the Go Hawaii website, which highlights these unique activities and experiences you can enjoy on the islands.
Duty-free shops at airports.
Duty-free shopping in Hawaii is primarily available at DFS (Duty Free Shops) locations in Daniel K. Inouye International Airport and Hawaii Kahului Airport. These stores offer a wide range of products including fashion, beauty, watches, jewelry, wines, spirits, and local Hawaiian gifts, with exclusive deals and personalized services for international travelers with outbound plane tickets. To explore more about the exciting shopping opportunities, visit the Local Getaways website which provides detailed information about duty-free shopping in Hawaii.
High-end designer stores available.
Luxury Row at 2100 Kalakaua Avenue in Honolulu's Waikiki Beach resort district offers a collection of high-end designer stores, including Chanel, Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Miu Miu, Saint Laurent, Coach, Tiffany & Co., Moncler, and Hugo Boss, making it a renowned international shopping destination.
Limited big-box retailers on certain islands.
On certain islands in Hawaii, such as Kauai and parts of the Big Island, the presence of big-box retailers is limited. For example, Kauai County Council has banned "super-stores," and the Big Island's shopping scene is more characterized by local boutiques, outdoor malls, and unique island treasures rather than large big-box stores. To learn more about how these restrictions impact the islands, visit the detailed article on Hawaii Business which delves into the intricacies of retail dynamics in the region.
Variety of local food brands.
In Hawaii, local food brands offer a diverse range of products, including fresh seafood, sushi, and deli items like Spam musubi and hot bento boxes. Grocery stores also feature unique local specialties such as apple bananas, tropical fruits, and Asian-influenced snacks like kimchi and li hing mui, with chains like Foodland offering a comprehensive selection of these items.
Support for small, family-run businesses.
Hawaii presents a variety of opportunities for small, family-run businesses through a range of grants and programs designed to foster growth and innovation. These include federal, state, and private grants like the Hawaii Small Business Innovation Research (HSBIR) Grant and the Creative Industries Innovation Grant. Additionally, local city and county-specific grants aim to support operational expenses and promote economic development. To further assist businesses in navigating these opportunities, the Hawaii Small Business Development Center offers invaluable resources. They provide no-cost advisory services, workshops, and resources aimed at helping businesses form, grow, and thrive, including market analysis, business advising, and access to government contracting opportunities.
Tax-exempt shopping on some islands.
In Hawaii, tax-exempt shopping is available at places like TGalleria (DFS) in Waikiki, where international travelers with outbound plane tickets can purchase items duty-free, exempt from certain local or national taxes and duties. However, Hawaii itself does not have sales tax, but it does have a General Excise Tax (GET) that applies to all sales, including those to nonresidents, unless the goods are shipped directly out of state. For a detailed exploration of this unique shopping feature, you can visit the Duty-Free Store Hawaii guide. This ensures that while enjoying the beautiful landscapes, travelers can also take advantage of some tax-free benefits on their purchases before leaving the islands.