After nearly 3 years on this deserted island I have managed to collect quite a few favorite spots to trade money I don’t have for stuff I don’t really need. After you get out of the shopping maze that is Waikiki and/or Ala Moana Center, you discover that there is so much more to be offered in Honolulu, not to mention Kailua, Haleiwa, Kahala, etc. Here’s a short list of some of my essentials. Warning! A visit to any of these shops may lead to an empty wallet, a broken budget and shopping euphoria.
Homecoming – My third home. Also the home of insta-celebrity Nacho Fuji. Hosts brands like Wonderland Honolulu, UNIF, Jeffrey Campbell, Aloha Sunday, Mink Pink, Crap Eyewear, Vans, ++ Cool clothes, must-have accessories, anything and everything Hawaii hipsters to look good at the beach/school/nightclub.
12 S King St. in Downtown/Chinatown
MONO – Minimalistic, Scandinavian-styled interior shop with loads of stuff you just realized you really need. Notebooks, iPhone accessories, bags, cameras, and much more.
2013 S King St. in McCully
Owens & Co – This is my go-to place for gifts and (oddly enough) kitchen soap. Many of my Christmas gifts the last 3 years have come from this shop in Chinatown. A nice blend of clothing, accessories, notebooks, beach towels, knick-knacks, post cards and clean, refreshing soap.
1152 Nuuanu Ave in Downtown/Chinatown
Treehouse – Camera store that sells new, used, vintage, polaroid, holga and every other type of camera you could ever want. Dangerous and beautiful at the same time.
250 Ward Ave in Kakaako
IN4MATION – Best store for male clothing, and the one place to go for those cool HI shirts/hats from Human Imagination that all the people in Kaka’ako are wearing. They have 2 shops in Honolulu, one in McCully and one in Downtown. Last time I went by the one in McCully that had just gotten some pretty awesome limited edition Star Wars skateboards featuring Princess Leia, Han Solo, Bobba Fett and Darth Vader. Rad!
2009 S King St. in McCully
1154 Nuuanu St in Downtown/Chinatown
Brandy Melville – Not a local store, but still a personal favorite. Comfy and cute beach clothing, perfect for lazy days in Honolulu or on a day trip to Sunset or Waimea.
280 Beachwalk in Waikiki
If you’re ever stopping by Oahu, these should be on your list!
