To say it up front, Hawaii is an expensive shopping paradise. T-shirts, pants and everything else you buy but better on the mainland, because Hawaii is 15% more expensive. Sure, everything has to be flown in, imported by ship and stored. Nevertheless, you will find enough shopping opportunities on site. In addition to many souvenir stores on all islands that sell handmade, 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 coated with chocolate, salted or roasted. This souvenir you can get everywhere and since it is a local product, I can recommend to buy directly on the plantation. fresher does not go!
Coffee also makes a nice souvenir. The Kona coffee comes from Hawaii and is roasted with the macadamia nut, you have to try. Be sure to check that 100% Kona coffee is on the package and was not mixed with cheaper coffee.
There are many types of jewelry to buy in Hawaii. Especially popular are pearls, corals or semi-precious stones that are processed into jewelry. Volcanic glass, the rhyolite, is a wonderful material for necklaces and earrings, because the volcanic rock has many colors and patterns. But also souvenirs are flower necklaces (the so called Leis) and orchids. Koa wood, which is a very strong wood, is carved and sold here.
On each of the Hawaiian Islands you will stumble across the ABC Stores. These are not overlooked and there are often them every 100 meters. In Waikiki, you will find ten ABC stores on one side of the street on a stretch of one kilometer along the beach promenade. In the ABC Store one can buy everything. Souvenirs, postcards, sunscreen, towels and food. Refrigerated counters with breakfast toppings, coffee and tobacco products. Here you can get everything. There is also a cash machine. Sure! chains that exist on all islands are ABC Stores, Woolworth,Sears, Sunglass Hut, Crazy Shirts and Liberty House. If you've been to one store in this chain, you 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 the 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 store here from 9:30am - 9:00pm Monday through Saturday and 10:00am - 7:00pm on Sundays. In addition to stores for women's, men's and children's fashions, there are opticians, drugstores, jewelers, 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 or a little more here!
Ala Moana Center
1450 Ala Moana Boulevard
Honolulu, HI 96814
808 955-9517
At Maui I can do that Queen Kaahumanu Shopping Center recommend. It is not as big as the Ala Moana shopping paradise but it has charm, is also open and invites to enjoy a coffee and just people watching. 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. These three days a week, the market features seasonal produce from Maui. Including fresh fruits and vegetables, flowers and freshly baked.Be sure to go! Shopping is allowed Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at the shopping center.
Queen Kaahumanu Shopping Center
275 West Ka'ahumanu Avenue
Kahului, HI 96732
So you see, there are many shopping opportunities, and if you get stuck, we are happy to help you.
