Shopping in Hawaii
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Ala Moana Center
Holy fashion, this attractive open-air shopping mall could compete on an international runway with some of Asia's most famous malls. And the shoppers are top-shelf fashionistas, stocking up on couture. The usual mall anchors are here, (Sears and Macy's) as are the designer name brands (you name it) and the trendy teen brands (Abercrombie & Fitch).
A favorite for local color is the Crack Seed Center, where you can just scoop from jars full of pickled mangoes, candied ginger, dried cuttlefish and banzai (rice crackers, nuts and dried fish) mix. The ground floor or the shopping center is also the hub for TheBus service.
reviewed
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B
Maui Swap Meet
Skip the mall and head to this quintessential island scene where you buy direct from craftspeople and local farmers (admission 50¢). You'll not only find fresh organic Hana fruits, Kula veggies and homemade banana bread, but it's a fun place to souvenir shop for everything from Hawaiian quilts to Maui designed T's. This place glows with aloha and the prices are unbeatable.
reviewed
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C
Ward Farmers Market
Ward Farmers Market, across the street from Ward Center, is this almost daily fresh market and grocery. For the average tourist, a visit here is more like sightseeing for food and is a good introduction to Hawaiian and Asian dishes and ingredients, from local produce to prepared meals. The market covers the budget range from blue collar to gourmet imports.
reviewed
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D
Kimura Lauhala Shop
Three generations of Kimuras weave quality lauhala (pandana plant) products here, as they have since the 1930s. Originally, they purchased lauhala products from Hawaiian weavers and sold them at the family's general store. When demand increased they took on the production themselves. Don't fall prey to cheap imports - the lauhala hats, placemats, baskets, bags and floor mats sold here are the real deal.
reviewed
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E
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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F
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.
reviewed
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G
Itsu's Fishing Supplies
No visit to Hilo is complete without a stop at Itsu's Fishing Supplies - yes, a fishing-supply store! - which sells Hilo's best ice shave (note: Hilo folks call it 'ice shave', not 'shave ice'). The ice shave is hand-cranked off an ice block, scooped into a cone and topped with your choice of sweet syrups - double your pleasure and add ice cream in the middle. The hardworking owners offer a popular, fresh lunch buffet as well.
reviewed
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H
Two Ladies Kitchen
For a delicious island take on traditional Japanese mochi (sweet rice dessert) and manju (baked adzuki bean-filled cake), stop at Two Ladies Kitchen. Tempting, beautifully packaged mixed boxes allow for sampling (with flavors like peach and passion fruit), but whatever you do don't pass on the specialty, strawberry mochi. This handmade delight is a prize possession.
reviewed
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I
Hilo Seeds & Snacks
A closet-sized shopfront, Hilo Seeds & Snacks contains an overwhelming variety of 'crack seed', that bizarre Chinese dried-fruit snack that some find addictive and others find - well, try some yourself. The friendly owner will explain the types: plums dried with salt, vinegar, sugar and more, some medicinal and others mild. Mango with li hing powder is a sweet choice.
reviewed
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J
Kamaka Hawaii
Handcrafted ukuleles made on Oʻahu since 1916.
reviewed
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Ching's Punalu'u Store
This market and deli dates back to 1935 when it was founded by a local jack-of-all trades. A small shrine to the original owner resides beside the deli counter. In addition to the normal corner-store goods, you can pick up pre-made poi butter, mochi (Japanese sticky rice cake) and plantation iced tea (pineapple and mint) as well as bait (but not sushi).
reviewed
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Aloha Tower Marketplace
This handsome harbourfront shopping centre is anchored by the 56m (184ft) Aloha Tower, built in 1926 to greet arriving cruise ships. Today the two-storey marketplace, with over 75 open-air shops and kiosks, is a theme mall with many Hawaiiana or only-in Hawaii shops. Some of Hawaii's best musicians perform at several of the waterfront restaurants and lounges.
reviewed
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L
Diamond Head Farmers Market
Diamond Head Farmers Market is O'ahu's premier gathering of farmers and their fans. Everything sold at the market is local and has a loyal following, such as Don Akiyama's jams that are made with berries from the Big Island, and North Shore's Big Wave Tomatoes. Different restaurants are invited each week to prepare meals should you come only to 'window' shop.
reviewed
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M
Ward Warehouse
This is the original Victoria Ward complex that today takes in the adjacent and more upscale Ward Centre, the rambling Wards Farmers Market and Ward Entertainment Center, a movie and restaurant complex. Ward Warehouse is an accessible two-storey complex with specialty clothing shops, music and bookstores, several courtyard eateries and free parking.
reviewed
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N
Aloha Stadium Swap Meet
The Aloha Stadium, best known as the host to nationally televised football games and music concerts, transforms itself three days a week into Hawaii's biggest and best swap meet. For local flavour, it's hard to beat, with some 1500 vendors selling an amazing variety of items, from beach gear and bananas to T-shirts and old Hawaii license plates.
reviewed
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O
Banyan Tree Gallery
The nonprofit collective Lahaina Arts Society represents more than 100 island artists at this extensive gallery. The works run the gamut from avant-garde paintings to traditional weavings. Many of Maui's best-known artists got their start here, and there are some gems among the collection, so it's a good place to start your browsing.
reviewed
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P
Yat Tung Chow Noodle Factory
If you look inside one of the half-dozen noodle factories in Chinatown, you'll see clouds of white flour hanging in the air and thin sheets of dough running around rollers and coming out as noodles. One easy-to-find shop, Yat Tung Chow Noodle Factory, makes nine sizes of noodles, from skinny golden threads to fat udon.
reviewed
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Jeff Chang Pottery & Fine Crafts
Not everything at this beautiful downtown gallery is island-made, but it is all handcrafted. The striking raku pottery is made by Chang himself. You'll also find exquisite hand-turned bowls of Hawaiian hardwoods, art jewelry and blown glass by some of Hawaii's finest artisans. There's another branch at Ward Warehouse.
reviewed
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R
Shung Chong Yuein
Shung Chong Yuein sells delicious moon cakes, almond cookies and other tasty pastries at bargain prices. This is also the place to buy dried and sugared foods - everything from candied ginger and pineapple to candied squash and lotus root. Come early before the counters are emptied by loyal customers.
reviewed
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S
T&L Muumuu Factory
So much flammable aloha wear in one space - it is worth a visit just for the oddity factor. This is an auntie's shop, where polyester still represents progress. Bold-print muumuus run in sizes from skeletal to queen, and pu'u skirts are just funky enough to wedge into an urban outfit.
reviewed
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T
Ipu Hale Gallery
Next to the café, this gallery sells ipu(gourds) decoratively carved with gorgeous Hawaiian imagery in an ancient method unique to the Hawaiian island of Ni'ihau. Lost after the introduction of Western crockery, the art form was revived by a Big Island scholar just 15 years ago.
reviewed
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U
Holualoa Ukulele Gallery
In the historic Holualoa post-office building, Sam Rosen sells ukulele handcrafted by himself as well as other craftsmen at prices only serious buyers would consider. Signed portraits of local ukulele legends Jake Shimabukuro and 'Ohta-san' give the gallery a professional seal of approval.
reviewed
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V
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.
reviewed
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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.
reviewed
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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.
reviewed