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Residents like to complain that there isn't a lot of great shopping on the Big Island, but unless you're searching for winter coats, you can find plenty to deplete your pocketbook.
Dozens of shops in Kailua-Kona offer a range of souvenirs from far-flung corners of the globe and plenty of local coffee and foodstuffs to take home to everyone you left behind. Housewares and artworks made from local materials (lauhala, coconut, koa, and milo wood) fill the shelves of small boutiques and galleries throughout the island. Upscale shops in the resorts along the Kohala Coast carry high-end clothing and accessories, as do a few boutiques scattered around the island. Galleries and gift shops, many showcasing the work of local artists, fill historical buildings in Waimea, Kainaliu, Holualoa, and Hawi. Hotel shops generally offer the most attractive and original resort wear, but, as with everything else at resorts, the prices run higher than elsewhere on the island.
High prices are entirely too common at the island's resort spas, but a handful of unique experiences are worth every penny. Beyond the resorts, the Big Island is also home to independent massage therapists and day spas that offer similar treatments for lower prices, albeit usually in a slightly less luxurious atmosphere. In addition to the obvious relaxation benefits of any spa trip, the Big Island's spas have done a fantastic job incorporating local traditions and ingredients into their menus. Massage artists work with coconut or kukui (candlenut) oil, hot-stone massages are conducted with volcanic stones, and ancient healing techniques such as lomilomi—a massage technique with firm, constant movement—are staples at every island spa.
Housed in the 1932 Toyama Building, this landmark North Kohala shop stocks sophisticated women's resort wear made of hand-painted silk or high-quality cotton in tropical designs by local artists. There are also plentiful vintage treasures, jewelry, gifts, hats, bags, and toys, plus handmade ukuleles by local luthier David Gomes.
The Waikoloa branch of this fashion veteran offers really sweet matching aloha outfits for the entire family in tropical batik prints. Handbags, shoes, robes, jewelry, and lotions are also sold here.
Surfer chic, compliments of Roxy, Billabong, Hurley, and even Honolua's private label, is for sale here for both men and women. This is a great place to shop for a bikini or board shorts, or to pick up a cool, retro-design T-shirt or Hawaii-style embroidered hoodie. There are also plenty of beach accessories, including hats, sunglasses and sunscreen, plus a section dedicated to kids.
Local residents know that Mermaids is one of the best places in Kona to buy fashion-forward ladies' swimwear, cover-ups, sandals, hats, sunglasses, and other stylish beach accessories. Although on the pricey side, the swimwear is mostly name brand and high quality. There's a beautiful selection of pareau (sarongs), which are island-style wraps in tropical prints and colors. The owner's husband, Tony, is a famous surfboard maker whose World Core surf shop is just around the corner.
Carrying contemporary silk and rayon clothing for women, this venerable shop is in the upcountry town of Kainaliu, near the Aloha Theatre, but there's also a branch at Keauhou Shopping Center. You can even buy 100% Kona coffee at the stores, which is grown on their family farm.
The dressy clothing here has been a tradition in Hawaii since 1959 and remains popular among locals and visitors alike. The store offers rayon, cotton, and silk aloha shirts for both men and boys, men's shorts, and some dresses for women and girls. Prices may be high, but you're buying the best.
The acclaimed boutique for women and men sells island wearables with bold colors and motifs designed by the legendary Sig Zane, known for his artwork honoring Hawaii's native flora and fauna. All apparel is handcrafted in Hawaii and is often worn by local celebrities and businesspeople.
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