Shopping - Honolulu, Waikiki and Oahu - page 330

In Chinatown, lei vendors line Beretania and Maunakea streets, and the fragrances of their
wares mix with the earthy scents of incense and ethnic foods. Our top picks are Lita'sLeis,
59 N. Beretania St. ( & 808/521-9065 ), which has fresh puakenikeni, gardenias that last, and a
supply of fresh and reasonable leis; Lin'sLeiShop, 1017-A Maunakea St. ( & 808/537-4112 ),
with creatively fashioned, unusual leis; and Cindy'sLeiShoppe, 1034 Maunakea St. ( & 808/
536-6538 ), with terrific sources for unusual leis, such as feather dendrobiums and firecracker
combinations, as well as everyday favorites like ginger, tuberose, orchid, and pikake. “Curb
service” is available with phone orders. Just give them your car's color and model, and you
can pick up your lei curbside—a great convenience on this busy street.
Hawaiiana & Gift Items
Our top recommendations are the fabulous, newly expanded AcademyShop, at the Honolulu
Academy of Arts, 900 S. Beretania St. ( & 808/523-8703 ), and the ContemporaryMuseumGift
Shop (also owned by the Academy of Arts), 2411 Makiki Heights Rd. ( & 808/523-3447 ), two
of the finest shopping stops on Oahu—worth a special trip whether or not you want to see
the museums themselves. (And you will want to see the museums, especially the recently
expanded Honolulu Academy of Arts.) The Academy Shop offers a brilliant selection of art
books, jewelry, basketry, ethnic fabrics and native crafts from all over the world, posters and
books, and fiber vessels and accessories. The Contemporary Museum shop focuses on arts
and crafts such as avant-garde jewelry, cards and stationery, books, home accessories, and gift
items made by artists from Hawaii and across the country. We love the glammy selection of
jewelry and novelties, such as the twisted-wire wall hangings.
Other good sources for quality gift items are the LittleHawaiianCraftShop, in the Royal
Hawaiian Shopping Center.
HulaSupplyCenter Hawaiiana meets kitsch in this shop's marvelous selection of Day-Glo cel-
lophane skirts, bamboo nose flutes, T-shirts, hula drums, shell leis, feathered rattle gourds,
lauhala accessories, fiber mats, and wide assortment of pareu fabrics. Although hula dancers
shop here for their dance accoutrements, it's not all serious shopping. This is fertile ground
for souvenirs and memorabilia of Hawaii, rooted somewhere between irreverent humor and
cultural integrity. 1008 Isenberg St. (at S. King St.), Moiliili. & 808/941-5379.
Mana Hawaii Get some authentic Hawaiian culture in the heart of Waikiki at this unusual
store, where the owners are five successful Native Hawaiians who have combined their tal-
ents. Their partners include Native Books (see below), which sells books, CDs, and education-
al material about Hawaii; Na Mea Hawaii, featuring Hawaiian-made gifts, clothing, jewelry,
and art; Hula Supply Center (see above) with everything for hula from fabric to implements;
Ukulele House, offering ukuleles; and the Lomi Shop Va'a, specializing in health and wellness
through massage. They also offer free cultural activities; call for schedule. Waikiki Beach Walk, 226
Lewers St., 2nd level. & 808/923-2220.
Native Books & Beautiful Things This hui (association) of artists and craftspeople is a
browser's paradise featuring a variety of Hawaiian items from musical instruments to cala-
bashes, jewelry, leis, and books. You'll find contemporary Hawaiian clothing; handmade koa