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Destination: Hawaii (Big) Island Article Source: Copyright © 2012 by Fodor’s Travel, a division of Random House Inc. All rights reserved.
This shopping plaza encloses 40 shops, including and Lanky's Pastries and Island Naturals Market and Deli. Restaurants include Happy Valley Seafood, Sunlight Cafe, and Restaurant Niwa. You'll also find everyhing from a day spa to a pharmacy to a trendy boutique. There's plenty of free parking.
The 200 vendors here sell a profusion of tropical flowers, locally grown produce, aromatic honey, tangy goat cheese, and fresh baked goods at extraordinary prices. This colorful, open-air market—the most popular on the island—opens for business Wednesday and Saturday from 6 am to 4 pm. A smaller market on the other days features 20 to 30 vendors. www.hilofarmersmarket.com.
The Hawaiian quilt is a work of art that is prized and passed down through generations. At this store you find everything from hand-quilted purses and bags to wall hangings and blankets. You can even get a take-home kit and make your very own Hawaiian quilt, if you have the time. www.hawaiianquilts.com.
The best place to shop for a quirky gift or just to poke around, Glass from the Past is a truly unique store chock-full of antiques, vintage clothing, a colorful assortment of old bottles, and ephemera.
At this Parker Square shop, you might lose yourself exploring the treasure trove of fine art and collectibles in every price range. For almost three decades, the gallery has represented hundreds of local artists and has provided a low-key, unhurried atmosphere for customers. The "things" include: hand-stitched quilts, ceramic sculptures, vintage kimonos, original paintings, koa-wood furniture, etched glassware, Niihau shell lei, and feather art by Beth McCormick.
Inside Bamboo, one of the island's favorite eateries, this gallery seduces visitors with elegant koa-wood furniture pieces. It also has a wealth of gift items such as boxes, jewelry, and even aloha shirts. www.bamboorestaurant.info.
Everything from the traditional to the contemporary can be found here when it comes to Hawaiian-style apparel. The shop offers options for casual, resort, and evening, as well as swimwear for women. Aloha styles are available for infants, children, men, and women. www.waikoloabeachresort.com.
John Flynn showcases his exquisite jewelry pieces from his shop in Hawi. Look for the delicate silver lei and gold waterfalls. The shop also carries carefully chosen gifts, including unusual ceramics, paintings, prints, and glass items. www.elementsjewelryandcrafts.com.
This longtime favorite occupies a beautiful space at the Kona Inn Shopping Village. Brimming with handmade Hawaiian collectibles, the boutique focuses on local art and crafts. The 60 Big Island artists represented here include woodworker Craig Nichols and renowned painter Avi Kiraty. Affordable gifts range from bookmarks to salad servers to wine-bottle toppers. You won't find these items anywhere else, and they're all made in Hawaii.
Step into this popular downtown Hilo spot to find authentic Japanese fabrics, futons, and antiques, along with a limited but elegant selection of clothing, sleepwear, and slippers for women. Handmade comforters, pillows, and futon pads are made of natural fibers. www.dragonmama.com.
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