Shopping for Unique Gifts in Hawaii
November 19th, 2007 by Rocco
Visitors to Hawaii inevitably gravitate toward the many souvenir shops and unique stores found on each island. Taking home a few tangible memories of a great Hawaii vacation are standard practice for most tourists, and Hawaii rises to the occasion by offering unique gifts and souvenirs with a distinct Hawaiian flair!
While each Hawaiian island offers many shopping choices to help you find that perfect gift or souvenir, the lesser traveled islands of Kauai and Molokai have more than their fair shares of unusual and exclusive items.
Where to Shop in Kauai
The North shore of Kauai offers a selection of vintage clothing, antiques from Tibet and India and oriental rugs. Kauai is also home to the only soap and candle factory in Hawaii.
In eastern Kauai, Kapaa Town and Kinipopo Shopping Village are favorite shopping hot spots were you can get vintage maps and fine jewelry while grabbing a bite to eat at one of the fabulous eateries scattered throughout the town. The Coconut Marketplace is one stop that is not to be missed when in the area. Sunshine markets (farmer’s markets) abound here in Kauai, and are a treat for any food connoisseur or chef.
Southern Kauai is home to the Poipu Shopping Village where visitors can browse for hours among the handmade and exceptional items offered by local craftsmen and merchants. You can pick up a few sterling silver gifts or a swimwear for yourself.
On the western shores of Kauai, Hanapepe gives visitors a chance to meet and talk with locals, take a tour boat ride and browse the hundreds of unique tropical crafts, gifts and souvenirs. Eleele Shopping Center offers shopping, food and entertainment while visiting western Kauai. You can pick up flavored Taro chips and attend the Friday night block party complete with an outdoor art gallery, music, refreshments and friendly faces.
The Niihau shell leis, lauhala weavings, Kukui guava jams, handmade paper, silk dresses and local crafts offered on Kauai are a shopper’s paradise!
Where to Shop in Molokai
Molokai is often called the friendly island. This laid back island with a small town feel is very rural and is the least developed island in Hawaii. It boasts family run shops, quaint boutiques, wonderfully fresh produce and unique gifts for the whole family. Shoppers can peruse stores in Kaunakakai (the main shopping area), Kualapuu and Maunaloa. Kaunakakai is the main city on Molokai and hosts many different popular attractions and shopping options.
Kualapuu
Just a short distance from downtown Kaunakakai is the small village of Kualapuu. Ala Malama Street in Kualapuu offers views into the traditional Hawaiian culture and gifts. You can find a Hawaiian coffee plantation, original Hawaiian artwork and handmade souvenirs.
Maunaloa
Maunaloa is a small town in western Molokai that offers shoppers a wide variety of gifts and features the Big Wind Kite factory where visitors can purchase windsocks and handmade kites, or get a few free kite flying lessons and advice on the best kite flying spots on the island.
Traveling beyond the usual tourist attractions to the islands of Kauai and Molokai will reward you with an insider’s view of the Hawaiian way of life and special gifts and souvenirs unlike those found anywhere else in Hawaii.