Hawaii (The Big Island) Shopping and Districts

(The Big Island, Hawaii - HI, USA)



Photo of Hilo resortThe shopping opportunities on the Big Island may not quite rival the huge malls and complexes on the neighboring Hawaiian islands of Maui and Oahu, although they really do manage to more than exceed the requirements of most holiday makers.

Resort shopping provides a good alternative to sunbathing and swimming, and main stores on the Big Island are just a stone's throw from the actual beaches, particularly around the Kohala Coast, the Kona Coast, and within both Hilo and Waikoloa. Almost all shops on Hawaii's Big Island are open seven days a week, staying open until 19:00 or later Monday to Saturday, and generally closing at around 17:00 on Sundays.


Picture of Kona resort

Where to Shop

The Kailua-Kona is where you will find an especially large concentration of shops. This is particularly the case along the busy Alii Drive, where the Kailua Bay Inn Shopping Plaza and the Keauhou Shopping Centre both reside, the latter of which is home to over 40 different outlets, and also an excellent cinema complex.

Situated next to the Kona Plaza, the Kona Marketplace is another notable shopping mall along the Alii Drive and known across the Big Island of Hawaii for its colourful clothing and cheap eats.

Hawaii Big Island Coastal viewLocated along the Waikoloa Beach Drive and within the Big Island's famous beach resort of Waikoloa, the Kings' Shops is a very popular shopping centre, and a good place to find some good fashion boutiques, selling patterned sarongs and stylish beach wear. Quality Hawaiian souvenirs are also plentiful in this area of the Big Island, with artificial 'lei' necklaces of flowers being a must for many a tourist.

Up country in Kamuela and away from the bustling Kohala Coast is Kamuela's Waimea Shopping Centre, where sports wear and surfing gear are in good supply. Hilo, the capital of the Big Island of Hawaii, is also brimming with shops, and the Hilo Shopping Centre is a good place to start, along with the neighboring Puainako Town Centre complex.