Explore the Shops at Hilton Hawaiian Village

90 Shops and Restaurants are More Than Enough for a Visiting Family on a Hawaiian Vacation.

I finally got the chance to explore through most of the shops when my daughter and girlfriend visited Hawaii and as a treat, they stayed two days at the Hilton Hawaiian Village to be in Waikiki. I’d run through there in the past, but I took some time to see what was out there. Considering the alternative shopping area to the HHV is the Waikiki strip, about a mile walk one way, some vacationers could get enough shopping done without leaving the grounds. The shops are spread out over the grounds and situated in 8 areas, mostly associated with the different towers. I went out in the morning in search of a cup of coffee, which actually lead me through quite a few of the shopping areas before I found my caffeine fix.

I started with a true Waikiki staple, the ABC store. For the uninitiated, these general merchandise stores are on most corners are a traveler’s salvation for picking up forgotten or quick essentials. But once you get in the door, it’s pretty amazing what is found in the inventory, and I found the one at the HHV especially well merchandised (not all ABC stores are equal). They were a bit understaffed though, with longer lines than I like to stand in, but go in and scout out lots of Hawaii stuff you can’t live without.

ABC staples – that beach coverup huge variety of slippers and the best snack on the beach – Maui chips!

I enjoyed browsing through sister stores, Maui Girl and Making Waves, on the bottom floor of the Kalia Tower. These local stores have beach basics, lots of great hats, a darling children’s section, and even some designer pieces that showcase fashion here on the island. Look here for that flowy piece that will put some aloha in your day, for a reasonable price.

(Left) a sample of Hawaiian pareo to wrap around yourself. (Right) window shopping at Adonia.

The LeSport store has all the latest Hawaiian designs exclusive to the island, so all I can recommend is that you check these out and take one home so you can have one that no one else has yet. Another store that I’ve purchased from before is Adonia. What drew me in was the bags they had in the window displays, teamed up with dresses and accessories. I felt for sure the merchandise would be outside my price range, but it wasn’t. It just looked like it was. And I bought a dress to wear to my daughter’s wedding function. It had a small spot, so they kept it a day to clean it and then encouraged me to come back to show me how to wear it and accessorize it. (sometimes I need help like that). Other favorites for me were Na Hoku, my favorite jewelry store on the island, Making Waves for swimwear that’s perfect for Waikiki Beach, and of course Honolulu Cookie Company. But there are too many more to review now, so I suggest any visitor to Waikiki browse here, whether you are staying at the Hilton or not. These shops are quiet, shaded, and quite varied. I recommend them.

Hawaiian LeSport bags. There are a variety of designs exclusive to the island.

Posted by: Bruce Fisher on May 7, 2011