A SHOPPING SPREE on Kaua‘i mimics the island experience to a T — you can’t possibly know what to expect, and you have to keep a keen eye peeled for treasures hidden along the way. There are shopping malls — none of them guilty of sprawl — along with big-box discount stores and Macy’s. Beyond that, there is an eclectic mix of small, unique, owner-operated stores.
Here’s a short guide to the island’s major shopping destinations:
KUKUI GROVE CENTER is the largest shopping center on the island. Here you’ll find Macy’s, Starbucks, Longs Drugs and more. Costco is also nearby.
Smaller shopping destinations, like ANCHOR COVE SHOPPING CENTER and HARBOR MALL , are located at Nāwiliwili Harbor. Walmart is near Wilcox Medical Center on the north side of Līhu‘e.
THE SHOPS AT KILOHANA , located south of Līhu‘e on the grounds of a 1930s plantation estate, offers art and gift shops in a pleasant surrounding.
South Shore shopping is concentrated in Po‘ipū — in the PO‘IPŪ SHOPPING VILLAGE and in the nearby resort. Po‘ipū Shopping Village is an open-air mall filled with award-winning restaurants, eclectic shops, gift stores and more, all set within a lovely garden setting.
You’ll also find great shopping options on the streets of nearby Kōloa Town. Within Kōloa Village, the newest addition to the South Shore, is EMPEROR’S EMPORIUM , a popular one- stop gift shop for souvenirs, clothing, jewelry and so much more.
THE SHOPS AT KUKUI‘ULA is the veteran of the South Shore shopping scene. Here, you’ll find local boutiques, art galleries, a weekly culinary market and a natural foods store, nestled amongst some of the island’s most renowned restaurants.
EAST SIDE COCONUT MARKETPLACE is a visitor-friendly shopping center near Kapa‘a with various restaurants and shops and free hula events. Kapa‘a itself houses quite a few charming shops and eclectic restaurants worth paying a visit. In OLD KAPA‘A TOWN , a cluster of off – the-mall shops and restaurants line the streets. Park and walk to discover what’s there.
WEST SIDE Shopping here is likely to focus heavily on arts, crafts and tasty treats like handmade jellies and granola. If you come across Ni‘ihau shell lei, you’ve stumbled on a gem; the tiny town of HANAPĒPĒ is a great place to find local art.
NORTH SHORE Located 25 miles north of Līhu‘e just off Kūhiō Highway is KĪLAUEA , an old plantation town that is now growing its own brand of island chic. Further down the road, in Hanalei, lies a village of little shops and eateries that invite exploration. For a little luxury browsing, check out PRINCEVILLE.
KUKUI GROVE CENTER 808-245-7784
PO‘IPŪ SHOPPING VILLAGE 808-742-2831
EMPEROR’S EMPORIUM 808-320-8122
