To say it up front, Hawaii is an expensive shopping paradise. T-shirts, pants and everything else you should rather buy on the mainland because Hawaii is 15% more expensive. Obviously everything has to be imported by plane or by ship and then stored. Nevertheless, you will find enough shopping opportunities on Hawaii. In addition to many souvenir stores on all islands that sell handmade goods, there are of course many chains that are also represented on all islands.
Typical souvenirs to bring home are for example the Macadamia nuts. There are chocolate, salted or roasted ones. You can get this souvenir everywhere and since it is a local product, I can recommend you to buy them directly from the plantation. It can't get fresher!
Coffee is also a nice souvenir. The Kona Coffee comes from Hawaii and is roasted with the macadamia nut - you have to try it! Be sure to check that it says 100% Kona coffee on the package and that it was not mixed with cheaper coffee.
There are also many types of jewellery to buy in Hawaii. Very popular are pearls, corals or gemstones that were processed into jewellery. Volcanic glass, the rhyolite, is a wonderful material for necklaces and earrings because volcanic rock has many colours and patterns. Great souvenirs are also flower necklaces (the Leis) and orchids. Koa wood, which is a very strong wood, is carved and sold here too.
On each of the Hawaiian Islands, you will stumble across the ABC Stores. You can't miss them and you will often find them every 100m. In Waikiki, you will find ten ABC stores over one kilometre along the beach promenade. In the ABC Store, you can buy everything. Souvenirs, postcards, sunscreen, towels and food. Refrigerated counters with breakfast toppings, coffee and tobacco products. You can get everything here. There is also a cash machine. Chains that are on all islands are ABC Stores, Woolworth, Sears, Sunglass Hut, Crazy Shirts and Liberty House. If you've been to one store of this chain, you will know them all.
The largest shopping center is located in Honolulu on O'ahu. It is the world's largest open-air shopping mall. It is called Ala Moana Shopping Center, with 290 stores and a huge food court over a whole floor. With free valet parking and free internet, you can shop here from 9:30 am - 9:00 pm Monday through Saturday and 10:00 am - 7:00 pm on Sundays. In addition to stores for women, men and children, there are opticians, drugstores, jewellers, pharmacies, shoe stores, decorations and accessories, sports stores, electronics stores, toys and and and... In the food court, it's hard to decide what to eat. From Thai to Mexican or fast food, everyone will find something here!
Ala Moana Center
1450 Ala Moana Boulevard
Honolulu, HI 96814
808 955-9517
On Maui recommend the Queen Kaahumanu Shopping Center . It is not as big as the Ala Moana shopping paradise but it has its charm. The mall is also open-air and invites you to enjoy a coffee and simply observe people. This shopping center is a mix of local stores and the typical brand stores, such as Macy's and Forever 21. There are 100 stores and restaurants in the Queen Kaahumanu Shopping Center. In addition, the Farmers Market is held there every Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm. On these three days, the market offers seasonal products from Maui. Including fresh fruits and vegetables, flowers and freshly baked goods. Make sure to go! The opening hours are Monday - Saturday from 9:30 am - 9:00 pm and Sundays from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm.
Queen Kaahumanu Shopping Center
275 West Ka'ahumanu Avenue
Kahului, HI 96732
As you can see, there are many shopping opportunities. If you have any questions, we are happy to help you.
