Kauai - Lihue

Island of Kauai

Shopping

Kukui Grove Shopping Center in Lihu`e is the largest mall on Kaua`i. There’s a free shuttle that will take you from Nawiliwili Pier to the shopping center. One shop that’s worth the trip is the Kaua`i Products Store, 808-246-6753. This is a great place to buy unique gifts that you find only on Kaua`i. They have everything from soaps, clothes and guava jams to Ni`ihau shell leis and coffee. There are also fine koa work, bamboo furniture, bronze sculptures and Hawaiian quilts to appreciate and purchase.

If you’re on your way to the airport and didn’t have a chance to do any shopping, there’s still hope. Near Lihu`e Airport on Kuhio Highway is Kaua`i Fruit & Flower, 3-4684 Kuhio Highway, 800-943-3108, 808-245-1814. Pick up pineapples and papayas here that are already approved and inspected so you can check the boxes in as baggage or ship them home. They also ship flowers, leis, coffee and gift baskets.

For alohawear that screams Hawai`i, you must stop by Hilo Hattie, 3252
Kuhio Highway and Ahukini Road, 808-245-3404, www.hilohattie.com. They also have literally thousands of souvenirs (some are pretty tacky, some are not) to take home. You’ll find everything Hawaiiana: books, lighters, keychains, food, mugs, tiki items, t-shirts and a whole lot more.

After you tour the Kaua`i Museum, 808-245-6931, have a look at the Edith Wilcox Gift Shop in the museum, where you’ll find Kaua`i crafts such as Ni`ihau shell leis, woodwork, lauhala weavings, a selection of historic books, cards, ornaments, ceramics, koa and coconut products.

Two Frogs Hugging, 3215 Kuhio Hwy, 808-246-8777, the store you can’t miss on Kuhio Highway, is a fun stop to peruse the handcrafted home accessories, Asian antiques and furniture. Right by the Marriott, there are the Harbor Mall and Anchor Cove Shopping Centers. They’re across the street from each other. At Harbor Mall, there are stores such as Yong’s Aloha Fashion, which has a decent selection of alohawear, Sandra’s Crafts, and Human Rites Tattoo – if you want a permanent reminder of your stay on Kaua`i.

Over at Anchor Cove Shopping Center, there’s Seven SeasTradingCompany, 808-632-2200, www.sevenseastradingcompany.com, which carries locally made and designed wooden bowls and boxes, jewelry, photography, artwork and clothing.

Honolua Surf Company, Anchor Cove, 808-246-3636, www.honoluasurf.com, is a fine place to pick up surf apparel such as board shorts, swimwear and accessories. They also have a store in Po`ipu.For truly unique jewelry and art, check out Kaua`i Recycling for the Arts, 3460 Ahukini Road, Lihu`e, 808-632-0555. It’s a non-profit organization that takes recycled glass and creates art. There are free tours and demonstrations of the studio Tuesday-Friday from 9 am to 1 pm. Call ahead to reserve a tour.

Kilohana has a number of excellent shops hidden within the main house and elsewhere on the grounds. There is The Country Store, 808-246-2778, on the ground level of the main house. It sells gifts and collectibles made from koa, pottery pieces.

Grandes Gems & Gallery, 808-245-3445, specializes in Tahitian black pearls, opals, tanzanite, Chinese gambling chips and a unique selection of jewelry.

The Artisans Room, 808-245-9352, is on the lower floor of the main house. Here you can see the work of recognized artists. They have a fine collection of originals, prints and sculptures.

Clayworks at Kilohana, 808-245-2529, is a working ceramics studio and gallery. You can buy pieces that were created by Kaua`i artists here. You can even create your own work of art during studio hours. They also offer workshops and classes. Call for more information.

Kaua`i Nursery & Landscape, 3-1550 Kaumuali`i Highway, Lihu`e, _ 888-345-7747, 808-245-7747, www.kauainursery.com, sells certified plants that can be shipped to the mainland, such as orchids, plumeria, ginger and many others.

If quilting is of interest, be sure to check out Kapaia Stitchery, Kuhio Highway and Ma`alo Road, _ 808-245-2281. Here you will find Hawaiian quilts, fabrics and designs. Or you can pick up aloha fabrics and create your own alohawear.

If you want a bottle of wine to celebrate a special occasion, or just to enjoy, visit The Wine Garden, 4495 Puhi Road, Puhi Village Plaza, 808-245-5766. They have a full selection of vintage wines from California, Italy, Portugal, Germany and France. They also carry sparkling wines, ports and champagne. They’re open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 6:30 pm.

For necessities like suntan lotion, slippers, or film, you can stop by K-Mart, Nawiliwili Road, Lihu`e, _ 808-245-7742, or Wal-Mart, 808-246-1599.

Groceries

There are a few grocery stores in Lihu`e. There’s the Big Save on Rice Street in Lihu`e, just behind the Kaua`i Museum. There’s also a Star Market at Kukui Grove Center. Finally, after a long wait, Costco opened its doors to the public in October 2006. The store is in the Kukui Grove Shopping Center.

Don’t forget about the Kaua`i County Farmer’s Market, which happens every Friday at 3 pm in the Vidnha Stadium parking lot. There’s also a private farmer’s market on Mondays at 3 pm at Kukui Grove Shopping Center.

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