7 Best Places to Shop in Kailua Kona

Surprising as it may seem for a coastal enclave along the western coast of Hawaii's namesake big island, Kailua Kona is a shopper's paradise. Not in the traditional sense of mainland mega-malls, suburban outlets, or urban commerce among towers of glass and steel. Instead, the retail experience is far more bucolic.

In between ocean excursions, hiking amongst ancient volcanic landscapes, and soaking up intoxicating rays of sunshine on area beaches, retail therapy occupies rarified air, given the community's diversity of shops, boutiques, and marketplaces. Yes, there are plenty of staples and big-name brands throughout the area, but there's also art and sculptor, handmade jewelry and fresh-grown produce, and an abundance of gear for your Big Island adventures on land or sea.

Whether you're a local fulfilling a few needs and wants or a visitor hoping to bring home a piece of this dreamy oceanfront haven, you'll find what you're looking for at one of these seven best places to shop in Kailua Kona.

Where better to start a list of the best places for shopping in Kailua Kona than in one of the area's most popular and beloved retail locations—the Ali'i Gardens Marketplace. Set up like a farmers market, but with the distinct vibe of a traveling road show, the open-air marketplace sits less than three miles south of the Kailua Kona town center.

Featuring nearly 50 shops and quick eat stands, including shops for trinkets and souvenirs, local artwork, handmade crafts, coffee, and shaved ice, an hour here will quickly melt into several as you'll want to linger at each one. There are even opportunities to learn how to play the ukulele, take a pottery lesson, and indulge in local barbeque and exceptionally delicious crepes.

From an artistic standpoint, the Big Island is a cornucopia of inspiration. From sublime coastal scenes to dramatic interior landscapes to the starkness of being isolated in the middle of the world's largest ocean, local artists are well-positioned to convey Hawaii’s and Kailua Kona's unique standing as a place of awe and wonder through an array of mediums.

You can procure many of their outstanding creations through Kailua Kona's roster of art galleries, studios, and boutiques. Among the most notable are the Gupton Gallery, Kona Oceanfront Gallery, and the Rokoff Studio & Art Gallery. For those inclined to secure local art online, the family-owned Colors of Paradise Gallery offers a wide selection of original, locally-inspired art.

If you're seeking out mainstream brands with a dash of local flavor, the Kona Commons Shopping Center satisfies both requirements. Considered one of the top overall retail experiences on the Big Island, Kona Commons boasts 27 stores and restaurants in the northwestern corner of Kailua Kona's most prominent retail districts.

Major national retailers such as Target, Ross, Office Max, Petco, and Old Navy anchor the shopping center. A handful of fast-casual dining establishments are situated between the stores, with another 20 eateries sitting less than a mile away. Popular local stores celebrating Hawaiian roots include Aloha Grown, Hawaiian Island Creations, and Island Naturals Market and Deli.

Farmers markets have long been fantastic destinations for gaining a better sense of the local vibe of a town or city. From tasting the native produce or area farm-raised meats to crafts made from locally sourced materials and the artisans who make them, few experiences can match the immediacy of an outstanding Farmers Market.

Such is the case for the Kona Farmers Market, a must-visit for those looking for fresh produce, local snacks, and handmade crafts and jewelry. Located at the corner of Ali'i Drive and Hualalai Road, near the town center of Kailua Kona, the market is a dynamic spot to immerse yourself in the local culture and support local farmers and artisans.

After visiting the market, you can admire the adjacent and gorgeous built St. Michael the Archangel Church or head across Ali'i Drive and spend time in the oceanfront Hale Halawai Beach Park.

Just north of Hale Halawai Park, the Kona Inn Shopping Village is conveniently situated on Ali'i Drive, in the heart of Kailua Kona. Overlooking the picturesque Oneo and Kailua Bays, the vibrant location provides visitors access to prime shopping in Kailua Kona. One of the best opportunities to experience a wide range of local highlights, boutiques, and restaurants is within walking distance of historical landmarks (Hulihe'e Palace and Mokuaikaua Church), popular beaches, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.

The charming open-air shopping complex offers diverse retail options, including one of the largest concentrations of Hawaiian-centric shops anywhere on the Big Island. Nearly 50 stores and eateries occupy the Kona Inn Village, which stretches the length of two football fields to the west of Ali'i. Visitors can explore a variety of stores offering unique gifts, clothing, jewelry, and artwork. Cross over Ali'i Drive, and more buying opportunities exist at the World Square Shopping Plaza and Kona MarketPlace.

The charming Holualoa Village is fifteen minutes southeast of Kailua Kona, amid several notable Hawaiian coffee farms. A haven for shoppers, art lovers, and coffee enthusiasts, the area dates back to the Big Island's earliest days as an agrarian community, first taking root in the later 1820s.

While much of current-day Holualoa rests majestically along the Pacific coastline, the village reveals itself along Mamalahoa Highway between the Old Government Road junctions. Here you'll find a broad sampling of locally grown coffee and 12 art galleries, including Glyph Art Gallery, Kona Art Gallery, and Studio 7 Fine Arts.

Finally, for those seeking a half or full-day shopping excursion beyond the beautiful shores of Kailua Kona, you won't be disappointed in the beautiful shores of Puako and Waikoloa Village, 20 minutes north of Kona International Airport. Home to numerous luxury resorts and oceanfront golf courses, it's also the location for the twin outdoor resort retail centers King's Shops and Queens’ Marketplace.

The height of Big Island shopping in its trademark tropical setting, Queen's Marketplace is the larger of the two outdoor malls. It boasts more than 50 stores, restaurants, and services set around an expansive courtyard with plenty of shady spots to rest and relax from a day of shopping.

After a short, 200-yard walk along Waikoloa Beach Drive, King's Shops welcomes you with the same tropical ambiance, this time set upon a serene lake. Over 35 stores and eateries fill the directory, which features several high-end luxury brands like Michael Kors, Tiffany and Co., and the renowned Roy's Waikoloa. Across both shopping destinations, events, live music performances, and cultural activities are held throughout the year.

Are you ready to immerse yourself in a luxurious Hawaiian lifestyle, including the various marketplaces and artisanal shops that represent the best shopping in Kailua Kona? Contact the team at Hawaii Global Luxury today to start your Hawaiian real estate journey. From Waikoloa Village real estate to luxury homes for sale in Kailua-Kona, our team's experience and expertise will help you discover your piece of Big Island paradise.