The first thing to know about this place is that it's in a strange spot. It shares space with an…read moreAce Hardware store, and from the outside it looks much more like a hardware store much more than a crafts store. This isn't as well-stocked as a decent arts and crafts stores on the mainland. But it's not on the mainland, is it? And mail order to Kauai takes forever. It's great to have your crafts goodies right away. My four-year-old had an assignment to do while we were away on Kauai: hand-made Valentine's cards for his preschool classmates, due the day after we returned home. We visited the store and got a package of nice pink construction paper, a scissors (since we didn't think to bring one), and an assortment of Valentine-themed stickers. I had my own craft project: replacing the cord that kept my wife's hat from blowing off her head. I got some decorative cord that made the hat look cooler than it had before the old cord started falling to pieces, and a sewing kit so I could do the repairs. (The kit's scissors was useless, but my boy's scissors did the job.) My wife needed something here too: fountain pen ink. She didn't find the really fancy stuff she likes to write with, but they had a nice selection of colors of a more commonplace brand. I kind of like the idea of a craft store sharing space with a hardware store. After all, some crafts use hardware store types of products. Carpentry is a craft, for example, and one can build a painter's from hardware store lumber. The people here were friendly, and seemed familiar with both the crafts and the hardware sides of the store. This is definitely the best arts and crafts supply store on the island, but competition is thin. The only other arts and crafts place on the island that I could find with a web search was actually a framing store, and doesn't even sell frames, except with its framing services. Fortunately, although this store has no arts and crafts competition other than really slow mail order, it doesn't rest on its monopoly status. Prices are decent, the range of products for office is decent, and it has good employees.

Google a place on Kauai and you may find yourself on a wild goose chase (like the couple I ran into…read moreonce looking for the TCBY that had closed two years prior). Finding myself in need of some basic craft supplies in town one day I pulled up the address for Ben Franklin. Easy enough, I thought. Fifteen minutes, three turnarounds, and one trip down to Kalapaki later I felt foolish and chalked up my empty-handedness to Ben Franklin's not existing any more. A friend laughed at me a few days later. "It's IN the Ace Hardware!" she said, between laughs. Sure enough, as you pass the Ace Hardware on Rice Street there's additional wording "and Crafts" in the familiar Ben Franklin font. The store itself is strangely divided in two. To the left: crafts. Right: hardware. Venture across a main aisle and you're all too aware that you won't find any rubber stamps amidst the metal tubing. But maybe the metal tubing could find a place in a craft project...? The Ben Franklin side of the store stocks a selection of artificial flowers, lei-making supplies (thread, yarns, how-to books) front and center, paints, beads, and other craft miscellany I thought I'd left behind on the mainland. Besides the leis, other local touches include Hawaiian-produced rubber stamps (a rubber stamp of a spam musubi, your name in Hawaiian as a rubber stamp), and more party decorating supplies then you can shake a stick at. Also on offer is a die-cutting machine for your individual use - the staff will gladly die cut small favor boxes or lettering on request - definitely a feature you won't see at any Michael's! For a craft supply store on Kauai, I was actually impressed at the stock at Ben Franklin. I missed the Martha Stewart section, but it definitely rivals Michael's and AC Moore in variety any day. The staff is helpful and there are regular demos and classes to sign up for. While prices aren't rock-bottom I found a 40% coupon (for a single item) in the newspaper ad, which helps. Just make sure you're looking for the Ace Hardware when you go to find Ben Franklin Crafts.

Been there several times. They are like a resourceful and helpful good friend. Great suggestions,…read moreoffers things to consider, reasonable and good variety of things packed into a little space.

Very helpful staff and good inventory of needed parts. I will go back there again whenever I need…read morethe uncommon piece of hardware.

Definitely for our visitors from abroad. Prices reflect a…read morehigh mark up for island gifts and snacks here. Lots of magnets, island calendars, tchotchkes and more are available here. Conveniently located near Gate 5. Service is limited here. Walk all the way in the back of the store to make your purchase.

10/31/24 Waiting for your flight? Walk in & check this place out for last minute souvenirs!…read more They have shirts, magnets, make up, lotion, chocolates, hats, leis, stickers/decals, keychains, bags, macadamia nuts, spices, jewelry, kitchen implements, shot glasses etc. Staff are cordial. Oh and it's air conditioned while the lobby is NOT Nice, quick stopover before you leave the Garden Isle. Mahalo for checking in with me

A great place for used, high-quality odds and ends furniture. Be sure to bring help and a truck to…read morepick anything up you choose.

Highly recommend the store great prices great products. I got some of my favorite art pieces for my…read morehome in Hawaii there.

Family road side stand lunch stop after diving. Order everything at the window - made to order…read more Across from the Shell station. Waffle dog - served with Maple syrup?! - Corn dog on a stick but instead of cornmeal crust, it's a wrapped waffle - this is why you need maple syrup - delish little snack, not a lunch Halo Halo - sometimes cantaloupe is available that sounds great - three layers of viet che goodness - jello, shave ice, taro icecream - yum

This place sure had some creative food which I really appreciate and I also appreciate the price!…read moreTheir shaved Ice was a great price! $5 for a large - I felt they weren't trying to rip off the tourists. They are only opened a few hours of the day so it was a hit or miss with this place. We drove by many times wondering what a waffle dog was and we finally got to try it. It is a hot dog dipped in waffle batter and then cooked on a waffle iron served with maple syrup and it was yummy and hot. Our whole family loved it! We loved the price and all the creative food and the price.

10/18/23 Still on the hunt for our sign for having guests leave their shoes before entering our…read moreabode...and I thought this place would have it. Nope. We've passed by this shop over a few dozen times over the years & decided to give it a go. The items are handmade from the Koa tree that is found in Hawaii. There are pens, jewelry, bags/purses, wallets, key chains, cutlery, ornaments, vases, kitchen items & other curious artwork displayed for sale. Candace was manning the shop & she was so friendly & welcoming. She even suggested a lady who might be able to create what we're looking for. This lady works from home & has a website (Tropical Isle Music). I love to support local businesses & Candace was so charming, I bought a couple of Aloha Hula girl ornaments & a pineapple (see photo) ornament. There's a few spaces for parking that it shares with Mankoa & a granola shack. It was lovely speaking with Candace, who I learned is actually half Filipino & half Japanese, born & raised in Kaua'i. Her grandfather was one of the first Filipinos who arrived from the Philippines to work in the plantations in Hawaii. It's always interesting to learn about people & their heritage. I'm very pleased with the experience & my purchases at this shop

Beautiful handmade Kauai treasures! I bought a bracelet and…read morea rosary for a friend I'm always looking for unique gifts for friends and family.

I always enjoy stopping at Lamont's to see what special gift i can purchase for myself to remind me…read moreof my visit here at the Kauai Marriott Resort. Spending time looking at what's new on the shelves is a little guilty pleasure of mine and I always seem to find a little something to bring home or a little gift for a friend. Old review: Forgot anything? Need some island wear, sundries, food, snacks, souvenirs? Good place for you to find those last minute needs/gifts in a convenient location if you're staying at the Marriott Resort. Otherwise, you'll find all this stuff at a much more affordable price if you can drive to the local Walmart. But for convenience and selection, 4 stars!

Lamont's is a great spot to get those needed items and a few that you just want. The location in…read moreMarriott/Sonesta is a bit out of view, but the selection and service were fantastic. My wife and I geared up with food, drinks, and even some hats and shirts to enjoy our time in Kauai. If you are in the area take a minute and stop in, the prices are better in some cases than even Target!

Visited this warehouse when it first opened and found a lack of places with appealing wares. Spent…read moremost of my time at the food trucks. Read that they had added some vendors but still found it lacking . Vendors are not all open the same days and times so it is pretty hit and miss. Even some of the food trucks I liked last time were not there anymore. Unless they make big changes this was my last stop. There is no draw pulling me there. There are places elsewhere worth my time.

This is an interesting collection of small shop owner/artesian/boutique stores, see my pics. I…read moredidn't see a theme throughout the stores, except for their unique store personalities. The owners/associates that I talked with were friendly and personable. If you're looking for handcrafted or a unique gift or memento, this may be your stop. While the food trucks weren't open while we were there, see my pic, this could also be a good meal break.