Gotta get souvenirs/junk for our friends back home...where should we go? Hilo Hatties! Duh... Who cares if most of the stuff can be found in the Philippines for a 10th the price...lets keep those Filipinos employed and shop there! (by the way, I'm Filipino) They've got cheesy touristy things that you would probably never want for yourself, but hey...why not pass it off to a friend and call it a day? I personally like the coconut monkey piggy bank. He's the awesomest. Go there to buy ass loads of chocolates. It's a must. The clothing is okay if you don't mind the yucky fabric it's made out of. They've got an endless supply of mugs and shot glasses that anyone can enjoy. Lets just have a little fun once in a while and buy some junk. Junk rules!!! read more

Probably the most miserable Hilo Hattie I've ever seen. The store seems to be disintegrating and if you read back on some yelp posts, things have been broken for quite some time now. Aside from the woman who "lei-d" me, everyone in the store was really unfriendly. I came here to get use my free Dole Whip coupon I found in the magazine. When I got here, I was told that the machine was broken. Or actually, I was told it was broken and then told to go "read the sign". 1. Whaaaaaat! 2. RUDE! Anyways, looking back at the yelp posts, apparently its been broken for a few weeks now and they still haven't fixed it? How lameee. After walking around the store, I decided to use the bathroom. One of their toilets was out of order and their paper towel dispenser wasn't working. They've got enormous fans spread out around the store because the AC is still broken. There are gross black stains all over their carpets. And their creepy fluorescent are flickering. Usually this wouldn't be a big deal, but they're selling super cheapo touristy products at crazy prices so you'd think they'd at least try! AND if you're going to lure me into going all the way to your store for a free dole whip then your machine better damn well be ready to go! Go shop at a local mom and pop store rather than this tourist trap! read more

Hilo Hattie's is an island icon. Unfortunately the store's selection of merchandise has gone way downhill - and the lack of crowd shows it. (The parking lot used to be full on a regular basis; now there is a food truck sitting in one corner - and he had more business at 3:00 PM on a Wednesday afternoon that the store did.) The store used to be loaded with a full selection of clothing in all sizes (up to 4 and 5X in many cases), a decent selection of Hawaiian music CDs and scenic DVDs, jewelry (beware of the oyster bar), and souvenirs (both edible and non-edible). Now, one could play a decent game of pickup football in the store without running into a clothing rack or display case, with the lack of items on display. Save yourself the disappointment and go next door to Walmart or over to K-mart at Kukui Grove for island products. read more

Blehhhhhh this place hurt my head! I'm not sure if it was the awful fluorescent lighting that hummed dully overhead or the sheer size of the store that looked like someone threw up tacky tourist gifts all over the place. Mostly everything was way overpriced, and the things that weren't were incredibly cheaply made. When I visited Maui several years ago, I shopped at Hilo Hattie and had a completely different experience. At this location, the associates were all congregated at the front of the store chatting, not making themselves easily accessible if you had a question. Shop local instead! You can find much more unique gifts at reasonable prices in any of the towns on Kaua'i than you'll find here. read more

I went into Hilo Hattie specifically looking for a Birthday gift for my wife. I wouldn't say that she has everything, but she is very particular about everything especially jewelry. My sister-in-law joined me as we looked at the wide selection of earrings, necklaces, pearls, and bracelets. Jeanne helped us through the process, she was extremely attentive and helped pick out the perfect gifts. She was not pushy, but informative very patient as we could not make up our minds. At the very end, we walked out with a perfect gift that my wife just loves! Thank you again Jeanne and anyone looking for Jewelry I would highly recommend this place, your significant other will love it! read more

As a loyal customer of Hilo Hattie for 20 years, it pains me to tell people who are relieved to still see one open in Hawaii to skip this one. It will absolutely be closed by year's end. The A/C has been turned off and the amount of products they used to carry has been seriously cut. DO NOT buy chocolates from here! Think about how long all of that has been basically sweltering in no controlled environment with no air and big fans. Go next door to Walmart for a reliable product and lower price. While they try to hide under the guise of "new item" signs for a few things, if you look closely at things like decals and stickers, they are not being restocked. If you've ever loved this store location, keep it fondly in your memories like I wish we had. It was utterly depressing and they need to pull the plug sooner than later. read more

I'm pretty shocked to be writing this update but this Hilo Hattie seems to have turned things around a little bit. The AC is fixed! The Dole Whip machine is fixed! They still do the pearl treasure chest thing (unfortuntely)! Inventory has been improved as well, though prices are a little high, They carry most of the "Made in Kauai" products so it's a decent spot to get everything in one place - only decent since Foodland also carries everything for lower prices. read more

What separates this place from every other overpriced store full of imported junk on Kauai? They give you a free shell lei and candy and coffee sample at the door. Otherwise, there is nothing here not available anywhere else. Save your money and check out Walmart, K-mart, or Costco for your souvenirs. Seriously, expect $30 - $50 for a shirt and almost double the price for any food products. The other nick-knacks can be found almost anywhere on the island for a similar price, so if you really must have a piece of carved wood from Indonesia that has Hawaii and a flower on it for $20, knock your self out. They do have a coupon in the yellow books across the island for a free mug or women's sarong if you spend $20. read more

well if you want to go to the quintessential overpriced tourist joint, this is it! They have some decent attire, knickknacks, etc and I spent some dollars here but honestly some of the expensive items of what they have you can get much cheaper nearby. For example, if you want chocolate macadamia nuts and or caramel chocolate macadamia nuts etc GO TO COSTCO! flat out! For the price of 3 caramel boxes at HH you can get 6 at Costco... (hint) If you are from out of town aka not from Kauai and/or show a hotel room key/coupon from a mag you can get free stuff. They also have more free stuff as a key fob attachment. Regardless, I have issues with their pricing as it is ridiculous for some things. A toddler Hawaiian shirt for $30!!! O_O or a toddler dress for $30-$35!!!! just wow! I enjoyed the selection which was good. I found some of the same items in other shops for a $1 - $2 cheaper... so look around and then hit this place up on your way out of town... read more

Tourist Trap Central! This place is filled with junk that 99.9999% of the population that can afford to spend money on knick knacks would never buy. The only time it would be appropriate to purchase clothing from here would be for a tacky Hawaiian party. Beware!!! They will try to convince you to pay $7 to open an oyster and discover a pearl. Don't do it... as soon as you have your cheap pearl you will then be shown the $100+ settings to put it in. I fell sorry for the people who fall for this. read more

Tourist trap. You've been warned. 2-stars for the free shell lei and juice. read more

Been to the Lihue location once, but have been to other Hilo Hattie stores in Hawaii and one in California. This store is a bit smaller than most but carries all of the same items. I was put off by this store after finding the vast majority of their clothing is made in China, the Phillipines or Indonesia. This is not how they used to be. The Walmart is right next door to Hilo Hatties. I am no fan of Walmart, but they did have a whole section of the store that carried all of the same trinkets and food items that Hilo Hatties does, but MUCH cheaper. More importantly, they had aloha shirts for $9.99 that had tags on them saying "Proudly Made in Hawaii." Compare this to the foreign made aloha shirts I saw at Hilo Hattie selling for $35.99. There is a very nice Costco open in Lihue as well. They also carry Hawaiian made aloha shirts and a lot of the food items Hilo Hatties sells (much cheaper of course). And the Costco shirts, they said "Proudly Made in Hawaii." read more

I have been to Hawaii a half dozen times and had never visited Hilo Hattie. I was looking for something to bring home to my infant nephew and found a great outfit for him. The selection is huge. Lots of tacky souvenirs. Overall it was worth my trip and I will visit again in the future. read more

They sold me on the customer service! I walked in and they gave me a shell lei, free juice, and a coupon for one of those pick a pearl oyster deals. I liked it there - lots to see and buy - for not that much. They even had a table with free samples of coffee. Some items were really a deal. I bought Kauai calendars for .99 each and mugs were 2 for $5. Granted that my mom said the handle fell off on one... oops - they lost a star with that one. I also had a coupon for a free sarong with $10 purchase, so awesome! And I wore it at the beach the next day. So, I walked away a very happy camper - feeling I definately liked Hilo Hatties! read more

It is what it is--so what's the shame in that? If you want something that scream "I Went To Hawaii" but don't want to pay highway robbery prices, go here! Steer away from the Maui Divers Jewelry unless you want to pay $$$$ for the setting for your xx% off pearls... read more

I know it's a store that tourists frequent, but I actually like Hilo Hattie. I like the flag ship store on Oahu; I like the store in Kona; and I like this one. I can always find dresses and shirts here that are stylish. My son always gets a t-shirt when we visit. There are snacks, candies, mugs, keyrings, and other souvenirs to take back for co-workers, friends, etc. I frankly don't care that these items are made in China. Ninety+% of the items in most of our closets are made in other countries. Sheesh! I think it's kind of mean to single this place out especially since they are trying to survive a recent bankruptcy. Anyway, I usually stop at Hilo Hattie's when I visit the islands. Highly recommended. read more

If you're looking for one-stop souvenir shopping, this is probably the place for you. It's not far from the airport at all, so if you've just arrived or are about to leave Kauai, this is a good place to get your touristy shopping done. They have a great variety of clothing, but also many other kinds of souvenirs. The drawback is that you will likely pay slightly higher prices than you would at other stores. So shopping here more or less comes down to convenience. For example, some of the items sold here (some identical, some only similar) were a couple dollars less at the Walmart next door, so keep that in mind if you find something that costs more than you'd ideally want to pay for it. Lihue and some of the tourist sites around the island have plenty of items similar to those you'll find at Hilo Hattie's, so come here only if you prefer the convenience of its location and don't mind paying a little more. read more

I think most of the Hilo Hatties have closed, this one needs some repairs too. I always come here at least once on my vacation, it's an experience!!! Even if you don't buy something, it's fun to look around at all the items. It seems now though that they don't seem to offer as many things as they used to, not sure why. read more

We shopped here the first time we came to Kauai. We paid about $40 overall for matching outfits. They offer plenty of souvenirs and knick knacks. If you search hard enough, then there are deals to be found. Although most items are priced too high. The store itself is clean and organized. The staff is friendly and helpful. It is still a good place to check out for last minute items that you cannot find elsewhere. read more

11/12/11 Excellent service... after a long hard day at the beach we stopped by for some souvenirs and they lei'd us as we entered and enticed us with some coffee and treats! Wow! What a way to start your shopping experience! And they had all of the Hello Kitty Hawaii merchandise that I had been looking for! Never did I expect to find them here on Kauai! I think we left with too much stuff, but all of it was loved and appreciated by everyone back home! read more

Hawaii's tourist spot! I'm not sure why my friends and I sauntered into this shop. Heavens, I've been to one of these on almost every island I've visited and they are all the same. Perhaps it's the the clothes, or the nick-nacks or because it's the once place some one will grace me with lei. Naturally, I picked up a few gift items to bring home. Hopefully that will count me as a hero to some in my household...or provide a margin of grace for those unhappy they weren't shopping the place with me. Still, I can't be too harsh on Hilo Hattie. You want gift? They've got gifts! read more

Ok, so this place is a little bit kitschy and a tad bit overpriced, but who cares? The staff is super nice and you get to leave with a couple of free things. Upon arrival you get a lei and a free refreshing drink, a walk past the most delicious chocolate display ever, and a chance to open a treasure box complete with a consolation prize if you don't pick the right key. They have a wide variety of food stuffs, clothing and other knickknacks. If you don't like the price, then pick out something else. There is no pressure to buy anything but there is an awful lot of stuff to look at. Be sure to check each item you're interested in as not all items are from the Hawaiian Islands. If you want Hawaiian, buy Hawaiian. If you don't care then have free rein at the store. I actually went to the store twice because I needed to pick up a few things before we left the island. I'll visit again, but hopefully on a different island! read more

Giant souvenir shop that has a lot to offer. When you walk in they give you complimentary seashell necklaces. Maui divers jewelers are located inside and will give you a key to open the treasure box on the counter. If your key doesn't work, you get a consolation prize. I got 60% off choosing your own oyster for a pearl. I got a black pearl which they offered to make into jewelry (was a bit expensive to do that, so we opted not to). We then got dole whips, which were delicious! read more

I wish SOOOO much that I had read the reviews here before I entered the store!! They get your attention right away by offering you a key to a treasure chest! I'd recommend that you not take one unless you're ready to listen to a high-pressure sales pitch! The people with the treasure chest are NOT Hilo Hattie employees! They work for a company called Maui Divers, and they're trying to sell expensive jewelry. The key won't open the treasure chest, so then you'll be given a "consolation prize," which is a "coupon" for a percentage off of the price of a pearl in an oyster. That's when the high pressure begins. The pearl will only cost $6 and change, but they'll try to sell you an expensive setting for it!! I wish I had had the guts to run out of the store!! I won't be going back to Hilo Hattie's. I would give it zero stars if that were possible!! read more

Lots if nice tourists items to take home. Decent prices too. I really liked their collection of Hawaiian shirts.

I guess this is the "official" souvenir shop? Idk but this facility was located on a random side of the street, nothing really around it. Just park anywhere, they don't care. The building looks pretty old, and you can smell it too. But it's really nothing to complain about. Look out in some magazines for free stuff from here, it makes the trip really worth it. I got lots of chocolate, a T shirt, that free thing, some calendars, mugs, and lots of chocolate. All your souvenir shopping in one convenient place, at a decent price, although you could probably get it cheaper by the port where cruise ship docks, or at walmart. Either way, we got a free thing from here, so we're happy, plus we got free necklace when walking in, so that was fun also. Otherwise, this place is strictly for tourists, because the locals probably go to Walmart instead. Price is a bit hiked up but nothing unexpectedly expensive. Of course the next time I go to Kauaii I will stop by this place once during the whole visit, because this is the "official" souvenir shop of Hawaii. Why not. read more

This is, I gather, the main souvenir shop to hit. You'll find the most reasonable prices here, and you're going to feel welcome- as soon as you enter, you're given a shell lei, offered water or juice, and encouraged to enter the free trip contest. Souvenirs vary from a wide range of clothing to music, alcohol, cookies, candy, decorations, dolls, etc. In the middle they have a jewelry stand, where for ~$16 you can pick an oyster and find a pearl or two inside, which they'll make into a pendant, ring, earrings, etc. The women here really seem to enjoy their job, which makes it more fun to watch what kinds of pearls people get. I'd advise coming here as one of the first places on your stay; spend enough and they'll give you a sheet of coupons to use all over the area, at restaurants, ice cream parlors, spas, and golf courses. These coupons saved us a good $30 at least on our stay. The plane also gave us coupons for Hilo Hattie's itself- spend $10 and get a free box of chocolate covered macadamias, or $25 to get a free mug! read more

A little bit of everything in this store! If you're visiting Kauai you should for sure stop in here, as you enter they greet you with a shell necklace and offer samples. They have a lot of local made items from clothing to jewelry to home goods/decor to sundries. Considering how much they pack into a small building it's well organized and everyone is helpful. Bottom line - a must stop and it's SO close to the airport! read more

For those from NYC Hilo Hattie is equivalent to your local Souvenior shop for Tourists! A must for Kauai tourists to visit if you have to buy gifts for your gajillions of friends back home! Small perks: - You get Leahed every time you come here - Free passion fruit juice and coffee for customers - Super friendly staff ready and willing to help you satisfy all of your touristy shopping dreams! What you can find here: 1. Cheap versions of the high end Hawaiin shirts and dresses (Think Tommy Bahama or Tori "something") ($35-65 @ Hilo compared to 75-115) 2. Orchid and exotic flower seeds, and roots ($2-5) 3. Various keychains, salt pepper shakers, magnets, hula girls... ($3.99- 25) Essentially any generic tourist gift you need, you can probably find here! Coolest part: Pick your own oyster/clam, and they will cut the pearl straight from it for you $9-14, heres the catch the castings to mount these cheap pearls is where they make their money ($89-300) read more

We loved this store, and found the staff to be helpful and attentive. It's a great place to pick up some (as another poster said) inexpensive and kitschy souvenirs. B/c we spent $100, we got a free Hawaiian shirt for my husband ($20 value), and a free sarong for me ($10 value). Not bad for spending $100... read more

Yes, I am a firm believer in supporting local business; ESPECIALLY in Hawaii where there is so much poverty, and yet so many rich people coming over, flaunting their wealth, abusing the land (with the exception of some) and burning the locals. You can look at it this way: Wal-Mart sells cheap shirts made in Hawaii and they have pretty shady practises. Hilo Hatties is quintessentially Hawaii, but sells a lot of stuff made in China and the Philippines ( as you are well aware of their practices....blah blah blah.) So it's a toss up. You make up your own mind, but you should care. Upon my last trip, I did notice more shirts this time around made in Hawaii, and they were better quality fabric. Though you'd NEVER catch me in a muumuu, the Aloha shirts are pretty good. Well, the kids ones were, anyway. AND! The Hello Kitty Aloha stuff is slim pickin's now. No more cute Hello Kitty tiki postcards, no stickers, no nothing. Just some random "Garden Isle" notepads, and those Hawaiian Host macadamia nuts with Hello Kitty on the box. :( I guess the moral of the story is that it's a bunch of fun garbage for the traveler or tourist. read more

Hilo Hattie - Department Stores Near Me - Lihue, Hawaii

We were there February 2020. I was immediately scammed by the pearl ladies they wont take no for a answer. Then the skin care girl shows you her amazing products for an atrocious price. If I could do it again I would be snooty and walk right past these two kiosk without stopping. So high pressure and excellent at manipulating. Souvenirs are fun, cute clothes, but you have to be aware. read more

Worst. Beware of the pearl lady. Pressure pressure pressure. Just wanted to buy some macadamia nuts & ended up pressured to buy two "pearls" for $7.81. Walked out without buying anything else, I'll go find what I wanted elsewhere! read more

A few of my all time favorite shirts came from here. I needed to update my wardrobe and ordered two shirts online. The patterns are as shown and nice but the material is more thin and actually shoddy. The fit isn't as it was and these are smaller than previous purchases such that one has already ripped and the buttons don't fill in the buttonholes correctly. That was on sale so way more trouble to deal with them for a refund and based on this quality I wouldn't want an exchange. Would not purchase from them again. read more

The Lady and I stopped by here on our honeymoon to peruse the racks for some souvenirs from Kauai. Truth be told this store carries nothing extraordinary in the keepsake department and their prices are astronomical for clothes that are not made in Hawai'i. That being said Hilo Hattie is getting a four star review from me for the exceptional customer experience they have built. From the second we walked in we felt like the only reason this store even existed was to serve our individual needs. Upon taking four steps into the building we were greeted by a chorus of "Aloha!" from the staff and a sales person ran up to us and put handmade shell necklaces around our necks (which we were allowed to keep). Next to the entrance there is the jewelry counter where we were called to by one of the sales people there. We were both given a key and asked to try and open a locked chest on top of the counter for a chance to win a prize. Our keys did not work but we were given a consolation prize of a coupon for a pearl finding game on the other end of the counter. After using the coupon and paying the discounted coupon amount for the game ($6-ish) we were given comically large chopsticks and shown a bowl full of oysters in water. We were then instructed to dig for an oyster that we thought might contain a pearl. We dug around and found an oyster we wanted and inside was two black pearls! The sales person then cleaned them and started in on her spiel about how she could set them in jewelry for us at a nice price. We politely declined, took our pearls, and started to peruse the store. The store does carry kinda cute matching Hawai'ian outfits for him and her (dress shirt for men, dresses for women) but it will cost you around $100 for a set. A bit too steep for my wallet. Even though we did not find anything to buy we still both very much enjoyed ourselves and that alone is enough to bring us back again when we return to the island. read more

My friend and I got scammed while trying to innocently buy dole whip. Upon entering the store, we were greeted by two eager jewelry associates. They practically forced us to grab a "free coupon". We tried to walk away after this, however they insisted we picked an oyster that they would open up for us for "free". Well after this, they then said they would drill a hole in the pearls so we could have them. THEN they proceeded to force us to pay 6.23$ for our "free" pearls. What the hell. All we wanted was dole whip. read more

We went to Hilo Hattie store in Maui because they give out these coupons - free mug. There was a woman where we were staying that said never to shop there because they were so rude. With that in mind and wanting to get some inexpensive kitch I went. - They were so nice at the door after we went through a very Target/Wallmarty parking lot (not very away fr home experience). At the register they were positively hateful - beyond rude. You would think we were the enemy. The mug was so disgustingly poor quality - it was not worth it. I just don't need more worthless junk and it was so cheap I felt bad giving it to anyone. So off it went to the Goodwill. What a waste of time. read more

I know it's not amazingly authentic and uber touristy, but screw it. I had a lot of fun picking out an oyster and getting the two pearls inside. Yeah yeah, I know. But still. It really was fun, and with the (obligatory) 40% off coupon, it's a little under $10. Now my wife has two pearls that she can do whatever the heck she wants with. I just wanted to play with bivalves. read more

When you enter you are greeted immediately, a shell lei is placed around your neck and you are offered coffee, and samples of the delicious candies they sell. Imagine a very large store ablaze with the multi-colors of tropical Hawaiian prints, hundreds of choices, up to size 5X!!! They have books, nick nacks and jewelry plus. You can find a coupon in the weekly isand giveaway magazines for a free mug or sarong or a discount. The numerous staff bend over backwards to assist and are friendly and knowledgeable. The bathrooms are large and clean, with a good sized parking area next to the store. Prices generally are moderate with good sales. read more

Souvenir junk made in china and very nice customer service.