Kailua Shopping Guide
The small-town meets tropical jungle charm of Kailua expresses itself in the form of some seriously great shopping. We understand that where you choose to live means much more than the four walls of house and with that, we've created guides to help you understand all things Live, Eat, Play, and Shopping in Kailua.
From boutique to big box, you’ll find everything you need plus plenty you don’t in The Kailua Town Shopping Center, while The Aikahi Shopping Center has mostly practical needs such as a fine wine store and a yoga studio (you know, essentials). The Enchanted Lake Shopping Center has a variety of exotic food choices and the Kailua Cinema.
Still, places like the Kailua Farmer’s Market or The Kalapawai Market remain anchors of the town’s culture, forever a gathering spot. Here are all the best places to shop around Kailua.
1.) Kailua Town Shopping Center
Kailua Town Center is probably the most well-known of Kailua’s shopping plazas. It’s easy to see why-with inspiring views of Kailua Beach, Hawaii’s beloved Times Supermarket, heat-beating shaved ice from Island Snow, plus one of the most diverse menus of retail shops in Kailua, this mall is a can’t miss. Here are just a few of Kailua Town Center’s highlights.
- Kailua Crystals is the place to go when you need to stock up on herbs and minerals and get your aura cleared, all in one spot. This is more than a metaphysical shop, however. Kailua Crystals positions themselves as a pillar of the local spiritual community by hosting classes, yoga sessions, and sound baths.
View this profile on Instagram - Down to Earth. This grocery store has supported Kailua’s need for healthy and organic food since nineteen seventy-seven. The finest locally grown fruits and veggies from Kailua’s farmers are found at Down To Earth. You can order something delicious to-go or grab some fresh food from their vegetarian Deli.
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• Kailua Nailcare. Boasting over twenty-five years in business, Kailua Nailcare is one of the most trusted salons on the Windward Side of the Oahu. Have a look at some of the custom nail art they’ve created, and you’ll see how they’ve defended their title as best nail spa in Kailua for so long!
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• BookEnds. Looking for Kailua’s local, independent neighborhood bookstore, with an impressive collection of new and used books and vinyl? From mystery to romance, when you’re hunting for the latest titles in Kailua, BookEnds is the spot to head to. They also host regular book signings and meet-the-author events, which you can keep up with on their Facebook page.
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• Kimo’s Surf Hut. You’ve hit Kailua’s surf shop jackpot. Here you’ll find a massive selection of over seven hundred new, used, and vintage surfboards, and stand-up paddleboards. The floor of Kimo’s Surf Hut is made of surfboards, each with their history and story of how they came to live at Kimo’s. The shop itself is completely family-owned and operated, so if you’re around at the right time, you might get to hear some of the histories for yourself. The floor, plus the vintage boards on the wall, are enough of a reason to visit Kimo’s Surf Hut when shopping in Kailua Town Center.
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• The Bike Shop. Whatever your chosen path is as a bicyclist, whether it’s racing, mountain biking, recreational, or commuting, The Bike Shop has you covered. The team there can help you diagnose issues and repair your bike, or even assemble a custom piece completely from scratch. This business has been Kailua’s preferred Bike Shop since nineteen eighty-seven, so you can trust that their expertise has been tested.
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2.) Enchanted Lake Shopping Center
The Enchanted Lake Shopping Center is best known for being home to the grocery store Safeway, as well as its abundant food choices, which ranges from Korean to Greek, to Pizza. You’ll also find practical household needs like pet care from Enchanted Pet Shop, and a few big-name brands like Starbucks and McDonald’s. Enchanted Lake Shopping Center is also where you’ll go to catch a flick at the luxurious Kailua Cinemas.
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• Enchanted Lake Pet Center. Locally owned and operated for more than thirty years, Enchanted Lake Pet Center continues to serve Kailua’s pet, pet supply, and pet care needs. You’ll find pets for purchase such as chameleons and salamanders, rabbits, and guinea pigs. With a reputation such as Enchanted Lake Pet’s, you can trust that you’re getting a healthy animal that has been well-cared for before coming home. You can also find all your animal care basics, including those for dogs and cats, in Kailua’s premier pet store.
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• Ben Franklin Crafts. On the website for Ben Franklin Crafts, they proudly proclaim “Follow your passion, we’ll provide the supplies.” And we’d say this store does exactly that. Ben Franklin Crafts is not only Kailua’s go-to for arts and crafts supplies, but also Hawaii’s go-to art store. With locations on Oahu, Maui, and The Big Island, Ben Franklin is your essential Hawaiian Craft store carrying lei-making books, kits, and materials, including kukui nuts.
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3.) Aikahi Shopping Center
This is one of your more practical shopping centers in Kailua, hosting essentials such as a Texaco gas station, Edward Jones Investments, and Aloha Behavioral Practice. Still, Aikahi Shopping Center has its fun side, with several food options and even a yoga studio for unwinding.
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• Tamura’s Fine Wine and Liquors. This business is owned by the same family that runs the original Tamura Super Market, so you can trust that the Tamura standard of low pricing paired with high quality applies here. For the last eleven years, Tamura’s Fine Wine and Liquors has been voted as Hawaii’s Magazine’s “Readers’ Choice Awards, Best Wine Shop”. You’ll find the best selection of wines, liquors, and cigars in Kailua, at Tamura’s.
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• Aikahi Hair Salon. Whether your hair is seeking deep treatment relief from the harsh Kailua sun, or you just need a quick trim, you'll find that during a visit to Aikahi Hair Salon. Serving Kailua’s hair needs for over twenty-two years, this salon accepts men, women, and kids of all ages. Aikahi aims to be a place of relaxation and transformation- whichever you’re needing most at of at the time.
• Bella Kai Yoga. When you’re ready to do the inner work from the outside, you’ll appreciate the safe and serene studio and massage space offered by Bella Kai Yoga. This business is veteran-owned and women-led, which shows in how much they give back to the community: Bella Kai offers discounts to the military, first responders, school teachers, and students. They even host a free yoga class every Wednesday night for all active duty and veterans. Bella Kai Yoga is one of Kailua’s most inclusive environments where all are welcome-it’s also quite popular, so make sure to book your yoga class or massage in advance.
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4.) Main Grocery Stores/everyday needs:
Beyond family-owned shops, breathtaking beaches, and endless natural beauty, Kailua also has all your basic shopping needs supplied by brands you’ll recognize across the nation. Here’s a rundown of some of the bigger stores-
- Wholefoods is your go-to for big-name organic and natural food shopping.
- Safeway in the Enchanted Lake Shopping Center has everything you’d expect from your neighborhood chain grocery store.
- Longs Drugs (Kailua Town) is now operated by CVS and will have all of your basic pharmacy finds.
- Times Supermarket is a chain started by Okinawan immigrants that has faithfully served Hawaii since nineteen forty-nine.
- Target has your classic ‘go in for one item and come out with sixteen’ trips covered.
- UPS in Kailua Town Shopping Center has all your shipping and packaging solutions.
- Napa Autoparts in the Kailua Town Center has auto parts, tools, and other must-haves for heavy-duty trucks, marine, and farming equipment.
5.) Other shopping
Kailua is a unique community and has so much to offer, that not everything fits neatly into a category. When you have explored the chain stores and beachside, open-air malls, and are ready for a change of pace, consider some of these more traditional shopping options in Kailua.
- The Kailua Farmer’s Market. Every Sunday, The Kailua Town Farmers' Market unites the townspeople. Kailua collectively gathers in one space to shop for locally grown island fruits and flowers, Hawaiian food, and handcrafted art. Don’t leave without spending some time at the lush, open-air café where you can people watch and sip on locally grown coffee or tea.
View this profile on Instagram - The Kalapawai Market. Owned and operated by the Dymond family for decades, The Kalapawai Market has supported local farmers and brands since nineteen thirty-two. The bright, white, and blue buildings serve as a socializing spot for the community of Kailua, where small-town, big family values are very much alive. The vibe here is all aloha. Check out the Full-service deli and food store or grab some locally grown coffee, souvenirs, t-shirts, and other handmade goods from The Kalapawai Market, a foundation of the Kailua community.
View this profile on Instagram - Manoa Chocolate. Bean-to-bar is a critical moment in the history of chocolate, a parallel to the craft beer and cider industry. This movement focuses on telling the story of where the cacao is grown and paying farmers around the world fair and livable wages. Manoa Chocolate is at the front of this movement, right here in Kailua. Once a startup powered by college kids, Manoa Chocolate has grown to be a jewel in Hawaii’s chocolate production- but don’t take our word for it, have a look for yourself! You can take a full tour of the production facility, similar to touring a brewery. After your tour, have a sweet time at the tasting room and grab some to-go chocolate at Manoa’s retail shop.
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