Bikinis, bags and designer teddy bears are just a few of the specialty souvenirs awaiting visitors on the Oahu shopping scene, which keeps evolving and improving. The latest additions to the island’s retail line-up have particular appeal to clients looking for fashionable keepsakes of their Oahu vacation.
From the tourism hub of Waikiki to the rural north shore, the island’s newest stores resonate most with shoppers searching for one-of-a-kind purchases. Here’s a look at recently-opened Oahu shops worth a stop:
At Royal Hawaiian Center in Waikiki:
Island Slipper
With a 60-year Hawaii history, this manufacturer of island-made footwear promises a place where customers feel like welcome guests while shopping and learning about Hawaiian traditions. Its newest location features 100 styles ranging from traditional to wild, pleasing patrons seeking an island-style complement to a casual outfit.
Whitetag
Currently in a preview location at Royal Hawaiian Center, Whitetag specializes in distinctive fashions for men and women created by internationally renowned designers, many of whom are sought after by celebrities. The store will move to its flagship location in late July 2013 with an even more impressive selection of high-quality duds.
www.royalhawaiiancenter.com
At Turtle Bay Resort, North Shore:
North Shore Water Shed
Drawing its design inspiration from the North Shore waterman’s accessory shed — a place of pride in Hawaii's coastal communities — this store features apparel for men, women and youths as well as shoes, accessories and gifts. Among its featured brands are Quiksilver, Vans, Volcom, Maui Jim and Turtle Bay surf wear.
Oakley at Turtle Bay
Along with eyewear, Oakley features men’s surf and lifestyle clothing and women’s training apparel, including an exclusive resort line of T-shirts. Oakley has a long history at the resort, existing for many years as a featured brand at Turtle Bay Golf. This exclusive concept store represents an expansion beyond what golf currently offers.
www.turtlebaysurf.com
At Waikiki Beach Walk:
Jams World
Jams World has been designing and manufacturing clothing in Honolulu for the young and young-at-heart since 1964. Well-known for its vibrant colors and carefree styling, the company has grown from creating and selling Jams shorts and surfboards to a full line of fun and unique art-driven apparel and accessories.
www.jamsworld.com
Meguna Kei
Founded by two masters of textile design, Meguna Kei boasts creations that are hand-drawn and inspired by the extensive textile art culture in Asia, Europe and America. Hawaiian-motif tote bags and pouches, signature teddy bears, coin purses and aprons are among the unique items shoppers will find at this artsy boutique.
www.megunakei.com
Truffaux
Truffaux is a world-renowned specialist in Panama hats, with shops in France, Australia and, now, Hawaii. With famous fitting techniques, an extraordinary range of styles and the ability to custom shape hats to fit any customer, it aims to revive the practice of hat-wearing in everyday fashion.
www.truffaux.com
2Chillies
This line of fun, vibrant-colored swimwear and apparel has become one of Australia’s largest home-grown fashion labels. Famous for its styling, fit and exclusivity, 2Chillies cuts only 300 articles per size of each print before retiring the fabric. Its new shop at Waikiki Beach Walk marks the company’s first location outside of the Gold Coast of Australia.
www.2chillies.com.au
