Kai Ku Hale was one of those little Haleʻiwa stores where I wanted half the things I saw and bought exactly nothing. The name itself made me like the store even more. Kai Ku Hale means "house on the gentle ocean at low tide." Owner Layne Larsen came up with it from one of her favorite things to do: walk the North Shore at low tide collecting shells, driftwood, sea glass and other things left behind by the ocean. She opened the store in 2008, originally thinking it would be an interior design business, but when the recession hit, she shifted it into a place that supported local artists. And once you know that, the store makes so much sense. I kept noticing recycled fabric, glass, driftwood and repurposed materials everywhere. Sustainability didn't feel like something added on for marketing. It felt baked into the place. The store now carries work from more than 50 island artists and makers, with a lot of pieces made from reclaimed, reused and recycled materials. And OMG the tchotchkes. So many things I could picture coming home with me. I bought nothing. Not because I wasn't tempted. I was VERY tempted. Expensive, yes. But this was one of my favorite stores to simply wander through in Haleʻiwa. And knowing the story behind the name made me like it even more. read more

Kai Ku Hale - Arts & Crafts Near Me - Haleiwa, Hawaii

Fun, unique souvenir shop with art and trinkets from Hawaii Small and quaint and fun to look at read more

See all

Not a tourist shop, this is a lovely boutique where locals would also shop to purchase that unique item fir your home, the one that stands out because it obvious the design is from local talent. The shop is filled with items made locally - pillows with beautiful fabrics and prints; framed prints of Hawaiian scenery or the colors of the sea, sand and surf; women's clothing, like shawls, flowing maxi dresses and tunics in gorgeous shades of the sea. And of course vintage Hawaiian prints for both men and women looking for a shirt or dress. I especially liked the gift items. The purses and jewelry are so unique and beautiful. Same with the carves & sarongs; the prints are vibrant and different from what you find at the ABC stores. If you prefer a piece from a local artist over the mass produced clothing and gifts from chain stores, visit Kai Ku Hale right in the strip of stores in Haleiwa, look for the cat snoozing in the green chair out front! read more

Kai Ku Hale - Flowers out front - Arts & Crafts Near Me - Haleiwa, Hawaii

A lovely shop, full of unique designs, work from talented local artists, pillows, home stuff, jewelry, flowing easy wear dresses and vintage Hawaiian shirts and so much more. This is a collection of 60 local artists- really lovely clothes, jewelry, art, prints, purses, earrings and gifts. They take phone orders and can help you find something really special from the islands. The pictures tell the stories, I liked the way the store was laid out, with little vignettes. Staff was helpful. read more

See all

Super cute art/gift shop in Haleiwa town. They have lots of local art and the shop is beautifully curated. The displays are arranged by loose themes and color ways and the more you wander the more lovely things you find. read more

Kai Ku Hale - Arts & Crafts Near Me - Haleiwa, Hawaii

I remember coming to Kai Ku Hale back in 2010 or so to purchase a silver Hawaiian Honu turtle necklace charm for co-worker who was leaving the island. It was a charming store then, and still charming as I remember it. Sure, the prices are on the pricier side; sure the store caters more to tourists (well, there ARE more tourists in Haleiwa town than locals shopping) and sure, the items may not be from Hawaii but from other countries, but where else can you find whimsy and magic in one location? To defend store owners charging pricey items: in order to stay in business, you need to charge a certain amount to make a profit. You are not going to run a business successfully breaking even. Don't forget the rent, the cooling costs and electricity, the utilities, workman's comp and healthcare benefits for your workers, factoring in "slow" months where you don't make a sale, wages and operational costs, not to mention revolving debt to your vendors and insurance. The way I see it, you can either pay for the item or not; don't expect swap meet prices in a boutique store. Kai Ku Hale stands out because unlike other boutique shops, it really has an "eye" for color and composition. If you are color-challenged and have a lot of money to spend, come here. Not only is this a store that sells whimsical home decor and art, but it is also a place to get your inspiration on; it's very nicely color coordinated. read more

See all

Zero stars for this business. the old fat hag at the counter was bashing a baby because he was wearing a cranial helmet . Very unprofessional I had to tell her that's very inappropriate in these times and extremely insensitive to the mother holding her child . I put my items down and left after I told her that the comments were unacceptable. Would not recommend this business. read more

What a great shop with art, jewelry, clothes, books, etc. from local crafts people. The employees were friendly and helpful. They wrapped items carefully. My husband and I found many things we liked. read more

Beautiful shop and tons of local vendors. Very upscale beachy items, tasteful not tacky. Just no clue how I would ship any of this home.

This is the most authentic hawaiian store I have ever been to. No where else are you going to find timeless real vintage art pieces made by local artists that make great gifts and/or to decorate your homes with. I absolutely LOVE this place and buy mostly the jewelry to represent my Hawaiian culture for shows and photo shoots. As a local myself, and of Hawaiian culture, you can definitely also get the aloha experience while in this store with the ohana spirit from all the staff and customer service. Whether your a local or visitor, this is a must to experience while you're here on Oahu! -Monti The Artist @montitheartist read more

Kai Ku Hale - Arts & Crafts Near Me - Haleiwa, Hawaii

"Green Style Island Living: Hawaiian Art, Home Decor & Gifts." Nancy was very nice when we wandered into her store and had really great customer service - very helpful and friendly yet not at all pushy. She let us know that all the artists are from Hawaii. It's a beautiful store with beautiful products. Not sure if it's mainly tourists who shop here (things are quite pricey) but I get that the items are made by local artisans so who am I to argue with prices? Just know that it's definitely not cheap. I found, however, really cute ornaments for $12/ each. My friend bought a great necklace for $35.If I could and money was no object, I would decorate most of my home with pieces found here. read more

What a cute store! This is a consignment shop of locally-made home goods, jewelry, art and more. I wanted one of everything... You can tell that the friendly store owner loves her shop and her artists - every piece has a story or interesting fact. Absolutely worth checking out when you're in Haleiwa. read more

My favorite store in the world! And I have seen a huge portion of the world... I've always been told that my soul is Hawaiian, anything Hawaiian you're looking for that's unique and wonderful is in this store! Local artisans work and special things abound. Its just an AWESOME PLACE. love you Ka Ku Hale read more

My personal favorite gift shop in Haleiwa! I always bring my visiting guests to this quaint gift shop located on the main strip. Even though I live nearby, I'm always sure to find the most unique products from local Hawaii artistians. There is such a variety of beautiful items, so be prepared to spend some time to see everything. A MUST stop by and visit shop; you won't be disappointed! read more

What a special treasure trove! We found this delightful gift shop in Haleiwa while looking for souvenirs outside the typical tourist trinkets. It's packed full of unique art made by local artisans, as well as clothing, beach decor, handmade jewelry and vintage treasures. We ended up taking home a beautiful shell art lamp, a bronze mermaid, Raku ceramic crosses, and an epoxy resin ornament. The friendly staff even packed everything to ship it home! I highly recommend supporting this charming local business. read more

Kai Ku Hale - Bronze mermaid, Raku ceramic crosses, epoxy resin art - Arts & Crafts Near Me - Haleiwa, Hawaii

Locally made artisanal jewelry, crafts and art. I love this store!! the owner is charming and so helpful! I bought a one of a kind pearl ring that I LOVE and have already gotten a TON of compliments on! This is absolutely the place to go if you want to buy yourself or a loved one something unique, thought out and truly special. This is NOT a touristy trinkety store. read more

Great store on the main street running through Haleiwa Town, across fromTabora Gallery. Lots of sea-themed items and local Hawaiian items too. Enjoyable to browse through the store because every nook and cranny and surface is covered with interesting items for sale. If you look hard enough, you come away with a treasure or two! read more

I love this little shop. It is so cute and I love pretty much everything within the store. I won't lie it is a bit pricey - likely priced for tourists who are a bit more willing to drop the money on the product. That being said - I would definitely shop here for things for my own home, I would just have to save up for it. Or convince my hubby that it is worth the splurge. The lady who is in the store (I believe the owner) has always been so nice to us each time we wander in. She is so friendly and chatty. Every time I'm up in the North shore area I try to work in a stop here. read more

Great shop with very friendly employees and they know their business. They have all kings of neat things from the islands. We bought a beautiful shawl and some soap on out first visit. read more

I was looking for a wedding gift so my parents--something local and handmade from the North Shore where we were getting married, and Kai Ku Hale came up in my research. They have a really good Instagram page where they post photos of their merchandise everyday, and I found this wonderful handmade wooden ""Ohana"" sign in a post from 4 months ago. I figured it'd be sold but it was worth asking about. The owner Layne got back to me and we eventually exchanged texts, and while the original sign was sold already, she was able to source another one from the artist for me. The turnaround was super quick, and she got it shipped to me in California in time for me to give it to my parents before the wedding. Layne was an absolute pleasure to work with! After our North Shore wedding, we stopped by the store in person, and were blown away by all the thoughtful, handmade, local items they had for sale. We ended up buying a couple of jewelry bowls, and a wooden pineapple wall art that they shipped to us in California no problem. What a great place for unique, quality gifts that will always remind you of your time on the North Shore! read more

Do NOT go in here if you have children!!! They have very breakable things barely balanced on tables everywhere. My almost 3 year old brushed against an ornament on their tree and it fell and broke on the ground. They were quick to scold and usher me over to the cashier to pay for it. Not kid friendly. And NO, it wasn't a case of not watching my child. He brushed the ornament tree. read more

Very high prices but super cute gifts and specialty items, sea glass, shell rings, bath salts, handmade organic soaps and lotions and all kinds of beautiful handmade decor made of natural matierals. Great service and energy in that place! read more

Kai Ku Hale is a wonderful shop with it's own unique flavor- a mixture of imports and local goods. It is very Hawaiiana meets vintage asia but all somewhat modernized and fresh. The arrangement and decor is superb. Kai Ku Hale is decidedly a femmine store- all the women I know love it. read more

Super cute store! I go in there for eye candy. It's a nice place with nice decor. I buy a lot of small gifts there. Especially for stocking stuffers. read more

This is store is fantastic. Is FULLLL of fun things to look at. Nothing in here is like the junk you find at the ABC store. It's prices are similar to prices in the CA bay area. They items are lovely. My dad bought my little girl the most beautiful hand made mermaid doll. Just looking at the doll you know it's one of a kind. It's something I will pass on to her kids. It was $36 but the way I look at it is it's ART! I wish I did not have my kids with me. They were super friendly to us but my kids are at the grab and break stage of life. Lots of very cool one of a kind items. They should open a store n Ko' Olina. read more

This place is OK for gifts overall, the staff is friendly. Pros: lots of items to choose from. Cons: this is the biggest disappointment. I came looking for made in Hawaii items. At first glance it would seem they support locally made arts and products. But after getting ready to purchase I found out the items I got weren't even from Hawaii. So just be aware that only a some of products are from Hawaii in the store. There's a lot of imports from Asia! If you're OK with that then this is the perfect store for you. But for me, I'm a big supporter of made in Hawaii products isn't that the whole idea, to shop local? If I wanted imports for less $$ I'd go to the swap meet, less expensive. read more

My favorite boutique in Oahu. It sells all these delightful, beach Hawaiian items made by local artisans. This shop is a little gem!

My friend and I were visiting this week and are haoloe. We were treated very friendly and the girls in there were very accomodating and helpful. The merchandise is beautiful and the store smelled wonderful and inviting. I so loved the jewelry and was happy to see that they showcased over 100 local artists stuff as well as imported merchandise. So big kudos to the staff and the store. I will return again, definately. Christina Simmons Naches, WA read more

Kai Ku Hale was one of my favorite stops while visiting the island! The staff was very friendly. They were also extremly knowledgable about the inventory, very impressive considering they're showcasing over 100 local artists. As a Military wife, I was very honored to be thanked for my Husbands service. While looking over reviews I read that a women was offended when asked if she was military. She's obviously not, or she would have realized the employees we're interested in Thanking her for her service. The same individual also commented on the staff not knowing the price of a basket she was interested in... Give me a break! It woud be impossible to memorize prices on every piece of art or inventory in that store. As far as I'm concerned, this is a MUST shop when visiting the North Shore! read more

I love this store! So many cute things! I bought jewelry and darling soap and soap dishes. Could have bought lots more if my hubby wasn't with me. Friendly staff too! Going back to the North Shote this December and will definitely be stopping in without the hub. Five Stars for sure!! read more

Although the store was a great little treasure trove of artisan island creations, the staff made us think twice about purchasing from them. As another commenter stated, they tend to size you up. It wasn't because we were locals as was the case for the other commenter, we are mainlanders, but because we had children. It was clearly not a store friendly to children. In certain cases I might understand, some children being unruly and all, but mine generally do not leave my side and enjoy shopping on a more mature level - they grew up helping to run an artisan jewelry booth with me at art festivals back home. But the woman who was working the day we came in clearly wanted us out of the store. This was quite a shame since I had three items ready to purchase, one of which was a $200 sea glass necklace. Nothing happened, nor would it have, but the woman was making sure that it didn't with looks and subtle unwelcome comments to me and my daughter. She was not the owner or manager, but an employee that was obviously not interested in my business because I had a child - clearly I could not give her the kind of commission she wanted. If this is just an isolated incident or one employee, I hope it can be resolved. But if the management and owners encourage it, I am deeply saddened because this is a nice, unique place to shop. As an artist that understands how to make a sale, I have always made my booths worthy of families who are on vacation or out for a weekend outing. I have arranged them in such a way that children are invited in, given their own shopping section with child-priced items. Yes, I have pieces that are expensive and items that can be broken by little hands. If I don't count on that possibility, I should not be doing business. I have had more damage done by adults than by children to my booth and my merchandise. read more

This shop is a treasure trove of local arts and crafts! If you need a gift or just want a real Hawaiian souvenier....this is the place to find it! Locals were shopping here for beautiful home decor as well as tourists from around the world! This store is beautifully done, open and inviting and I will shop there every time we visit the islands! The staff is friendly and extremely knowledgable! Thank you Kai Ku Hale for making our North Shore experience so great! read more