Kauai, one of the oldest islands of Hawaii, is a tropical paradise brimming with everything you need to forget your troubles. From beautiful, sandy beaches to lush rainforests, Kauai exudes the “aloha spirit.” While Kauai is only a fraction of the size of the Big Island, it still provides plenty of shops and stores for tourists and locals.
Kauai real estate is currently experiencing a slight dip in housing costs, making now an excellent time to enter the market. With an average sale price of over $1 million for single-family homes, you’ll likely snag your slice of paradise for below the asking price. This means you’ll have more money in your pocket for shopping in the following stores.
If you’re shopping in Kauai, here are the seven best shops to check out.
The Shops at Kukuiula
2829 Ala Kalanikaumaka Suite A-101, Poipu, HI Kauai, HI 96756
Located in sunny Poipu, The Shops at Kukuiula provide an elegant mix of casual and high-end shopping. This shopping center houses everything from fashion and clothing to gifts and decor. You will also find modern paintings and island-inspired photographs for sale. There is even a gourmet grocery store within the center to satisfy your grocery needs.
Notable shops here include Blue Ginger, which has been a fashion favorite for nearly 35 years, and Crazy Shirts, which is an internationally recognized purveyor of airbrushed t-shirts. The center also houses the Latitudes Gallery, where you can score beautiful images of the Hawaiian Islands taken by local photographers. If you’re looking for high-end, brand-name shops, check out Tommy Bahama and the Lululemon Pop-up located within the center.
Poipu Shopping Village
2360 Kiahuna Plantation Dr, Poipu, Koloa, Kauai, HI 96756-9552
Shopping in Kauai? Then, look no further than the Poipu Shopping Village. Located in the heart of Poipu, this shopping village is amidst a lovely garden setting. Not only will you find eclectic shops, art galleries, jewelry stores, and gift shops at this shopping center, but you’ll also find award-winning restaurants and eateries. Even better, stop by the shopping village between Monday through Thursday at 5 pm to listen to live Hawaiian music under the surrounding banyan trees.
Notable shops here include By the Sea, which sells some of the finest resort-style clothing and jewelry on the island, and Cariloha Bamboo, which exclusively sells merchandise made from bamboo. If you’re looking for home decor or art treasures, head to the premier lifestyle gift gallery Elephant Walk.
Old Koloa Shops
5408 Koloa Rd, Koloa, HI 96756
Embedded within the historic Old Koloa Town, the Old Koloa Shops are a collection of stores arranged side by side along Koloa Road. Here you’ll find everything from surf gear to locally-made candles and soaps. While visitors mostly frequent these shops, locals regularly stop by the many eateries found throughout the area.
Notable shops include the Aloha From Koloa souvenir shop and South Shore Bikinis. Billabong Koloa, which is housed in building two, serves as the area’s premier surf shop and offers surfboard and boogie board rentals, as well as everything else you need for your day of beach and sun.
Hanalei Center
5-5121 Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei, HI 96714
Consisting of several historical structures, Hanalei Center is a shopping village in Hanalei that boasts a large selection of interesting shops and incredible restaurants. This shopping center is perfect for people on the North Shore looking for souvenirs and locally made items. The overall architectural design of the center provides a quaint and unique appeal that embodies the Hawaiian Islands.
Notable shops here include the Hanalei Surf Shop, which sells everything from snorkel gear to surfboards, and the Yellowfish Trading Company, which sells 1940s and 1950s antiques, memorabilia, and home furnishings.
Waipa Ranch Farmers Market
5-5785A Kuhio Hwy., Kauai, HI 96786
Open every Tuesday from 2 pm to 4 pm, the Waipa Ranch Farmers Market is an excellent place to absorb the local culture. The market, located just outside Hanalei, features vendors selling locally made and grown food and merchandise. From fresh, organic veggies and fruits to various crafts, the market is an excellent opportunity to sample everything the island offers. The motto of this farmers market is simple: “buy local, eat local, live local.”
Kukui Grove Shopping Center
3-2600 Kaumualii Hwy #3, Lihue, HI 96766
Shopping in Kauai and looking for a mall? Head to the Kukui Grove Shopping Center, which is widely considered the only mall in Kauai. This outdoor shopping center houses large chain stores, including Macy’s, Gamestop, Famous Footwear, and Foot Locker. The center also contains hair and nail salons, as well as a bank, postal service, and food court. Additionally, the Times Supermarket will cover all your grocery needs.
Hanapepe Town
4481 Kona Rd, Hanapepe, HI 96716
Known as Kauai’s “Biggest Little Town,” Hanapepe Town is located on the south shore, west of Koloa. Because of the town’s historic buildings and authentic look, it has been featured in a number of films and was even the model for Disney’s Lilo and Stitch movie. Today, the town hosts a weekly farmer’s market in Hanapepe Town Park every Thursday at 3 pm. Additionally, the town celebrates its local artists by hosting a massive art gallery every Friday from 5 pm to 9 pm.
Get help shopping in Kauai
While Kauai is far from the biggest of the Hawaiian Islands, it still contains plenty of shops to satisfy your needs. From quaint farmer’s markets to mega shopping centers, finding the right gift or souvenir is more than possible. Still, if you need help shopping in Kauai and are looking for more stores, contacting a local real estate agent is your best bet.
Ilona Coffey is a local realtor that has helped numerous clients find the Kauai home of their dreams. Not only does she know the local market, but she also knows the best places to shop on the island. If you’re looking to relocate to Kauai and are searching for places to shop, contact her today.
