Kauai Shopping Tips by Stephen-KarenConn

Name of Shop: Coconut MarketPlace

The Coconut Marketplace is a very nice open-air mall in the town of Kapaa, about 7 miles north of Lihue. There are more than 70 shops offering wares in large variety, but most tend to specialize in items that may be on interest to the tourist. There are art galleries featuring the works of Hawaiian artists, local crafts and souvenirs, as well as clothing, jewelry, beautyshops, restaurants and a theater. We especially enjoyed browsing through the art galleries, and Karen bought a beautiful red Kauai shirt in one of the shops.

The area of Kauai where the Coconut Marketplace is located is called the Coconut Coast, because of the many coconut palms in the area. Most of these were planted about a century ago and they are quite tall - a beautiful site swaying in the tropical breezes.



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Theme: Other
Phone: 1-808-822-3641
Address: 4-488 Kahiu Hwy. Kappa, Kauai, HI 46746
Directions: In Kapaa, on the ocean side of Hwy. 56, About 7 miles north of Lihue.
Website: http://www.kauai1.com/Coconut_Marketplace_Kapaa_Kauai.htm

Name of Shop: Hawaiian Music Store

While we were traveling about Kauai I told Karen it would be nice to have a CD of Hawaiian music to listen to as we toured the island. We looked in a couple of shops and found a limited selection of mostly contemporary stuff. But I wanted the "Golden Oldie" type of music, the songs I had heard as a kid when I first dreamed of someday visiting Hawaii.

We finally found exactly what I was looking for at a kisok in the Coconut MarketPlace. The very friendly and helpful man running the business was Andy Anderson, and in the accompanying photo you can see him handing me the Hawaiian music CD. Andy had an excellent selection, from some of the earliest Hawaiian music, right up to the most recent recordings. The following evening we saw Andy again, but this time he was set up in front of the Foodland in Princeville. I understand that there is usually someone working the kisok at both places.

The Hawaiian Music Store also has a location on Oahu in the International Marketplace. They claim to be the world's largest Hawaiian music store. You can also order from them online, or through the toll-free number listed below.

What To Buy: More different Hawaiian music than you ever knew existed.


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Theme: Music
Phone: 1-800-252-7731
Website: www.hawaiianmusicstore.com

Name of Shop: Kilohana

It was difficult to decide whether to make this a "Things to Do" tip or a "Shopping" tip. Kilohana is both of these, as well as home to a fine restaurant, Gaylords. Kilohana is a restoration of a vanished era in what was once Kauai's most elegant sugar plantation. There is a large tudor-style mansion surrounded by 35 acres of exotic plants and gardens, and dotted with century-old plantation cottages. Horse drawn carriage rides are available around the grounds and surrounding sugar plantation, which is still a working farm.

In the manor house, built in 1935, and also in some of the old plantation guest cottages you will find several upscale shops. A few of the rooms of the mansion are still preserved much as they would have been in the 1930s. We enjoyed exploring and browsing here after having lunch at Gaylords. The shops include:
Artisans Room
Country Store
Hawaiian Collection Room
Grande's Gems & Gallery
Sea Reflections
Kilohana Clothing
Clayworks at Kilohana
Luau Kilohana
Makana Gallery


What To Pay: The shops are not cheap, but admission to the grounds and manor house are free, and well worth the stop.

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Theme: Other
Phone: 1-808-245-5608
Address: P.O. Box 3121, Lihue, HI 96766
Directions: Just outside Lihue on Hwy. 50.
Website: www.kilohanakauai.com
Other Contact: kilohana@hawaiilink.net

Name of Shop: Hilo Hattie

For anything that has to do with Hawaii you can't beat Hilo Hattie. This is a chain with stores on all of the major islands and offers what is perhaps the best selection of Hawaiiana that you will find anywhere. When you enter the front door you are greeted with a free lei made of shells and offered a free shot of guava juice. If you're looking for Hawaiian clothing, gifts, foods, books, souvenirs, whatever, your best chance of finding it is here. I've been to the Hawaiian Islands four times now, and every trip I have made at least one stop at Hilo Hattie.


What To Pay: Lower prices than most island shops.

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Theme: Other
Phone: 1-808-245-3404
Address: 3-3252 Kuhio Hwy, Liuhe, HI 96766
Directions: Next door to Wal-Mart
Website: www.hilohattie.com