Any vacation has an element of shopping for yourself; coworkers, friends and family back home and sometimes just as an activity. When the atmosphere and experience are appealing, that’s when even those not very interested in shopping will be appreciative of their time not being wasted.
Kona offers a mix of open air markets, shopping centers and art galleries. The best shopping experiences are those that are unique to you. Visiting with locals, hearing chatter about the area, watching items being made and finding handcrafted and locally-made items are facets of a Kona shopping day.
Stay nearby all the great shopping found in Kona in one of our Kona vacation rentals.
A must-see is a visit to Kona coffee farms. Combine the activities; visit a certified organic coffee farm, and shop, buy good coffee (the White House has ordered coffee from Kona RainForest). Acres of farmland, meeting the farmers themselves and tasting the product before buying is a complete shopping experience.
Jewelry is a popular item in Kona. Hawaiian royalty wore jewelry with pride and as part of daily attire, not a bad philosophy about enjoying the finer things. Ornate, heirloom, pearls or puka shells are features of Hawaiian jewelry. Not a bad idea to take home a trinket, even a simple sandal on a thin necklace, a functional and flirty souvenir.
Koa boxes, bonsai trees (can be shipped), sarongs and hula instruments are a few local items you’ll find at the open air markets, shops and stands. You will also find a good bit of these at the green markets (farmers’ markets) too. While many people visit farmers’ markets at home, it is always a local experience when you explore one while away. Local fruits and vegetables, exotic and heirloom goods and handcrafted items are worth exploring and Kona has fruit stands and markets just about any day of the week at various times.
After a long day of shopping, relax in one of our Kona luxury rentals.
Alii Gardens provides a one-stop shop for crafts, foods, jewelry and other local gifts. Here and at the green markets, if you’re staying in a vacation rental, you can select the freshest local eats to enjoy the same day you shop. While many shy away from conventional shopping centers, those in Hawaii offer added dimensions to shopping, with Hawaiian music and hula performances so it’s always more than just a trip to the mall. Kona Wine Market offers a variety of gourmet foods and wines and will even deliver to your vacation home or hotel.