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We've compiled the best of the best in Hawi and Kapaau - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
Housed in the 1932 Toyama Building, this landmark North Kohala shop stocks sophisticated women's resort wear made of hand-painted silk or high-quality cotton in tropical designs by local artists. There are also plentiful vintage treasures, jewelry, gifts, hats, bags, and toys, plus handmade ukuleles by local luthier David Gomes.
This small, family-owned gallery features fine art, glass, jewelry, aloha wear, and island souvenirs.
The real draw of the Bamboo Restaurant is its attached art gallery, which tempts browsers with elegant koa-wood furniture and an array of gift items, such as hand-sewn crafts, boxes, jewelry, and even upscale aloha shirts. There's something for everyone here, and the prices are affordable.
The tiny shop carries lots of original jewelry handmade by local artists, as well as carefully chosen gifts including unusual ceramics, paintings, prints, glass items, baskets, fabrics, bags, and toys. Look for their 100% cotton pareau (sarongs) designed in Hawaii.
It may seem like an odd combination to offer, but this funky little shop knows how to do both right. Handcrafted instruments start at just $100 and are made by local master luthiers David Gomes and Mark Evans. One lesson is included with your purchase, and they also have a great selection of other stringed instruments and accessories. Cigar lovers can sit in the lounge and enjoy a custom, hand-rolled Nicaraguan cigar for just $10. Or you can partake of the CBD option if cigars aren't your thing, then browse the cool selection of Hawaiiana in the gift shop before you leave.
This popular natural market carries handmade soaps and lotions, clothing, honey, organic groceries, and fresh vegetables. The deli counter offers a wide variety of smoothies and an excellent roast beef sandwich served with chips. Hot foods are available from 1 to 3 pm; eat outside on one of their small tables. There's even Ola Brew beer on tap and Big Island Booch kombuchas available. It's a great alternative if you don't want sit-down dining at the town's only restaurant.
Watercolorist and oil painter Patrick Louis Rankin showcases his own work at his shop in a restored plantation store next to the bright-green Chinese community and social hall. The building sits right at a curve in the road on the way to Pololu Valley, at the first gulch past Kapaau.
