[2023 GUIDE] The Best Places to Go Shopping in Kauai

Shopping in Kauai offers some of the best retail experiences in Hawaii. Kauai is the smallest of the main Hawaiian Islands, but it still offers a wide variety of unique and exciting shopping experiences. For those who want the traditional shopping mall experience, Kukui Grove Shopping Center offers department stores such as Macy’s and Sears and local boutiques and stores. 

The Shops at Kukuiula, located on the sunny south side, feature elegant stores and galleries. For exotic finds from around the globe, visit Havaiki Oceanic and Tribal Art in the quaint town of Hanalei. Check out the Waipa Farmers Market and Sunshine Farmers Markets to find handmade local crafts. Kauai truly has something for everyone, no matter what shopping experience they seek.

The Best Places to Go Shopping in Kauai

1. THE SHOPS AT KUKUIULA

The Shops at Kukuiula, located in Poipu, offer an elegant shopping experience, blending a modern and tropical design. It offers a variety of boutiques, such as Bungalow Nine and the Red Koi Collection, providing an abundance of fashion, gifts, and decor. Artwork, including modern paintings and island-inspired photography, can also be found here.

In addition, the Shops at Kukuiula offer a variety of surf shops, men’s and women’s clothing, resort wear, and a gourmet grocery shop. Whether you’re looking for serious retail therapy or just a leisurely stroll, these shops provide everything you need in one place. To top it off, you can treat yourself to delicious shaved ice or ice cream while you browse.

For these reasons, the Shops at Kukuiula are recommended for some of the best shopping in Kauai. With its open-air shopping center, located by the sea, it is one of the most elegant shopping experiences on the island.

2. KUKUI GROVE SHOPPING CENTER

Kukui Grove Shopping Center is the largest shopping venue on the island and offers a variety of attractions. Visitors can enjoy mini golf, Polynesian entertainment, and live music on weekends in the open courtyard. Dozens of shops also sell clothing, artwork, and other items. Restaurants are also available for those looking for a quick bite to eat.

The center is also home to a farmer’s market, held every Monday at 3 p.m. Here, visitors can find both mainstream stores like Macy’s and Sears, as well as locally owned shops with unique Hawaiian, finds.

Kukui Grove Shopping Center is highly recommended for some of the best shopping in Kauai because it offers a large selection of mainstream stores and locally owned shops. Additionally, visitors can enjoy a variety of attractions and entertainment options.

3. WAIPA RANCH FARMERS MARKET

The Waipa Ranch Farmers Market, located at the end of the North Shore near Hanalei, is the perfect place to experience the local culture and people of the area. You will find abundant locally grown and made products, ranging from fresh fruit and vegetables to jewelry, crafts, and clothing. It’s the perfect place for holiday shopping or finding a healthy and delicious meal. The beautiful valley views make it even more enjoyable. The market takes place every Tuesday from 2 to 4 p.m. and is right across from the beach.

This farmers’ market is highly recommended for shoppers looking for something unique. Here you can find locally crafted jewelry and art pieces you won’t find anywhere else. With its lush cliffs, friendly people, and beautiful views, the Waipa Ranch Farmers Market is the perfect spot for a shopping experience.

4. SUNSHINE FARMERS MARKETS

The Sunshine Farmers Markets offer a great opportunity to pick up locally grown produce and handmade crafts. These markets take place all over the island and happen every day of the week. Whether you’re looking to purchase food to take home and prepare, ready-made meals, clothing, jewelry, or other crafts, these markets are sure to have what you need. 

Not only are they a great way to shop, but they also serve as a great place to socialize. Here is a list of the markets, their days, locations, and times: 

• Koloa Ball Park off of Maluhia Road Mondays at 12 noon.
• Kalaheo Neighborhood Center on Papalina Road off Kaumualii Highway Tuesdays at 3 p.m.
• Kapaa New Town Park on Kahau Street Wednesday at 3 p.m.
• Hanapepe Park Thursdays at 3 p.m.
• Kilauea Neighborhood Center Thursdays at 4:30 p.m.
• Vidinha Stadium on Hoolako Road Fridays at 3 p.m.
• Kekaha Neighborhood Center on Elepaio Road Saturdays at 9 a.m.

These markets are recommended for unique shopping in Kauai because they connect sustainable-minded buyers with locally made goods.

5. KILOHANA PLANTATION

This grand 1930s-era mansion was once the focal point of a successful sugar-cane plantation. Today, the 16000-square-foot Tudor-style home has been restored to its original glory. Visitors can take a tour of the mansion’s halls and explore the cottages on the estate’s grounds. 

Kilohana Plantation is a great destination for shopping. You can find galleries, boutiques, and local artwork and crafts from on-site shops. Kauai’s only rum distillery and a ceramics shop where you can make and ship home your own pottery. 

If you’re looking for a unique souvenir, you can find Gaylord’s gourmet food fit for a locavore.

It’s no wonder Kilohana Plantation is recommended for some of the best shopping in Kauai. It is not only there great shopping but also many other things to do and see. Spend a day at Kilohana shopping and taking in history.

6. HAVAIKI OCEANIC AND TRIBAL ART

Havaiki Oceanic and Tribal Art is a charming shop located in Hanalei. It offers an eclectic selection of unique treasures from Oceania, a land of betel nuts, crocodiles, and headhunters. The items featured are all one-of-a-kind and range from masks and tikis to contemporary jewelry inspired by primitive designs. The owner collected the pieces during a five-year voyage around the Pacific by boat, and each item comes with an interesting story.

The shop has a museum-like quality, with beautiful and interesting items filled with traditional culture. The walls of the gallery-like shop are adorned with sculptures, calabashes, necklaces, and more.

It is no wonder why Havaiki Oceanic and Tribal Art have been recommended for some of the best shopping on Kauai. It truly is one of the most unique stores a person can find, and it offers a glimpse into the fascinating culture of the Pacific Ocean.

7. HANALEI CENTER

The Hanalei Center is a unique shopping experience on Hawaii’s North Shore. It is comprised of a variety of historical structures, most notably a former schoolhouse. This shopping center is an excellent place to browse and purchase local items and souvenirs to take home. A selection of service-oriented businesses is also available should you need a haircut.

The former schoolhouse is also home to many eateries and a large lawn to relax on. It is conveniently located near all of Hanalei’s shopping, dining, and activities. 

Hanalei Center is highly recommended for the best shopping because of the array of boutiques, restaurants, art shops, and galleries. It is the perfect place to explore the town of Hanalei and find the perfect souvenirs to take home.

8. CHING YOUNG VILLAGE HANALEI

Ching Young Village is in the picturesque town of Hanalei, surrounded by the ocean and mountains. It is an outdoor shopping center without a main roof that covers the entire area, allowing the warm tropical breeze to flow through. Here, visitors and locals alike can browse through the unique and exotic gift shops and stores that offer surf gear for both beginners and professionals.

The shopping center is centrally located in the small town, so shoppers can easily access the rest of Hanalei on foot. Ching Young Village is highly recommended for the best shopping experience, as it houses most of Hanalei’s best boutiques, galleries, and surf shops.

9. OLD KOLOA SHOPS

Old Koloa Town is a lively and small shopping destination in Kauai, Hawaii. It is brimming with unique stores offering a variety of items, such as surf gear, women’s clothing, locally made soaps and candles, and much more. All the shops are arranged side by side with a connected porch, taking advantage of the warm weather in the area. 

This shopping center is mostly designed for visitors, although locals frequent the area’s eateries. It is quite bustling and offers a vibrant shopping experience. Visitors can find clothing to wear while vacationing and gifts to bring home. Several restaurants and a historical memorial also honor the sugar plantation that once stood there. 

Old Koloa Town is recommended for Best Shopping because it offers a great shopping experience with unique goods and a historical element.

10. Poipu Shopping Village

Poipu Shopping Village is the ideal destination for anyone who wants to have a great shopping experience. Located in the heart of Poipu amidst a beautiful garden setting, it offers an array of award-winning restaurants, unique and eclectic shops, art galleries, gift stores, jewelry stores, and boutiques. Here you can find renowned establishments such as Keoki’s Paradise Restaurant, Pietro’s Pizza e Pasta, Puka Dogs, Bangkok Happy Bowl Thai Bistro & Bar, Anuenue Café, Island Taco, Papalani Gelato, Starbucks, Kauai Juice Co., Crazy Shirts, Honolua Surf Co., Whalers General Store, Na Hoku, and Van Balen Fine Jewelry, among many others. 

For an even more enjoyable experience, visitors can also enjoy Hula and live Hawaiian music every Monday and Thursday at 5 pm under the Banyan Trees. Shopping in Poipu Shopping Village is an experience that you will never forget!