Is the shopping good in Kauai or should I make sure to get to Honolulu?

[diamondyes]

I’m going to Hawaii for the first time! I’d love to look at beautiful jewels, tourist attractions, and hidden only-known-to-locals special spots. Any pro tips? We are planning to go to Kauai but it seems like the bigger boutiques are in Honolulu. Maybe we take a day trip there?

Advice is very welcome!

 

[whitewave]

well, it’s been a while, but last time I went, Kauai was very small and not much going on (because of the natural beauty). Buildings can’t be taller than a coconut tree.

Honolulu is where it’s at for shopping. Boutiques, bustling, money.

 

[lulu_ma]

I love Kauai. Do an excursion with Captain Andys. The Napali coast is just stunning.

Honolulu is fun for shopping if you want designer goods. I like old cuts. None to be found there.

 

[stracci2000]

Kauai is very quiet and laid back.
There are some shopping centers with jewelry stores, heavy on the Tahitian pearls, which are very popular on the islands.
I recall high some high end jewelry stores in Princeville and Poipu.
Na Hoku is a nice store in Poipu.

Don't miss Waimea Canyon!

26 Things to Do in Kauai for a Bucket List Getaway (2024)

Looking for things to do in Kauai? From the best beaches to how to take a helicopter tour, here is all you need to know for an epic trip!

explorenowornever.com

 

[diamondyes]

Thanks everyone! This helps me plan! I might do a day in Honolulu. Any fave jewelry stores?

 

[lulu_ma]

The usual suspects-VCA, Tiffany’s, Cartier…

Honestly, I’m not sure the $300 flight is worth it unless you want something specific from these brands.

 

[stracci2000]

The usual suspects-VCA, Tiffany’s, Cartier…

Honestly, I’m not sure the $300 flight is worth it unless you want something specific from these brands.

I agree. You will waste over half a day in airports ( and rental car lines) if you want to move between islands.

Honolulu is definitely much better for shopping. But if you go to Oahu, you should stay several days to see the sights there.

 

[diamondyes]

The usual suspects-VCA, Tiffany’s, Cartier…

Honestly, I’m not sure the $300 flight is worth it unless you want something specific from these brands.

Ok. I don’t live in the US so I was wondering if it was worth it… but I’m thinking I’ll make this a relaxation trip instead of a shopping trip.

 

[diamondyes]

I agree. You will waste over half a day in airports ( and rental car lines) if you want to move between islands.

Honolulu is definitely much better for shopping. But if you go to Oahu, you should stay several days to see the sights there.

Ok! Good to know! I’d rather spend $300 on dinner. I’ll be in Kauai!

 

[telephone89]

Kauai is my absolute favourite island! Honolulu isnt the most amazing shopping experience (imo), but it is the best shopping of the islands. Personally that would never outweigh the total amazingness that is Kauai, not even for a day trip!

Enjoy!

 

[diamondyes]

Kauai is my absolute favourite island! Honolulu isnt the most amazing shopping experience (imo), but it is the best shopping of the islands. Personally that would never outweigh the total amazingness that is Kauai, not even for a day trip!

Enjoy!

So helpful to know! Thank you! What do you love about Kauai? What should I definitely eat and see?

 

[chere]

I haven’t been to Hawaii yet but I don’t see it as a shopping destination. I would keep my eyes out for Hawaiian Obsidian (lava rock glass), maybe a paper weight, and get the hubby a Hawaiian shirt.

There are direct flights home from Honolulu for me. I would plan it as my last stop.

 

[diamondyes]

I haven’t been to Hawaii yet but I don’t see it as a shopping destination. I would keep my eyes out for Hawaiian Obsidian (lava rock glass), maybe a paper weight, and get the hubby a Hawaiian shirt.

There are direct flights home from Honolulu for me. I would plan it as my last stop.

Yes this is what it sounds like to me! A place to relax at the beach- not for shopping

 

[Ann]

I love, love Kauai. My fav island, I've been many times. Like the others have said, it's not a shopping area. There are a few jewelry stores, mostly pearls. Enjoy the beauty of the island! And book a helicopter tour!

 

[lulu_ma]

Is this your first time in Hawaii? If so, definitely do a luau. Another idea-a day excursion with Captain Andy's and a Napali sunset cruise. I would have done both if I had had the time.

 

[diamondyes]

I love, love Kauai. My fav island, I've been many times. Like the others have said, it's not a shopping area. There are a few jewelry stores, mostly pearls. Enjoy the beauty of the island! And book a helicopter tour!

Ok!! Thanks for sharing! What do you love apart from the helicopter tour? I know nothing about Hawaii!

 

[diamondyes]

Is this your first time in Hawaii? If so, definitely do a luau. Another idea-a day excursion with Captain Andy's and a Napali sunset cruise. I would have done both if I had had the time.

Ok!! Thank you so much for the tips! Yes my first time in Hawaii and I know nothing.

 

[lulu_ma]

Ok!! Thank you so much for the tips! Yes my first time in Hawaii and I know nothing.

Might be fun to rent a car and drive around the island one day and check out Hanalei Bay-I think South Pacific was filmed there? There’s also a lighthouse. Also, eat lots of Hawaiian shave ice

 

[stracci2000]

Ok!! Thank you so much for the tips! Yes my first time in Hawaii and I know nothing.

You should get a guidebook and study up on what to do and see.
It would be a shame to go all that way and miss something cool like a blowhole or a secret beach.
And you must go snorkeling. It is truly unreal to see the beautiful fish and other sea life under all that water! You may encounter the huge green sea turtles or "honu". It's really a thrilling experience.

 

[llamacat]

We went to Hawaii for our honeymoon.
A week each on Oahu, Kauai and Big Island.
We did Maui on a separate trip.

Out of all the islands I found Kauai to be the most relaxing. As others have said, Waimea Canyon and the Nepali coast are amazing. We also did some hiking and visited the black sand beach and the green sand beach.

We went to the Smiths Family luau on Kauai and recommend it. We went to another luau on Oahu but liked the Smiths family one much more.

Also, theres wild roosters and hens running about the island, and occasionally some pigs. Found it unusual to see roosters on the beach.

 

[stracci2000]

We went to Hawaii for our honeymoon.
A week each on Oahu, Kauai and Big Island.
We did Maui on a separate trip.

Out of all the islands I found Kauai to be the most relaxing. As others have said, Waimea Canyon and the Nepali coast are amazing. We also did some hiking and visited the black sand beach and the green sand beach.

We went to the Smiths Family luau on Kauai and recommend it. We went to another luau on Oahu but liked the Smiths family one much more.

Also, theres wild roosters and hens running about the island, and occasionally some pigs. Found it unusual to see roosters on the beach.

OMG, you make me wanna go back right now!
The chickens were everywhere!

 

[diamondyes]

Thank you everyone! Great idea to pick up a guidebook

 

[lulu_ma]

Thank you everyone! Great idea to pick up a guidebook

Kauai is small. This web guide might suffice.

https://www.fodors.com/world/north-america/usa/hawaii/kauai

I'm super excited for you! Kauai is my favorite Hawaiian island. Here are a couple of pics from my last trip there. Getting out on the water is imperative-the views from the water are just spectacular. Also, I saw the prettiest little church there.

 

[Neptune]

Thank you everyone! Great idea to pick up a guidebook

How exciting! Have you packed your holiday wardrobes yet? The new skirt would be great fun for a romantic stroll down to the beach…just saying.

 

[diamondyes]

Kauai is small. This web guide might suffice.

https://www.fodors.com/world/north-america/usa/hawaii/kauai

I'm super excited for you! Kauai is my favorite Hawaiian island. Here are a couple of pics from my last trip there. Getting out on the water is imperative-the views from the water are just spectacular. Also, I saw the prettiest little church there.

Thank you!! Those are gorgeous pics!

 

[diamondyes]

How exciting! Have you packed your holiday wardrobes yet? The new skirt would be great fun for a romantic stroll down to the beach…just saying.

Ooo good to know!!

 

[lulu_ma]

Thank you!! Those are gorgeous pics!

You picked the best island!

 

[88_star]

Echo what everyone has said - Kauai is definitely the island for relaxing, gorgeous natural views, and roosters the Na Pali coast has the most amazing views whether you go up on small hike or take a helicopter tour. Lots of waterfalls to see too. My husband and I spent about a week in Hawaii with stops on the Big Island (main thing to see there is the Volcano National Park), short stay in Honolulu where we met up with my aunt who was also vacationing there, then Kauai. Kauai was our favorite by far.

 

[whitewave]

Kauai is my favorite island also, but it’s early to bed with no nightlife. It’s the place to snorkel, see the Hawaiian grand canyon and have beach days.

We did a four wheeler tour in old koala town where it was the Jurassic park scenery. It lasted 3-4 hours and was awesome.

If you like Kauai, you are supposed to tell your friends to go to Maui.

Kauai is special.

 

[stracci2000]

If you like Kauai, you are supposed to tell your friends to go to Maui

Haha!
I adore Maui! But all the islands are paradise.