Hawai'i offers some of the world's most unique shopping experiences. Here are some tips for the avid shopper:
Click on the Shopping sign post to see where you can find the answers to your shopping needs!
Clothing/Furnishings
1. Avoid shopping in hotels stores and boutiques...they are usually geared to tourists and the mark-up is higher than what you would find at the local malls.
2. If you see something you like, buy it! Sometimes, products are sold out even before you walk out the door!
3. Honolulu has a number of outlet stores and surplus, such as the Waikele Shopping Center located in West Oahu. These stores offer a 30-50% savings on clothes and household furnishings.
4. Don't worry, there are KMARTs, WALMARTs, COSTCOs and SAMS CLUBs on Oahu!
5. Go exploring! The downtown area offers many ethnic stores that offer items you won't find anywhere else in the world.
Food
1. Utilize the commissary! Food prices here are generally 35% higher than on the mainland.
2. Avoid the small markets in the tourist areas...they tend to charge more.
3. Avoid roadside stands...they also cater to tourists and offer expensive wares.
Hawai'i charges a 4% excise tax that is added on to all merchandise purchased here (including food!).