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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 best-known brands in camp, beach, surf, and skate gear can be found at this flagship of Aloha Exchange, along with a good selection of locally designed graphic T-shirts and caps available exclusively here. Personalize your water flask with a couple of their stickers as island souvenirs. It's popular with locals, especially younger beachgoers.
This popular, family-run shopping center has its roots in the Chinese immigrants who came to Hawaii in the early 19th century. Hanalei's only full-service grocery store is here, along with other shops useful to locals and visitors, such as a music shop selling ukuleles and CDs, jewelry stores, art galleries, a surf shop, a variety store, and several smallish restaurants.
Sparkling crystals of every shape, size, type, and color, as well as locally made jewelry and paintings, are sold in this amply stocked boutique. The knowledgeable staff can help you choose crystals for specific healing purposes.
Once an old Hanalei schoolhouse, the Hanalei Center now houses a bevy of boutiques and restaurants. You can dig through ’40s and ’50s vintage memorabilia, find Polynesian artifacts, or search for that unusual gift, including fine jewelry and paper art jewelry. Buy beach gear as well as island wear and women's clothing. A full-service salon and a yoga studio are in the two-story modern addition to the center.
Kauai produces more coffee than any other Island, and this is the largest coffee farm in the United States. The 100% local product can be purchased from grocery stores or here at the plantation, where you can sample nearly two dozen coffees before or after a self-guided tour. Be sure to try some of the exclusive estate-roasted varieties. Coffee is available online, too. Fun fact: The factory, quaint old camp houses, and visitor center are located in a settlement called Numila, which is a Hawaiian way to say "new mill."
Sometimes called the Gump's of Kauai, this store sells elegant clothing, glassware, books, gifts, and artwork—all very lovely and expensive. The shop is housed in a beautiful 1892 stone building in the heart of Kilauea. It's the showpiece of the pretty little Kong Lung Center, where everything from handmade soaps to hammocks can be found. A great bakery and pizza joint (Kilauea Bakery & Pizzeria) rounds out the center's offerings, along with an exhibit of historical photos.
The original Lawai General Store got a face-lift and now offers grab-and-go breakfast and lunch, groceries, sundries, a good selection of beer and wine, and a coffee/smoothie bar. At the gateway between the South Shore and the West Side, it's a fine spot to provision for adventures in the mountains or at the shore. Locals and condo renters alike stop by for farm produce, local beef, and house-baked bread, or to refuel with an acai bowl on the porch.
The storefront café has closed, but Monkeypod's award-winning preserves made from tropical fruits can be found at its "provisions cottage" tucked away in Lawai. In winery fashion, you can sign up for a tasting ($10; deducted from purchase) and then buy jars. At weekly classes, people cook jelly, jam, curd, chutney, salsa, or pickles, depending on what's in season. Or you can learn to make local favorites like Spam musubi, poke bowls, and coconut mochi. A six-week produce plan is perfect for folks staying on the Garden Island for a longer winter escape. At this writing, weekly tastings, shopping, and classes are by appointment, though this could change.
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.
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 pot pies to several points around the island and sells at farmers' markets—check the website for a schedule. Seating and parking are very limited, so get pies to go.
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, and locally crafted soaps are offered at the oft-changing microshops. On Second Saturday evenings each month, craft vendors, farmers, take-out food cooks, and musicians join the shops. Locals and visitors mingle at picnic tables outside.
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