In Hawaii, the adventures you experience will make memories of a lifetime. Photos are valuable to bring home to show friends and family all that you took part in. Big Island shopping for souvenirs can also be a big part of any vacation. Souvenirs make excellent gifts. Gifts may range from a rare flower to a piece of jewelry to a simple postcard.
Luckily for you, Big Island shopping is unlimited here in our neck of the woods. There are plenty of local shops to peruse near our Volcano bed and breakfast. If you’re looking for something in particular, let our staff know and we’ll lead you to the right place. Read on to learn about some of our favorite shops on the Big Island.
Big Island Shopping in Volcano
Situated at the foot of Mauna Loa, our culture in Volcano is unique to the chain of islands. Here, you’ll find specialty shops that will delight your curiosities.
If you or someone you know is a plant freak, you’ll LOVE this place. The family-owned and operated Akatsuka Orchid Gardens is home to the rarest and most beautiful orchids on the planet. Browse their large growing room and purchase any orchid you see. They will ship your new flower back to your home; all their orchids are approved to be shipped back to the mainland.
For handmade crafts, look no further than 2400 Fahrenheit. This local shop is run by a husband-and-wife team based in Volcano for over 20 years. Their exquisite creations for sale include vessels, vases, sculptures, jewelry, and furniture. Beautiful in color and unique in composition (they even use lava in their creations!), find whatever suits you, big or small, to compliment your home or office.
Voted year after year as the best gallery on the Big Island, the Volcano Art Center Gallery is a great place to browse a wide variety of pieces created by local artists. Located within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, there is something for everyone here. Metal sculptures, intimate photographs of the Hawaiian landscape, books, Hawaiian body products, paintings, and ceramic dining ware are all offered here. This is a one-stop-shop for those on your gift-giving list.
Big Island Shopping in Pāhoa
Pāhoa is a funky town on the southeast corner of the Big Island. This small, fun community is just a 45-minute drive from our Volcano bed and breakfast and 35 minutes from Hilo. Small towns can make for perfect Big Island shopping!
A beloved gem on the Big Island, the Maku’u Farmers Market in Pāhoa is a vibrant get-together of local vendors selling organic produce, cooked foods, and special crafts. It is open on Sundays from 8am to 2pm with a $2 entrance fee. For the youngsters in your family, visit the cady booths and bring back some sweet macadamia nut brittle. If you like the finer things, look for handmade leather goods and wood tiki carvings.
If you have a sweet tooth, Bananarama Bakery in old town Pāhoa is the place to go. Their focus at this bakery is to make delicious sweets accessible to all. Gluten-free, vegan, sugar-free, and allergen friendly pastries are all included on their large menu. Surprise a loved one on your Hawaii trip with a bag of fresh cookies or bring some home! For keepsakes, consider buying local coffee, macadamia nuts, and even locally made banana-scented soap.
Big Island Shopping in Hilo
Only a 45-minute drive from our Big Island bed and breakfast is the charming town of Hilo. One of the larger towns on the island of Hawaii, you’re bound to find the right store to buy gifts and souvenirs.
Kilauea Kreations
697 Manono St. #101, Manono Street Market Place, Hilo, HI 96720 / 19-3972 Volcano Rd, Volcano, HI 96785
The Kilauea Kreations quilt shop is run by folks from right here in Volcano. Having shops in both Hilo and Volcano, the stores feature one-of-a-kind quilts, pillows, and purses. If you have any friends you love to sew, maybe purchase them authentic Hawaiian patterns to be added to their own quilts. Give them a little piece of the Big Island!
One of the few children’s boutiques in Hilo, crib. is a quaint shop featuring island inspired goods for those in the gift giving spirit. If you’re welcoming a new family member into the world, check out their beach-themed security and swaddle blankets. If you’re bringing your kids on vacation with you, surprise them with Aloha bubble wands and a zany new pair of crocs.
It’s easy to soak up the beauty of your surroundings on the Big Island. Why not make a special someone feel beautiful, too? The Mermade Spa is an apothecary and beauty bar in the heart of downtown Hilo. They offer treatments including facials, eyelash extensions, waxing (for those highly anticipated beach days), and various spa packages. Give a little piece of the island to a lover or friend in the form of facial skincare: oil serum, sunrise brightening mask, exfoliators, and cleansers. The healing properties of the beach are no lie!
To dress the part while Big Island shopping, don’t miss Naupaka Island Designs. Along the Hilo Downtown Bayfront, this shop sells the signature quality of island style prints. They even consider themselves a bit “old school” in their designs. All clothing is made right here in Hilo, so you know the quality will be above and beyond. If you know someone who pulls off bright patterns and colors well, consider gifting them an authentic men’s Aloha shirt or a women’s sundress.
LewisKoa Co. features handcrafted Hawaiian Koa wood furniture, home decor, and other treasures. The family-run business takes pride in the high standard of their work. Find anything from stools to Koa urns to pet collar charms, all made from 100% local Koa wood. Find a rare pyrography (wood burning) piece to adorn on your walls back home.
When you go Big Island shopping, we promise you’ll find the perfect gift and keepsake for you, your friends, and family. You can pretty much find anything here like baked goods, rare flowers, and bright clothing to commemorate your Hawaiian getaway. Stay with us now at our Volcano bed and breakfast and we’ll help you find the right gift. Bring back a piece of Hawaii with you and spread aloha with us!
