Shopping in Kaua'i
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Aunty Lilikoi Passion Fruit Products
This mom-and-pop shop run by Tony and Lori Cardenas concocts the gamut of delectable passion-fruit jellies and other condiments, including prize-winning liliko'i-wasabi mustard. The liliko'i is the same variety you see growing wild on Kaua'i (with yellow skin and seedy orange pulp), but a pure fruit puree imported from Ecuador is used because locally grown fruit isn't available in such quantity or quality yet.
reviewed
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Nite Owl T-Shirts
A T-shirt is a T-shirt is a T-shirt? Minds might differ, but on Kaua'i it's caveat emptor regarding the iconic Kimo's Hawaiian Rules T-shirts and paraphernalia. The authentic producer of those words is Nite Owl T-Shirts, a screenprinting company established in 1985. Don't be fooled by copycats who have swiped their famous words. You can find femme tanks and extra-extra-extra-large sizes, at the Port Allen headquarters.
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Hula Girl
Aloha-shirt aficionados will find a wide selection of quality, name-brand shirts (around US$40 to around US$130). Feel the silky soft Tori Richard line in cotton lawn (around US$70 to around US$75). Also sells women's dresses, jewelry, island-made ceramics, art prints and other souvenirs.
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End of the Rainbow
Handmade jewelry, island-style clothing and sarongs, art prints and photography featuring mainly Kaua'i artists. The collection of genuine puka-shell necklaces (around US$75 to around US$200) is a far cry from cheapo fakes. The friendly proprietor makes browsers feel welcome.
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Kauai Chocolate Company
Chocoholics, get your fix here. Signature treats include the Krabs (with caramel, pretzels and macs), luscious fudge, Piko Paint (edible body goo) and lots of sugar-free options. For massive decadence, buy Da Brick, a 16oz hunk of macadamia toffee, caramel, chocolate and more.
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Marta's Boat
The whimsical Marta's Boat will delight 'princesses of all ages' with feminine and sexy threads from Paris, LA and New York. Distinctive lingerie and frocks shine, but jewelry and excruciatingly cute little-girl clothes also enchant. Be prepared for big-city price tags.
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Tin Can Mailman
Bibliophiles and collectors, enter your heaven. This jam-packed shop lives up to its description, 'Fine Books and Curiosities'. Amid shelves of new, used and rare books, find delightful Hawaiiana collectibles: vintage LPs, aloha shirts, maps, photos, postcards and more.
reviewed
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Kong Lung Co
If you appreciate fine furnishings and Asian design, Kong Lung is a must. Browse the high-quality lifestyle wares, including classic Japanese pottery, imaginative chopsticks, designer aloha shirts, glossy collector books and unique children's toys.
reviewed
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Kukui Grove Shopping Center
Kaua'i's only true 'mall' includes major department and big-box chains including Macy's, Sears, Longs Drugs, Borders, Kmart, Star Market, Radio Shack and banks. It resembles any suburban mall; don't expect designer boutiques or fancy restaurants.
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Hilo Hattie
Ubiquitous statewide, this tourist chain sure draws in the tour-bus crowd. While it's a convenient one-stop shop for generic souvenirs (eg macadamias), beware of overpriced edibles or mediocre knickknacks made in China or the Philippines.
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Kokonut Kids
A smorgasbord of unique, top-quality, locally made children's clothing and toys. The colorful screen-printed tees and handmade sun hats are irresistible. And where else can you find a tropical-print Barbie camping tent and sleeping bag?
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Longs Drugs
Longs is the local favorite catchall store. Find a wide range of gifts - from classic macadamia treats to locally published children's books - plus snorkeling gear, bodyboards and cheap rubbah slippah (rubber flip-flops).
reviewed
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Talk Story: The Bookstore
A used bookstore that's also the town's gathering place where there's live music on Friday nights, cribbage on Tuesday and chess on Thursday. You'll also find wi-fi and book signings. Owners Ed and Cynthia exude aloha spirit.
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Kapaia Stitchery
Nirvana for folks who sew, with a wide selection of tropical fabrics, Hawaiian quilt and pillow kits and needlepoint designs. Custom-made aloha shirts and other handmade items on sale for those who can't thread a needle.
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Backdoor
The Hanalei Surf Company's sister is similar in youthful vibe, but carries skateboards and a wider selection of alternative street clothes by brands including Luci Love, Volcom, Paul Frank and Billabong.
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Art of Marbling
Becky J Wold creates exquisite marbled silks, which make unique scarves, sarongs, wraps or wall art. Also on display are Robert Bader's gorgeous wood sculpture, including translucent Norfolk pine bowls.
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Progressive Expressions
Established in 1972, this was the South Shore's first surf shop. Original owners Marty and Joe Kuala sold the shop to the Hanalei Surf Company in 2005 but Joe still designs and crafts boards sold here.
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Edith King Wilcox Gift Shop
Located at Kaua'i Museum, this shopping delight features a broad selection of Hawaiiana books, plus koa bowls and other handicrafts. Enter the shop, free of charge, through the museum lobby.
reviewed
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Island Soap & Candle Works
Follow your nose toward the soothing fragrances of plumeria, pineapple and dozens more. Established in 1984 to recreate the art of soap- and candle-making, the company is now a mini-chain.
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Earth & Sea Gallery
All pocketbooks can find a gift here, from 'beanbag' geckos (filled with Kaua'i sand) to intricately carved wooden frames (around US$75 to around US$130) and coconut-shell lamps ($85).
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Banana Patch
Home of the colorfully painted 'Mahalo for removing your shoes' hanging tiles, originated by Joanna Carolan. Also find handpainted platters and bowls, fine jewelry and other gifts.
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Davison Arts
View Hayley Davison's exquisite wood furniture and John Davison's striking paintings inspired by Kaua'i's landscapes. Ready to shell out around US$2400 for a lustrous koa rocker?
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Yellowfish Trading Company
At this notable Hawaii memorabilia shop, find an irresistible selection of collectibles, eg vintage aloha shirts, handmade jewelry, glossy photo books and antique ceramics.
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Westside Sporting Goods
Head here for outdoor gear, including camping and hiking supplies such as fleece sleeping bags, camp-stove fuel, tabi (reef-walking sandals) and first-aid kits.
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Arius Hopman Gallery
A Kaua'i resident since the early 1990s, the well-traveled Hopman is an engineer-turned- watercolorist; his representational renderings of Kaua'i are easy on the eye.
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