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!