We have put together a list of places we especially want to introduce from the best shopping spots on the East Shore.
Centered around the stylish town of Kailua, there is a wide variety of excellent shops.
In particular, there are so many supermarkets that it feels like every store in Hawaii is gathered here, making it the perfect area for a shopping tour!
We have listed them below, so feel free to browse and find places based on where you want to go or what you want to do.
-> Complete Guide to Popular Spots on Oahu’s East Shore – The Ultimate Edition
Best Shopping on the East Shore
We have primarily gathered shopping spots located in the Kailua, Kaneohe, and Hawaii Kai areas.
If there is a place that catches your interest, please use the link to the detailed article below each heading.
Island Snow Hawaii
Island Snow is a surf fashion and shave ice shop founded in 1970.
It is famous as the favorite shave ice place that former President Obama visits during his vacations!
The fluffy, snow-like ice melts smoothly in your mouth, and you can enjoy various flavors with a wide variety of syrups.
There are two locations in Kailua, and they are always bustling with locals.
It is the perfect shop to visit while strolling through town or after playing at the beach, so be sure to stop by if you have the chance!
-> See more about Island Snow Hawaii
Target
Target is a super-sized supermarket popular throughout the United States where you can find absolutely any product you need.
It is the second-largest company in the industry behind Walmart, the largest retailer in America with over 4,500 stores nationwide!
Target has about 2,000 stores across the U.S., and five of those are located in Hawaii.
Every location is exceptionally huge, and you can fully experience the authentic American retail atmosphere.
We hope you find our tips helpful on what products are a great deal and popular, how to buy items cheaply using membership cards and coupons, and which locations are best in Hawaii!
Down to Earth
Down to Earth is a popular natural supermarket frequented by Hawaii locals.
Born on Maui, Hawaii in 1977, it is an organic specialty store boasting over 40 years of history.
It does not use any meat-derived ingredients at all and features GMO-free products.
If you love organic foods, prefer natural products, or are a vegetarian—if any of these catch your interest, be sure to check out Down to Earth.
There are many rare items, and you will surely enjoy just walking around the store!
-> See more about Down to Earth
Tropical Farms
Tropical Farms is a Hawaiian macadamia nut shop operated by Kualoa Ranch.
Tropical Farms (officially known as Tropical Farms Macadamia Nut Outlet) is a shop attached to the only macadamia nut processing factory on Oahu.
You can purchase not only macadamia nuts, which are the most popular souvenirs from Hawaii, but also various local specialties and souvenirs like macadamia nut coffee.
Hawaii’s original skincare products, soaps with Hawaiian scents, and hand creams are also popular.
You can sample macadamia nuts in various flavors and taste freshly brewed coffee, making it a highly recommended place to just drop by for a little bit!
-> See more about Tropical Farms
Frankies Nursery
Frankies Nursery is a popular farm known for its Honey Cream Pineapple, reputed to be the sweetest in the world.
It is quietly tucked away on the outskirts of the town of Waimanalo, where lush greenery and peaceful scenery continue at the foot of the Koolau Mountains!
It is a wonderful farm where you can enjoy both a Hawaiian atmosphere and exquisite, freshly picked fruits.
There are also many exotic fruits you might have never seen before, so while not every single one may be delicious, it will definitely be a great life experience! lol
Please enjoy a variety of fruits while feeling the nature of Hawaii.
-> See more about Frankies Nursery
Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods Market is a high-end natural and organic supermarket.
Organic food has become popular worldwide, but it is no exaggeration to say that this store is at the forefront of the industry that sparked the boom!
It is a central figure among organic specialty stores in America, ranking number one in both name recognition and track record.
In Hawaii, there are three locations: Kahala Mall, Kailua Town, and Kakaako (Honolulu, Queen Store).
It is such a popular supermarket that some travelers come to Hawaii specifically just to shop at Whole Foods Market, so be sure to check it out.
-> See more about Whole Foods Market
Lanikai Bath and Body
Lanikai Bath and Body is an organic and natural soap specialty store originating from Lanikai (Heavenly Sea).
Since their only shop is located in Kailua Town, their products make for precious souvenirs, and it is perfect for shopping while sightseeing!
There are a few stores in Waikiki that carry their products, but the prices are a bit higher and the variety is not as extensive, so we recommend purchasing at the direct retail store while you have the chance.
Since they do not mass-produce, another great point is that you can always buy fresh products.
Their selling point is high-quality products handmade one by one using only natural ingredients from Hawaii; everything is natural and gentle on the skin, making it a highly popular shop not only among tourists but also locals.
-> See more about Lanikai Bath and Body
How to Get to the East Shore
The East Shore is a relatively close area, about 30 minutes to an hour away from Waikiki.
As for access methods, we recommend taking a ‘Tour’ if you value safety, comfort, and efficiency; ‘TheBus’ if you prioritize cost performance; ‘Taxi or Uber’ if you want to save travel time; and ‘Rental Car or Turo’ if you value freedom.
Recommended Transportation to the East Shore
TheBus Complete Guide – The Cheapest Public Transportation to Travel Across Hawaii
Taxi and Uber Complete Guide – Ride-Hailing Services for Easy Travel in Hawaii
Rental Car and Turo Complete Guide – Private Vehicles for Freely Exploring Hawaii