Great Spots to Go Shopping in Hawaii

There are so many shopping opportunities in Hawaii, you’ll need a separate vacation just to catch them all! Every island has must-see shops of all varieties. Here’s a quick list of some of the essential destinations you should checkout:

If you’re on Oahu you should definitely check out the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet. Don’t let the name fool you!  The actual swap meet is only a small part of the fun. There are over 700 merchants, selling everything from local produce and snacks to handcrafted Hawaiian treasures. It’s a great place to find local artists, designers, and one of a kind antiques.  There is regular bus service from Waikiki and plenty of parking. (Aloha Stadium Swap Meet, Aloha Stadium.  Hours:  Wed, Sat, Sun, 8am – 3pm.  Admission $1 for adults & children 13+.  Children under 13 enter free of charge.)

Another great spot to go shopping on Oahu is Ward Center. It’s not a warehouse at all but a sprawling treasure trove containing over 130 stores, 40 restaurants, and a 16 screen multiplex. Additionally, there is a local farmers market every Saturday and Hawaiian themed entertainment on Wednesdays. Spend your time browsing the eclectic shops, and make sure to visit the Hawaii Fashion Incubator to check out local designers. If you are looking to shop at some of the bigger box stores, you can find places like Nordstrom, TJ Maxx and Men’s Warehouse as well. One of my favorite places to eat at Ward Center is Kakaako Kitchen. Here you can find some cheap local food to eat that tastes great. (Ward Center, 1050 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu.  Hours:  Mon – Sat, 10am-9pm. Sunday 10am to 6pm)

When on Maui, head up to Lahaina.  In addition to some great stores in town, the Whaler’s Village is a mix of local favorites and upscale retailers. There are over 50 stores, including boutiques for Coach, Louis Vuitton, and Baron & Leeds.  Browse the stores, then check out the on-site Whaling Museum, before heading to one of the local eateries.  Steps from the beach, this shopping center is a great place to spend an afternoon. (Whaler’s Village, 2435 Kaanapali Pkwy, Lahaina, Maui. Hours: 9:30 am – 10pm daily.  Museum hours: 10 am – 4pm daily.)

On Kauai, Poipu Shopping Village is more than a retail experience. There are shows every Monday and Thursday that feature fire dancers, and live drumming. That plus a great array of 25 merchants and restaurants make this the place to be when you get tired of the waves. Check out one of the vendors selling handmade jewelry, or pop into the Elephant Walk Gift Shop for some one of a kind finds to take home. (Poipu Shopping Village, 2360 Kiahuna Plantation Drive, Poipu, Kauai.  Hours: Monday-Saturday: 9:30am-9pm. Sunday: 10am-7pm.)