
While renowned for its raw
natural beauty, the island of Kauai offers the complete vacation experience,
from outdoor activities and attractions to fine dining and shopping.
The shopping scene here, in fact, may pleasantly surprise you—although
it’s the least populated among Hawaii’s four counties, the
Garden Isle offers a wealth of retail shops and mini-malls worth a visit.
Our
shopping tour begins in Poipu, the resort area located at the southern
point of Kauai. Once known as the Kiahuna Shopping Village, the Poipu
Shopping Village features an open-air garden setting with an array of
shops, services and eating establishments. The specialty shops here
sell jewelry, artwork, apparel, accessories and more.
In
Kapaa on Kauai’s eastern side, the Coconut Marketplace is a unique
open-air shopping complex with more than 70 shops and restaurants on
its premises. The layout includes plantation-style kiosks situated within
the center of the exterior in-line shops. Here you’ll find resort
wear, jewelry, local artwork, collectibles, crafts and more. Hula performances
are held every Wednesday at the Center Stage.
Kukui
Grove Center, situated just south of the government seat of Lihue, bills
itself as Kauai’s largest shopping center (35 acres). Included
here are well-known stores like Macy’s, Sears, K-Mart, Borders
Books and a variety of smaller shops. Also here is a four-screen multiplex
theater.
Centrally
located in east Kauai is Kapaa Village, which offers 110,000 square
feet of retail space. Opened in 1990, the shopping center has about
30 shops and restaurants that appeal to both residents and visitors.
Among the distinctive features here are two impressive "whaling
wall" murals painted by Wyland, the internationally renowned marine
artist.
Heading
north, stop by the plantation-themed Princeville Shopping Center and
browse through more than 35 shops and restaurants.
Other
shopping centers on Kauai include Ching
Young Village in Hanalei, Kauai Village in Kapaa and Rice Shopping
Center in Lihue. Additional shops and specialty boutiques are available
at individual hotels and resorts. Happy shopping!