"The Inspiration"…read more Curating their inventory to fit the local need. Family owned and operated. Cozy and welcoming, it's a place with unique offerings. They lock into the local community to make the whole town feel complete. It's a special, one-of-a-kind place. These are the mom 'n pop stores I grew up with on the Big Island of Hawai'i. Some are still around. Mom 'n pop stores, the inspiration behind Kalepa's Store at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa. Ko Olina-O'ahu. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ "My Storytelling" It's the weekend and my parents are taking my siblings and I to a kiosk in Kaiko'o Mall. To enjoy Icee from Kaiko'o Seeds N'things, as we choose bags of cracked seed from this mom 'n pop store. Household appliances weren't purchased from corporate retailers like today. My family and most of East Hawai'i years+ ago were loyal to mom 'n pop stores like Modern Appliance. Next door, Kay's Lunch Center had the most delicious Korean fried chicken made by "mom", and slices of homemade cream pies by "pop". ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Kai Store since 1948, Chika Nakano since 1975, Optical Dispensers, Hilo Siam Thai Restaurant (see my Yelp review), and Leung's Chop Suey House since 1975. Doris Place since 1948 on the west side and Hirano Store since 1969 in Mountain View. These are some of the mom 'n pop stores currently still in-business on the Big Island of Hawai'i. Since my childhood. And of course, the Hasegawa General Store since 1910, still serving the local community in Hana-Maui. Featured in the Disney animated film, Lilo & Stitch. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ "Disney Storytelling" A story is shared with intricate details. Culturally significant, extremely immersive. The Disney way - through storytelling. The culture of the Hawaiian people is displayed in the most creative way by Disney Imagineers. Unlike any resort in Hawai'i. Unique architecture and design, awe-inspiring artwork and murals throughout. Multi-sensory excellence at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa. Home to Kalepa's Store. The only place to purchase official Disney merchandise and exclusive Aulani items in Hawai'i. (Visit my Yelp review of Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa.) ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ "Elevated Perspective" Joyful suspension, relaxed excitement. A rental car made the drive possible from Waikīkī on my first visit. Fourteen months later, a last minute window of opportunity became available for another visit to Kalepa's Store. I've learned to look upwards for hidden high level details and architectural Disney magic. As I entered Kalepa's Store, I found the most meaningful key designing element. Framed photos of actual mom 'n pop stores in Hawai'i. Some are now closed, others are currently still in business. It brought personality, warmth, meaning and an authentic deep connection to the rich history of my home-state. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Retail exclusivity is why I'm here. Unique Aulani logo items, clothing and accessories that cannot be found inside the Disney theme parks and online. Bags of Disney Parks Main Street Popcorn like those found at Disneyland are found along with my favorite, Gummi Disney Character Bites. Guest service excellence at Kalepa's Store. Individual attention, personalized conversations, strong engagement from the cast members. We laughed and reminisced about our past trips to Disneyland, Disney vloggers we watch. Photo ops were taken, care was extended. I felt valued. That the drive from Waikīkī was worth every minute, that my choice to be here as a local Hawai'i resident was appreciated. I'm departing Kalepa's Store, Aulani logo shopping bags in both hands with orange tissue paper puffs. All smiles, I'm content. Parking validation is extended since my purchase reached a certain dollar amount. It's now time to enjoy the resort property for just a while longer... ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ "Future Inspired" Mom 'n pop stores. Independent, family-owned, a unique role in the local community. But they struggle to compete with larger corporations, big box retailers and e-commerce platforms who have buying power. My visit to Kalepa's Store at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa opened my eyes. It made me realize my unique role in my local community, how important my choices are. Where I shop, where I dine, where I choose to take my business as a consumer. It matters to help keep money circulating nearby for the vitality of mom 'n pop stores and small businesses in my community, on my home-island. In Hawai'i. Even though I'm employed by a corporation, I've recently decided on making small, gradual changes in some of my habitual spending. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ "Be Inspired" I implore you to do the same while you visit, shop, casually meander and enjoy the most unique resort property in Hawai'i. Like I did. Stay for hours, return for a second time, or become an overnight guest. Immerse yourself in the details. Embrace the magic of Disney and the rich history of Hawai'i at Kalepa's Store. Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa. Become inspired.

This store is always busy no matter what time it is. People come here to pick up their Disney…read moremerchandise. I love to check out the different designs of their bags. I've bought a few over the years. I didn't see anything that I liked this time around. They did have those popular Disney x Aloha print bags near the entrance. People were buying everything in the store. They were standing in line holding clothes, mugs, toys, headbands with the ears and snacks. I really liked the Disney ears, but they were $40 something each or $30 each when you buy 3. I decided not to get them, even though they were so cute.

I loved all the jellycats, so fun and a nice little shop, had friendly service I loved it 10/10read more

This is such a cute store. If you like little trinkets, this is the place for you. They are located…read morein Kaimuki, right by the Koa Pancake House. You can stop by after having your breakfast. They have everything in there from chips, tea, stationary, toys, cards, etc. They have too many items for me to list them all. Drop by and have a look. It's a great place to pick up gifts.

I first ran into their shop on Oahu, at the Aloha Stadium. The clothing is eye catching and…read morecomfortable. I am about 30 pounds overweight so tight fitting clothing is uncomfortable. I usually get the jumpsuits which are very versatile, they can be used as a off-the-shoulder jumpsuit or haram pants. they are comfortable and beautiful. I get many compliments. I have also ordered new colors each year (of the jumpsuits) and the shipping is fast and well packaged especially living on the mainland. They are very helpful over the phone, and I look forward to doing business with them every year.

They are the bomb!! I love their necklaces and bracelets!! I have collected a whole bunch of them…read morealready I wear them daily it's pretty much become my "uniform". He makes them with the spinning thingy and will custom make them if you'd like. You'd get a better deal for buying more. I think it's already a great value though. They also have the bomb dresses and I'm probably going to be collecting them. They do not shrink like all other sundresses which is AMAZING quality. I got my 10 YO daughter a few. The Mayans Shop is a must stop for me when at Swap Meet!! Go say hi you won't regret it

Such a friendly, fun, and personable bookstore! Adam was so relatable and it was a breath of fresh…read moreair to have such a genuine connection. Loved everything in the store and I was easily amused the whole time we were there.

Whenever I'm wandering around Kaimuki, I like to check out the cute little shops in the area. Small…read moreKine Gift is very unique and different featuring a lot of fun small items. I don't think you go into this shop looking for something. I feel like the items pick you. Some are a bit expensive for their size. but I think the uniqueness and experience help this place out. Make sure to check out their very deluxe drawer system that features many different small items.

2 sales ladies at the counter. They pretty much just stare at you from the back of the shop…read more One possibly had a strong accent or not fluent command of English to answer my question. The Labubu outfits they carried seemed a bit pricey to me up to $49.99. They do have a variety of items little girls or those young at heart might want to purchase.

So glad I seen Kawaii Corner's ad on another social media platform, Monchichi is so old school &…read morebrings alot of happy memories for me. Awesome to finally find it here at Kawaii Corner, bought the cute girl Monchichi with a red ribbon on her hair. Cost? $49.99 but what the heck...It's a hard to find item and cheaper then flying to Japan to get it.! Great customer service, love this store. Pearlridge Shopping Center close to Macy's.

From time to time I'll stop in to see what new items or special bargins Hawaii Gifts may have. Let…read moreme say I'll always find something. If you're a resident of Hawaii or a visitor, Hawaii Gifts may have something perfect for yourself or gift giving souvenirs. Hawaii Gifts is warehouse store with merchandise and discounted prices. Where you'll find post cards, children's puzzles & books, home decor and essential and more. If you're in the area stop by and if not make the drive. Take Exit 7 to Mililani Tech park. You'll be happy that you stopped by. Hungry??? Well... After shopping you can help support local food truck businesses. You'll find these food trucks parked on the side street of Hawaii Gifts Warehouse, and opens at 10am. Happy Shopping & Eating!

Totally legit gift store and super fun for treasure hunting. A great place to shop if you need to…read morebring some souvenirs to your friends when visiting off island. There are also a bunch of household items, skincare products, misc items you'll find in drugstores that are sold here at a discounted price! It's a warehouse that's distributing items to abc stores, hardware stores and other retail on the island. And it's so nice for them to open to the public so we can directly buy from the warehouse! No public bathroom so make sure you go first lol. Great place for gem hunting. Happy shopping!

This is a crafters heaven! But even if you're not, they have already made things on the store side…read more If you cant travel to Asia, this is just like. Located on the Macy's side of Pearlridge upstairs, they have a "workshop" side and "retail store" side. The workshop side would make a great birthday party venue for kids, or a bachelorette party activity, or girls night out, but I'm not sure what the food policy is. I don't even know how to describe what kind of store this is. They have phone lanyards and very blingy phone accessories etc

Wow! AMA's Dream Shop makes your dreams come true!…read more I wanted to try the new forever lei bag charms. I picked up pikake strands at the Hawai'i Market Expo show (see Yelp review). I knew I needed the attachments and other items to make this lei bag charm. I went to AMA's Dream Shop and I immediately went to Jolene for help. She is amazing! Maybe that's what the AMA stands for?!? She showed me what I needed and went beyond helping me! Jolene literally showed me how to use a crimp bead and how to use the cable wire instead of the plastic string that held the beads together. The service here and attention to the customer is beyond a five star rating. She talked about options and I was floored. I tried hard to remember all the details and knowledge she gave me! Well, I tried my first one and it came out great thanks to Jolene! I'll keep trying! Hopefully, my skills will improve. AMA's Dream Shop sells already made forever lei bag charms, key charms and more! Reasonably priced. No. 1 DIY craft store in Hawai'i in my book!

Found street parking otherwise I think there's paid parking next door. Beautiful, organized setup…read moreinside. Easy to find what you need. The owner is so sweet! She said something like "God owns this store, I just manage it"? Very reasonable prices and lots of cute items! Bought 2 signs, 3 t-shirts ($12-25), kids coloring books ($3-5), Large word find book to help us talk to grandparents about Jesus. So so reasonable considering they're competing with online/amazon. Support local and come here! Will definitely be coming back

Located in waipahu in the old Arakawas building.. Hawaii…read moreCHRISTIAN outlet is a cool small CHRISTIAN Specialty store in Waipahu. Upon entering we had the most friendly GODly welcoming by the owner Melrose. The store has a small lobby foyeur area before you actually enter the store ( Melrose said it is big enough for churches to do fund raising which she opens up to any CHRISTIAN church) The store looks pretty much like a Logos (CHRISTIAN book store in town) they got books .. banners.. shirts.. other CHRISTIAN stuff...etc.... This place is so cool it even has a lounging area to have fellowship.. Melrose (the owner) is totally following GOD in opening this store and being very nurturing to anybody who visits. This was a totally blessed time visiting this store and meeting Melrose.... If you are looking for CHRISTIAN stuff or just need somebody to show you LOVE this is the place for you... This store is totally BLESSED!!

Shane was extremely pleasant and helpful with a lot of ALOHA humor. He kindly brought down several…read moretiki masks to look at in hand. He said his family has run this shop for 40 years now. Service was excellent.

DA place to go for gifts. last time there it was just after the two kona low storms, had to stop by…read moreto see that the family and shop was all good. I always find what I'm looking there.

We needed some artwork that had been sitting in storage framed to match our current decor. Luckily,…read morewe met Kalei who was able to identify frames and matching mats that truly reflected our style. She even came up with a creative and beautiful way to display a 3D map of Oahu that would be displayed in our staircase landing. We had such a great experience and are looking forward to seeing our lovely artwork displayed in our home! Mahalo Kalei!!

This happened quite a while ago, but I forgot to leave a review at the time. I needed a replacement…read moreof a broken frame for old artwork with sentimental value. There was one sales person there. She was very unfriendly from the start. Even though I asked for suggestions on a replacement frame and what colors and designs might work best, she refused to offer any help and just said it was up to me. The whole time she acted like she couldn't be bothered. I am quite satisfied with the framing work that was done, but the salesperson left such a bad taste in my mouth that I don't think I will return if I have to deal with her again.