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There aren't a lot of shops and spas on Kauai, but what you will find here are a handful of places very much worth checking out for the quality of their selection of items sold and services rendered. Many shops now make an effort to sell as many locally made products as possible. When buying an item, ask where it was made or even who made it.
Often you will find that a product handcrafted on the island may not be that much more expensive than a similar product made overseas. You can also look for the purple "Kauai Made" sticker many merchants display.
Along with one major shopping mall, a few shopping centers, and a growing number of big-box retailers, Kauai has some delightful mom-and-pop shops and specialty boutiques with lots of character. The Garden Isle also has a large and talented community of artisans and fine artists, with galleries all around the island showcasing their creations. You can find many island-made arts and crafts in the small shops, and it's worthwhile to stop in at crafts fairs and outdoor markets to look for bargains and mingle with island residents.
If you're looking for a special memento of your trip that is unique to Kauai County, check out the distinctive Niihau shell lei. The tiny shells are collected from beaches on Kauai and Niihau, pierced, and strung into beautiful necklaces, chokers, and earrings. It's a time-consuming and exacting craft, and these items are much in demand, so don't be taken aback by the high price tags. Those made by Niihau residents will have certificates of authenticity and are worth collecting. You often can find cheaper versions made by non-Hawaiians at crafts fairs.
Kauai is often touted as the healing island, and local spas try hard to fill that role. With the exception of the Hyatt's ANARA Spa, the facilities aren't as posh as some might want, but it's in the human element that Kauai excels. Many island residents are known for their warmth, kindness, and humility, and you can often find all these attributes in the massage therapists and technicians who work long hours at the resort spas. These professionals take their therapeutic mission seriously; they genuinely want you to experience the island's relaxing, restorative qualities. Private massage services abound on the island, and your spa therapist may offer the same services at a much lower price outside the resort, but if you're looking for a variety of health-and-beauty treatments, an exercise workout, or a full day of pampering, a spa will prove most convenient.
Though most spas on Kauai are associated with resorts, none is restricted to guests only. And there's much by way of healing and wellness to be found on Kauai beyond the traditional spa—or even the day spa. More and more retreat facilities are offering what some would call alternative healing therapies. Others would say there's nothing alternative about them; you can decide for yourself.
Open Hours. Stores are typically open daily from 9 or 10 am to 5 pm, although some stay open until 9 pm, especially those near resorts. Don't be surprised if the posted hours don't match the actual hours of operation at the smaller shops, where owners may be fairly casual about keeping to a regular schedule.
The big draws at this small center are a full-service grocery store and a hardware store, but there's also the North Shore General Store (famed for its burgers and other food to-go), a fun toy store, a bar, a mailing service, a nice sandal boutique, women's clothing, and an ice cream shop. This is also the last stop for gas and banking when you're heading west along the North Shore.
Designer Veronica Groepler has been crafting semiprecious bead jewelry since the mid-1980s, so savvy locals and travelers know to seek her out in the center of sleepy Hanapepe. Her pieces inspired by the flora of the islands are showcased along with a selection of women's bohemian clothing and works by contemporary Hawaii artists.
Blueberry-piña colada, lilikoi (passion fruit) cheesecake, coconut or banana cream: these are among the mouthwatering tropical pies offered at the full-service main location of this bakery. It also delivers desserts and savory potpies weekly to Lihue and Poipu, and sells at the Kukuiula farmers' market on Wednesdays. Seating and parking are very limited, so get pies to go---you can even take a frozen one on the plane.
Hanapepe has been a salt-making center for centuries, so it's only appropriate to pick up some gourmet ingredients at this family-run factory store. Salt is blended with herbs and spices or infused with tropical fruits, and staff readily share recipes that use favorites like Passion Fruit Chili Pepper, Java Steak Rub, and Guava Garlic Salt. Impress guests at your next cocktail hour by rimming mai tai glasses with coconut cane sugar.
With shops and art galleries tucked into the 16,000-square-foot Tudor mansion and restored outbuildings, Kilohana Plantation offers quality clothing, jewelry, candy, handmade pottery, Hawaiian collectibles, and train memorabilia. The grounds are home to Koloa Rum Company, Luau Kalamaku, and a restaurant, while the historic mansion is filled with antiques from the previous owner. Train rides on a restored railroad are available, with knowledgeable guides recounting the history of sugar on Kauai.
On display here are lots of interesting housewares, accessories, knickknacks, and hand-carved collectibles, as well as baskets and furniture from Indonesia, the Philippines, and China. Antiques and reproductions for the home and outdoors are available. The shop occupies expansive quarters in the Lihue Industrial Park.
Tropical and Hawaiian prints, silks, slinky rayons, soft cottons, quilting kits, and other fine fabrics fill this small store. A variety of sewing patterns and notions are featured as well, making it a must-stop for any sewing enthusiast and a great place to buy unique island-made gifts. Check out the one-of-a-kind selection of purses, aloha wear, and other quality hand-sewn items.
McDonald's is the focus of this small retail plaza, which fronts Kuhio Highway and also houses Waipouli Deli and Restaurant, Sherwin-Williams Paint, and AutoZone.
An old warehouse has new life as a marketplace for a dozen creative entrepreneurs and as a hub for food trucks. Hand-printed clothing, authentic lauhala hats, boho-chic jewelry, letterpressed cards, specialty food products, original paintings, and locally crafted soaps are offered at the oft-changing shops and stalls. Locals and visitors mingle at shaded picnic tables outside. On Second Saturday evenings each month, craft vendors, farmers, cooks, and musicians join the scene.
This locally owned shop specializes in a full range of casual comfortable clothing for men and women, as well as sunglasses, hats, and jewelry. It also offers an aloha collection of tote bags made from distinctive tropical prints. The prices are high but the quality is good, and the selection is carefully curated.
