The Big Island's most modern mall, enclosed Prince Kuhio Shopping Plaza is home to department stores like Macy's and Sears, as well as to popular specialty shops like Foot Locker, Gamestop, Claire's, American Eagle Outfitters, and Pacific Sunwear. Nine-screen Prince Kuhio Stadium Cinemas is a terrific rainy-day option, and small kids love paying a visit to Plenty Fun Family Entertainment Center near the food court. The food court offers expected mall food options, and a supermarket an drug store on the same property, but not adjacent to the building fulfill other needs. The mall is small compared to mainland malls, but is the biggest on the Big Island.
Recommended for Puna's Best Shopping because: The mall is the most mainstream shopping experience those looking for retail therapy in Puna.
Jade's expert tip: The most unique stores are Local Style and Big Island Surf.
Basically Books is the quintessential small and independently owned bookstore. It's apparent that the books, crafts, maps and art sold in the store were carefully chosen and have a nice balance of artistic quality, educational value, and cultural relevance. Located in Downtown Hilo across from the ocean, the book store is nestled among other small shops and restaurants making it an easy stop while exploring the area. This is where you'll want to visit for that perfect souvenir or gift, or of course a great book to read at the beach. A lot of local authors and artists are featured on the shelves.
Recommended for Puna's Best Shopping because: Basically Books is the quintessential small book store, offering a carefully selected array of local books, souvenirs and gifts.
Jade's expert tip: Call ahead and ask if any book signings or live music are coming soon.
Founded in 1974, the Volcano Arts Center is dedicated to preserving and promoting worldwide awareness of the Hawaiian Islands' rich artistic history. The center hosts a variety of monthly exhibits and art sales that showcase paintings, wood sculptures, baskets, jewelry, and Polynesian-influenced masks. The exhibition gallery is located in the historic Volcano House Hotel, which dates to 1877. Visitors will find paintings, drawings, sculptures, stained glass pieces and jewelry here, all made by local crafters. Traditional Hawaiian pieces like feather work, hula dancing adornments and gourd drums, called ipu in Hawaiian, are also on display. Located in the cooler climate of Volcano, it's a unique place to visit.
Recommended for Puna's Best Shopping because: The arts center preserves Hawaiian culture and crafts and has rare and unique crafts, art and jewelry on display.
Jade's expert tip: Visit the Volcano Arts Center on your way to Volcano National Park.
The farmers market at the Hilo Coffee Mill in Puna is one of the newest farmers markets on this side of the island. Taking place in the back yard of the Hilo Coffe Mill, the market is still on the smaller side but offers a good array of crafts, produce and ready to eat food. Shoppers must bring a reusable shopping bag, and there's usually live music and quite a social scene. You will see wild hens running free around the 24-acre piece of land, and can enjoy local coffee inside of the mill. Taking place every Saturday from 8 a.m. till 1 p.m., the market offers a unique perspective into local life.
Recommended for Puna's Best Shopping because: This is one of the newest farmers markets in the area, and offers a small, yet good array of food and crafts.
Jade's expert tip: Bring a reusable shopping bag.
Named after a famous classic hula dancer, Hilo Hattie is the go to place in the islands for local style formal wear. Offering an abundance of aloha wear, Hilo Hattie offers tons of clothing and souvenirs perfect for any visitor. Men's, women's, and children's wear are all available. From aloha shirts, to mu'u mu'us, to leis, shorts and fashionable mini dresses, Hilo Hattie offers everything aloha themed. A button up and collared aloha shirt is all any man needs for a night out on the Big Island, and the dresses are ideal for women. Hilo and the rest of the Big Island maxes out at aloha wear when it comes to dressing up, so this is the spot to go to prepare for a nice dinner out.
Recommended for Puna's Best Shopping because: Hilo Hattie is the classic aloha wear shop that shouldn't be missed by any visitors.
Jade's expert tip: An aloha shirt or dress is as dressed up as a person needs to get on the Big Island.
Over 200 vendors of all kinds frequent the Hilo Farmers Market. Although it's open daily, the biggest days are Saturdays and Wednesdays from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. and from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. every other day. At the market you'll find everything from jewelry, to fresh flowers, to clothing and home decor, to food, ready to eat and to bring home and cook. The market is a bustling place to socialize or window and is a classic Hilo attraction. Located in Downtown Hilo across from the ocean, the market is a great place to people watch, browse, or pick up gifts and souvenirs.
Recommended for Puna's Best Shopping because: The Hilo Farmers Market is the largest farmers market on the island, and offers a huge selection of vendors.
Jade's expert tip: Bring a reusable shopping bag since plastic bags were banned on the Big Island in early 2013.
According to the store owner, Hana Hou has a goal to perpetuate and educate the Hawaiian and Oceania culture. They offer one of kind handcrafted items made by master weavers and artisans from Hawaii and throughout Oceania. Located right on Bay Front in Historic Downtown Hilo, they sell handmade lauhala bags, shell jewelry, Tahitian pearl and silver jewelry, and a wide array of Hawaiian style clothing and accessories. This is wear locals go to find upscale yet "local style" goods to wear when they need to dress up island style. The crafts in the store are so beautiful it's worth even just window shopping.
Recommended for Puna's Best Shopping because: Hana Hou is known for having the most upscale, yet local style goods this side of the island.
Jade's expert tip: Check out the always changing array of shell jewelry.
The small shop called Jungle Love is as unique as the community it's in - colorful, wild, eclectic and fun. Jungle Love is family run by a mother and daughter, long time residents of the area. The shop sells locally made art and home decor, as well as imported goods from Indonesia, Thailand, and the like. Shopping here offers some of the most interesting finds on the island. From bamboo chimes to local paintings and photography to batik clothing and sarongs - if it's different you'll find it here. The staff here have all lived in the area for decades and are usually happy to chat.
Recommended for Puna's Best Shopping because: Jungle Love offers not only unique crafts and home decor, but a window into the local culture.
Jade's expert tip: Check out the postcards and cards made by local artists to drop a line home.
Best described as a natural food superstore, Island Naturals in an island staple for natural food, products, spirits, beauty products, and home supplies. What really awesome is that their breakfast hot bar serves just about everything you could want in the morning, no matter your taste. Eggs, sausage, fake sausage, tofu, pastries, and more along with really good Hawaiian coffee. Take it on the road or enjoy outside at tables. With locations in Pahoa, Hilo, and two in Kona, natural food can be obtained all over the island. The store has just about everything organic, natural and eco-friendly you could need. A highlight here is the hot bar and salad bar, with a changing menu each day that offers really good ready to eat food all day long.
Recommended for Puna's Best Shopping because: Island Naturals in Pahoa sells natural and organic everything that any organic lover could need.
Jade's expert tip: Bring a reusable shopping bag since the Big Island banned plastic bags in early 2013.
The Maku`u Farmers market is huge. Seriously. Here you can find everything from clothing (new and used), home decor, house wares, garage sale like things, fresh plants for the yard, kid's toys, fresh produce, and a huge amount of ready to eat food. Taking place every Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., the market is swarmed with people shopping, eating, and socializing. There's usually live music to accent the experience. The market never fails to be packed with people and is constantly growing. After passing Maku`u Drive on Highway 130, you'll see the market on your left. Parking can be tough to find but the huge parking lot usually allows for enough space for everyone.
Recommended for Puna's Best Shopping because: The Maku'u Farmers Market offers the most unique and diverse shopping experience in Puna.
Jade's expert tip: Bring a reusable shopping bag.