A Guide for Big Island Treasure Hunters
Kona has its share of thrift and vintage options, but Hilo has a character all its own. Shopping here, you’ll find fewer big box stores or tourist gift shops, and more small, independently owned businesses run by people who genuinely love what they do. While many visitors flock to the well-known stores in Hawaii, some of the best shopping in Hilo is found tucked away in these soulful storefronts. Almost every shop on this list has earned its following the same way: through personal service, a carefully chosen inventory, and owners who are happy to talk story, share the history of a piece, or help you find exactly what you are looking for.
That kind of experience is harder to find than it used to be, and Hilo has it in abundance. Most of these shops do little to no advertising and rely almost entirely on word of mouth. That means the people who know about them tend to be the ones who sought them out, and the ones who go back are the ones who were treated well. Whether you are searching for vintage aloha shirts, mid-century furniture, or a unique souvenir, you’ll find that these treasures are just a short drive from our Big Island bed and breakfast.
Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / AJ Feducia
Blue Hawaii Antiques
271 Keawe St.
Blue Hawaii Antiques is one of the most loved antique shops on the Big Island. Owner Bruce has a strong eye for quality, pulling together mid-century modern pieces, Scandinavian glass, Danish furniture, vintage lighting, art, jewelry, and a hand-selected collection of vinyl. It is not the cheapest stop, but guests consistently say that everything here feels like it belongs in a museum.
Knicknackery
84 Ponahawai St.
Owner Kelii at Knicknackery is deeply knowledgeable about Hawaiiana, having developed a passion for it from a young age, and he brings in a wide variety of quality pieces with stories to match. The shop is beautifully laid out and the inventory changes often, so no two visits are the same.
Kelii is also known for his warmth, his honesty in consignment situations, and the very good chance he will send you off with a puakenikeni or gardenia. Worth every minute you spend there.
Stella’s Place
259 Keawe St.
Stella’s Place focuses on consigned clothing from locals, with a well-organized mix of everyday pieces, vintage finds, and Hawaii-made brands. Inventory changes often, but alongside casual wear, you’ll find vintage aloha shirts and pieces from well-known local designers like Manuhealiʻi, Reyn Spooner, Tori Richard, and Sig Zane. Prices tend to reflect the quality and rarity, but still feel reasonable compared to what you might find elsewhere.
The shop is run by Stella’s daughter, who is warm, opinionated in the best way, and happy to weigh in as you try things on in the dressing room. Inventory rotates weekly, so it is worth coming back more than once.
Rainbow Country Vintage
56 Waianuenue Ave, Room 215
Rainbow Country Vintage is a women-owned local business tucked upstairs, across from the Friday Night Market. The selection is small but thoughtfully curated, with vintage clothing, timeless pieces, handmade bikinis, great aloha wear, and locally made jewelry at very reasonable prices.
The owners post regularly on Instagram, so you can see what is in stock before you visit. If sustainable, locally rooted shopping matters to you, this one is worth the climb upstairs.
Dollhouse
203 Kilauea Ave.
Dollhouse is a women’s consignment shop that also carries men’s aloha shirts. The clothes are well priced, the selection is solid, and the owner is known for being genuinely kind and helpful. It’s hard to leave empty-handed.
Auntie’s Closet
24 Haili St.
At Auntie’s Closet, you will find books, art from local artists, clothing, DVDs, postcards, and a genuinely inviting atmosphere that makes it easy to lose track of time. Owner Tatiana is warm and easy to talk to, and the shop has the kind of community feel that keeps people coming back.
She’s even set up a time capsule letter station where you can write a note to yourself and choose the month you want it mailed back to you, complete with a Hawaiian postage stamp.
Hawaii’s Trading Post
110 Hualalai St.
Hawaii’s Trading Post is the kind of place where you go in for a quick look and stay for an hour. Owner Ray is known for great deals, good conversation, and making everyone feel like a regular. The shop carries antiques, vintage instruments, Hawaiian collectibles, and a rotating mix of treasures.
Rainbow Connection
16-711 Milo St.
Rainbow Connection is located a bit further out in Keaau, but is well worth the short drive. You’ll be greeted by about 3,000 square feet of eclectic thrift space with collectibles, kitchen items, tools, furniture, retro finds, plants, and more. Owners Tamara and Sarah bring a lot of energy and warmth to the shop, and there is even a small cafe being built out in the back.
Transfer Station Thrift Store
1471 Hoʻolaulima Road
One of the more interesting thrift options on the island is the Hilo Transfer Station Thrift Store. Every Transfer Station on the Big Island operates a small thrift shop alongside its waste facility, keeping furniture, clothing, books, and household items out of landfills and back into use. The Hilo location has more inventory than most other stations combined, is well organized, has friendly and helpful staff, and the prices are among the best you will find anywhere on the island.
Close to Home: Coopers Center in Volcano
19-4030 Wright Rd.
You do not have to drive all the way to Hilo to find a good thrift shop. If you are staying at Volcano Village Estates, Coopers Center is less than a mile away and is one of the best little thrift and book shops on the island. It carries crafts, art, gifts, books, CDs, DVDs, clothing, accessories, and household items. Hours run Tuesday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and during the Volcano Sunday Market on Sundays from 6:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. They also hold half-off sales on everything the first and third Saturday of each month, which is a good reason to time your visit accordingly.
A Few Tips Before You Go
Call ahead when possible. Many of these shops keep limited hours and do not update their online listings regularly.
Bring cash as a backup since smaller resale spots do not always accept cards.
Go with an open mind. The best finds in places like these are rarely the ones you set out looking for.
Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Ben Ono
Embracing the Treasure Hunt in Hilo
Part of the “Aloha Spirit” is appreciating the history and stories behind the things we carry with us, and there is no better way to connect with the authentic heart of the Big Island than by supporting these local shopkeepers. Whether you return to your room with a vintage record, a hand-carved bowl, or simply a great story from a new friend, these finds become the souvenirs that truly matter.
After a day of exploring the charming streets of Hilo and hunting for treasures, there is nothing quite like the drive back up the mountain to the quiet, cool air of the rainforest. We invite you to make Volcano Village Estates your home base for your next island adventure. You can spend your mornings exploring the wonders of the National Park and your afternoons uncovering the hidden gems of Hilo, all while knowing a comfortable bed and a peaceful rainforest setting are waiting for you at the end of the day.
Ready to start your Big Island treasure hunt? View our available rooms and book your stay today.