Best of the Big Island’s Small Shops
Explore the Big Island’s unique small shops—from book nooks to local crafts—where authentic Hawaiian culture and creativity shine.
On Hawaii’s Big Island, a vibrant collection of small, independently-owned shops and boutiques invite locals and visitors alike to slow down, browse, and experience authentic island life. Beyond the chain stores and tourist traps, these hidden gems reveal the character, creativity, and cultural history of Hawaii. From secondhand bookstores and handwoven lauhala baskets to rare art pieces and locally grown coffee, exploring these unique shops is one of the most rewarding ways to savor the spirit of the Big Island.
Why Shop Small on the Big Island?
The Big Island’s small shops are more than just retail destinations—they serve as cultural hubs and creative outposts, preserving traditions and showcasing local artistry. Supporting these businesses strengthens the island’s economy, uplifts local families, keeps money circulating within the community, and helps sustain Hawaii’s unique heritage for future generations. Whether you’re searching for the perfect souvenir, craving a local delicacy, or looking to connect with the stories behind the merchandise, these small shops offer much more than a transactional experience.
- Personalized Attention: Shopkeepers often share stories, recommendations, and insider knowledge, making your visit memorable.
- Handcrafted and Unique Finds: From handmade soaps to original art, goods are often produced with exceptional care and quality not found in mass-market stores.
- Support for the Local Economy: Purchases help sustain local families and preserve traditions unique to the Hawaiian Islands.
- Curation of Hawaii’s Best: Owners hand-pick products reflecting the diversity and creativity of the island’s people.
The Top Small Shops on the Big Island
Here’s a curated guide to the Big Island’s best small shops, highlighting their specialties, character, and the stories that make each location special. While the island’s shopping centers in Kailua-Kona and Hilo draw many visitors, some of the best finds await in lesser-known communities and roadside stops.
Kona Stories: A Booklover’s Retreat
Kailua-Kona
Tucked in the heart of Kona, Kona Stories is beloved by book enthusiasts. It’s more than a bookstore—here, avid readers discover bestsellers, island-themed literature, cookbooks, and rare finds. The friendly staff offer personal recommendations for beach reading or thoughtful souvenirs, and the store often hosts readings, book clubs, and story hours that draw in locals and travelers alike.
- Specialty: Secondhand and new books, local authors, beach reads.
- Atmosphere: Cozy, inviting, and community-focused.
- Tip: Don’t miss the Hawaii section—a wealth of regional history, guides, and stories that bring the island to life.
Tasty Kona: Island Treasures for Every Traveler
Kailua-Kona
Located in the bustling Kona Marketplace, Tasty Kona is a modern boutique renowned for its meticulous curation of made-in-Hawaii treats, artisan foods, and travel-friendly gifts. Owner Eva Koenig sources items celebrated for both quality and authenticity, ensuring that every product embodies the flavors and creativity of the Islands. Tasty Kona is especially notable for highlighting vegan goods, sustainable crafts, and eco-friendly packaging.
- Specialty: Gourmet snacks, handmade jewelry, local pottery, organic beauty products.
- Philosophy: “Shop for something unique, ethical, and inspired by the Islands.”
- Community Impact: A portion of sales supports local animal welfare organizations.
Kimura Lauhala Shop: Honoring a Weaving Legacy
Holualoa
This fourth-generation family shop is renowned for its beautifully handwoven lauhala (pandanus leaf) hats, baskets, mats, and purses. Kimura Lauhala Shop is more than a retail stop; it’s a living tribute to traditional Hawaiian weaving, passed down through generations. Each piece is crafted with extraordinary skill, highlighting an art that has flourished in Hawaii for centuries. In addition to lauhala goods, the shop offers koa wood bowls, greeting cards, and local Kona coffee.
- Specialty: Handwoven lauhala crafts, koa wood products, locally roasted coffee.
- Standout Feature: Artisans often available on site for weaving demonstrations and to share the history behind each piece.
Isaacs Art Center: Where Hawaiian Heritage Comes Alive
Waimea
Housed in a restored historic schoolhouse built in 1915, Isaacs Art Center is both a gallery and a marketplace for collectors and admirers of Hawaiian art. The center showcases paintings, photography, vintage memorabilia, sculpture, and woodwork created by Hawaii-born artists, opening windows to the island’s rich cultural and artistic heritage. All proceeds support local scholarships, making each purchase both meaningful and impactful.
- Specialty: Fine art, antique Hawaiian artifacts, special exhibits and vintage items.
- Location: Historic Waimea building, adding ambiance and a sense of place to every visit.
- Note: Proceeds support local education initiatives.
Tin Can Mailman: A Vintage Hunter’s Paradise
Outside Downtown Hilo
Step back into old Hawaii at Tin Can Mailman, a shop dedicated to vintage memorabilia and ephemera. With shelves brimming with antique postcards, retro maps, vintage hula dolls, period jewelry, tiki mugs, Hawaiiana garments, and more, this is the ultimate destination for those seeking unique pieces of island history. It’s a reminder that Hawaii’s story is best told through its treasured keepsakes.
- Specialty: Hawaiiana vintage collectibles, old magazines, jewelry, rare books.
- Atmosphere: Nostalgic and eclectic, with staff eager to share the stories behind the rare finds.
Sugarcane Shop: Modern Honolulu Charm
Kaimuki (Honolulu, Oahu)
While not located on the Big Island itself, the Sugarcane Shop is a highly recommended boutique featuring a curated selection of locally designed fashion, greeting cards, homewares, and art. Its airy, coastal décor and oceanic theme make shopping here a pure pleasure, and the focus on supporting local designers ensures every purchase is distinctively Hawaiian.
- Specialty: Locally made art, unique gifts, vintage beach décor, fashion accessories.
- Experience: Shabby-chic, breezy, and friendly.
Kona Inn Shopping Village: A Classic Island Landmark
This iconic shopping complex in Kailua-Kona brings together many of the region’s most beloved small shops, including boutiques featuring local jewelry, beachwear, handcrafts, and specialty food stores. Its oceanside location and historic Kona Inn building exude the relaxed charm that brings visitors back year after year.
- Offerings: Apparel, crafts, tropical food gifts, island art galleries, cafés, and oceanfront seating.
- Tip: Look for pop-up craft fairs that regularly feature emerging artisans and limited-edition products.
Exploring Hilo: Artists, Antiques, and Abundance
Downtown Hilo exudes a welcoming, small-town vibe with its streets lined by colorful wooden storefronts, vintage signs, and fragrant flower stands. Here, you’ll discover:
- Bookstores: Cosy nooks filled with rare and regional books.
- Art Galleries: Featuring local painters, photographers, and sculptors.
- Antique Shops: Rediscovered treasures from old Hawaii.
- Markets: The famous Hilo Farmers Market, brimming with handmade soaps, fresh flowers, artisan jewelry, and local produce.
Waimea: A Haven for Art and Community
Renowned for its cool mountain breezes and picturesque landscapes, Waimea’s boutiques and art galleries spotlight the work of local artists and craftspeople. Highlights include:
- Handcrafted Jewelry and woodwork made from native Hawaiian materials.
- Fine Art Galleries with exhibitions that celebrate Hawaii’s landscapes and heritage.
- Natural Food Stores and cafés that feature locally sourced produce.
Hawi: Artistic Spirit of the North Shore
A picturesque former plantation town, Hawi is now famed for its cluster of artisan-run galleries and specialty shops nestled in historic buildings. An afternoon here means meeting local potters, textile artists, jewelers, and chocolatiers who are eager to share the stories behind their crafts.
- Highlights: Hand-thrown pottery, original paintings, one-of-a-kind jewelry, and organic chocolate.
- Experience: Stroll tree-lined streets, enjoy cafe patios, and connect directly with artists.
Don’t Miss: The Big Island’s Best Markets and Farmers’ Fairs
For a bustling sample of the Big Island’s creative scene, nothing beats its legendary farmers’ markets:
- Puna Farmers Markets: Multiple locations offering the island’s best produce, prepared foods, handcrafts, soaps, and jewelry.
- Hilo Farmers Market: Renowned for its range of local flowers, fruits, artisan goods, and street food vendors.
- Weekly night markets and pop-up events: Throughout Kona, Waimea, and smaller towns, these gatherings are perfect for mingling with locals and discovering limited-edition items.
Insider Tips for Shopping Small on the Big Island
- Research First: Independent shops may set their own hours. Check online or call ahead before visiting, especially in rural areas.
- Shop with Aloha: Many shops are family-run; patience and kindness go a long way, especially during busy periods.
- Bring Cash: While most shops accept cards, some remote markets and pop-ups are cash only.
- Spread the Word: Supporting small businesses extends beyond purchases—share your positive experiences with friends and online reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are the best areas on the Big Island for small shop shopping?
A: Kailua-Kona and Hilo are bustling hubs, but Waimea, Holualoa, and Hawi offer excellent boutiques and galleries with a more intimate, local feel.
Q: What types of local goods can I find at Big Island small shops?
A: Expect to find handmade jewelry, lauhala baskets, Hawaiian-grown coffee beans, original art, vintage memorabilia, rare books, and farm-to-table food products.
Q: Are these shops open year-round, and do they have set hours?
A: Most are open year-round but hours vary by season and location. Always check online listings or contact shops ahead of time for current hours, especially in small towns.
Q: How do these shops support Hawaiian culture and community?
A: Many shops source from local artisans, showcase traditional crafts, and donate proceeds to community causes, such as scholarships, cultural preservation, and animal welfare.
Q: Why is shopping local important on the Big Island?
A: It helps sustain Hawaii’s economy, supports cultural traditions, empowers small business owners, and delivers authentic, meaningful products and experiences to shoppers.
Table: Big Island Small Shops Overview
| Shop Name | Location | Specialty | Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kona Stories | Kailua-Kona | Books, literature, local authors | Welcoming, literary hive |
| Tasty Kona | Kailua-Kona | Hawaiian treats, artisan gifts | Modern, curated boutique |
| Kimura Lauhala Shop | Holualoa | Handwoven baskets, island crafts | Traditional, historic |
| Isaacs Art Center | Waimea | Fine art, antiques | Educational, cultural |
| Tin Can Mailman | Hilo | Vintage Hawaiian memorabilia | Nostalgic, treasure-filled |
| Sugarcane Shop | Kaimuki (Honolulu) | Local artwork, design goods | Shabby-chic, coastal |
Shopping small on Hawaii’s Big Island isn’t just about buying things—it’s about discovering community, connecting with culture, and bringing home a piece of the island’s creative spirit. Whether you’re seeking a timeless keepsake or simply wish to browse at your leisure, these small shops warmly welcome you into the heart of Hawaii.
