10 Best Places to Shop in Hilo, Big Island

This legendary shop stocks one of Hawaii's largest selections of maps, including topographical and relief maps, and Hilo's largest selection of Hawaiian music (feel free to ask for advice about your selection). It also has a wealth of books about Hawaii, with great choices for children. If you need an umbrella on a rainy Hilo day, this bookstore has plenty of them.

A local legend in the cookie- and chocolate-making business, Big Island Candies is a must-see for connoisseurs of fine chocolates. The packaging is first-rate, which makes these world-class confections the ideal gift or souvenir. Enjoy a free cookie sample and a cup of Kona coffee as you watch through a window as sweets are being made. The store has many interesting products, but it is best known for its chocolate-dipped shortbread cookies.

Located on the bayfront in downtown Hilo, this beautifully decorated candy boutique is a blast from the past, featuring an amazing array of nostalgic candies, artisan chocolates, and wooden barrels overflowing with saltwater taffy and other delights.

This hole-in-the-wall confections shop has made a name for itself thanks to its pillowy mochi. The proprietors are best known for their huge, ripe strawberries wrapped in a white mochi covering, which won't last as long as a box of chocolates—most mochi items are good for only two or three days. To guarantee you get your fill, call and place your order ahead of time.

Step into this hip downtown Hilo spot to find authentic Japanese fabrics, futons, and gifts along with elegant clothing, sleepwear, and tea-service accoutrements. Handmade comforters, pillows, and futon pads are sewn of natural fibers on-site.

Among this shopping plaza's 40 shops are a guitar store, a pharmacy, a brewpub, a trendy boutique, and the popular Island Naturals Market & Deli. Other dining destinations include Happy Valley Seafood Restaurant, Sunlight Cafe, and Restaurant Miwa, a Japanese restaurant. There's plenty of free parking. Across the street, the Kilauea Market has a wide variety of hard-to-find Asian cooking ingredients.

Living up to its name, this store stocks unique gifts from around the Pacific, like pure Hawaiian ohia lehua honey, Kau coffee, aloha wear, and tinkling wind chimes.

The Big Island's most comprehensive mall has indoor shopping, entertainment (a multiplex), and dining, including KFC, Hot Dog on a Stick, Cinnabon, Genki Sushi, IHOP, and Maui Tacos. The kids might like the arcade (near the food court), while you enjoy the stores, anchored by Macy's and Old Navy.

This acclaimed boutique for women and men sells island wearables with bold colors and motifs designed by the legendary Sig Zane, known for his artwork honoring Hawaii's native flora and fauna. All apparel is handcrafted in Hawaii and is often worn by local celebrities and businesspeople.

In addition to a fantastic coffee-farm tour, the Hilo Coffee Mill sells coffee from a variety of local producers, along with locally made baked goods, candies, artwork, and gifts. Free coffee samples are offered. The mill is closed Sunday and hosts a farmers' market Saturday 8 to 1.