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Buys
While
quality is in the eye of the purchaser, most locals agree
that Ni'ihau shell necklaces, pearls, coral and special
custom gold and silver jewelry, fine art, sculpture and the
best bowls and wood carvings deserve attention. However,
many people can't tell the difference between Nihau Shell
leis that cost hundreds to thousands of dollars and may take
a year or more to make, and the kind of shell necklaces you
get free at Hilo Hattie's or three for a dollar at Waikiki's
International Marketplace.
The same holds true for pearls, resort clothing,
bowls and fine art. So
treat yourself, you know the difference, and shop for
bargain gifts, yes.
Hawaii
does have an incredible selection of artists and artisans
who live and work, at least in most cases, is isolated
enclaves away from the hustle and bustle of the major
tourist centers. Some of these sell direct. Some sell
through galleries that take a 40% to 50% cut. If business is
slow you might, if you ask, get a discount, free shipping or
other bargains from owners. It never hurts to ask and
artists often sell for less. So always keep an eye out for
unpretentious local shops in small towns or even on the
highway that may be owner-craftsperson run and offer a
direct discount.
In
the major upscale centers large number of upscale shops now
focus on the increasingly affluent American tourist who has
somewhat replaced the Japanese -- Silicon Valley soars while
Tokyo real estate languishes. Upscale fashion shops in
particular, must keep the latest hot items in stock.
Those with enough fashion savvy to know what's hot
and what's not can do well here as high prices with high
markups offer slack for sales.
The
majority of Hawaiian visitors who come in through Oahu have
an instant shopping course available in downtown Honolulu
and/or the Ala Moana Shopping Centers. Big department stores
offer quality clothing and other items at prices that offer
good benchmarks to use elsewhere.
Of course, you can do the same thing on the Net and
it should be noted that Net discounts or 10% or more on shows,
luaus and other goods and services reflect the sellers lower cost of
business. Volume helps, and nobody offers better prices on
affordable Hawaiian gifts that Long's Drug Stores.
Local
foods also make wonderful inexpensive gift items to take
home, and smart visitors load up with items that will bring
back Hawaiian memories for months.
Bags of Kona Coffee -- it only needs 10% to be called
"Kona" so buyer beware, or Maui Potato chips work.
So do macadamia nuts in all their incarnations,
candy, cookies, etc. Most
tourists never even see dry siamin that comes in a package
like, and costs slightly more than, Top Raman.
Like the Haupia, or coconut pudding you tried at the
Luau? There's a mix. Mixes
for macadamia nut pancakes AND bottles of coconut syrup both
come off food store shelves. So graze supermarkets for
treats, gifts to take home, and if you condo, most of the
often over-priced restaurant items like Chinese Glazed duck
in take out or take home, heat up form. |
