While Kaua‘i’s lushly landscaped verdant vistas will keep you entranced, nature’s wonders aren’t the only attractions for guests of the “Garden Isle”, however. A bounty of boutiques offer sightseeing of a different sort in the charming towns of Līhu‘e and nearby Kapa‘a where an enormous array of souvenirs, island attire and products found nowhere else, many locally crafted, provide retail respite for travelers.
Tip: an easy way to ensure products purchased are made by Kaua‘i residents from materials sourced on-island is to look for the bold, purple “Kaua‘i Made” logo.
Featured photo: Courtesy of Kiko, Simple Goods
Kaua‘i’s east side is the ideal base from which to explore the island’s awe-inspiring entirety, centrally located between the north and south shores. In Līhu‘e, OUTRIGGER Kauaʻi Beach Resort & Spa provides a sublime 25-acre sanctuary along scenic Nukoli‘i Beach and special savings on stays five nights or longer (with so much to discover on your visit, you may never want to leave) that can help you spend more on souvenirs.
In Līhu‘e, shop where every cent spent remains in the community at the nonprofit “House of Makers”, Alakoko. Here you’ll discover one-of-a-kind clothing, home goods, face and body products, jewelry, art, books, edible items, stickers and souvenirs crafted by some of Kaua‘i’s most accomplished artisans in a single space.
Just two miles away, Kilohana Plantation’s historic manor house boasts several shops with an array of retail offerings. Strolling through the expansive estate, you can sate your sweet tooth at Kaua‘i Sweet Treats and find unparalleled artistry at Hāloa Gallery & Studio or adorable attire for little ones at Lamby & Bunny Baby Boutique. Canefield Clothing features island attire for men and women, while the Hawaiian Collection Room shows off local collectibles, jewelry and gifts. At the fragrant Pua Bar, you can create your own beautifully wrapped bouquet from dried or fresh floral selections, and at Clayworks at Kilohana, Kauai’s creative crafters show off their pottery skills.
On Līhu‘e’s Kalapaki Beach, Anchor Cove is an easily walkable center where shoppers can find locally made gifts at Nene’s Island Treasures, or jewelry to treasure at Island Pearls. Or close by, get more steps in while perusing nearby Kukui Grove’s dozens of diverse stores that appeal to everyone from surfers to fashionistas and nearly everyone in between.
Music lovers may find the family-owned Scotty’s Music Kaua’i is playing their tune when seeking exquisite instruments crafted from Koa wood or an ukulele to strum while on the island. Friendly professionals assist with finding just the right instrument or accessory to create your perfect Polynesian soundtrack, and can even give you a few tips to get started.
In nearby Kapa‘a, Kaua‘i’s largest town, enticing and often eclectic shops abound. Off Kuhio Highway, Kiko, Simple Goods was founded by a family intent on offering only items they all loved. Find innovative gifts, jewelry, clothing, books, accessories and more — many handcrafted — in a bright, inviting shop recessed from Kapa‘a’s main road.
Mere steps away is a kaleidoscopic retail experience at Tropical Tantrum, where the vibrant colors of Hawaii are found in wearable art batiked by hand. Shoppers can find utterly unique apparel and gifts amidst Tropical Tantrum’s handcrafted and dyed clothing, shoes, hats, scarves and more.
A trip to Kaua‘i isn’t complete without a visit to one of their Sunshine Markets, where farmers and local food producers gather outdoors to share their wares with visitors and locals alike. In the front parking lot of Kapa‘a’s Coconut Marketplace on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., explore Kauai’s delectable fruits and vegetables, snacks and culinary creations sold directly from the source, then check out the center’s wide-ranging boutiques.
Your trip to Kaua‘i will surely be unforgettable, but picking up mementos for yourself and gifts for your loved ones in any of the island’s boutiques while visiting both helps support the local economy and provides blissful memories of your island adventure even once home.
