If you didn’t know, Mitch and I recently got hitched (Oct. 7th) and went on an 8 day tropical honeymoon to the fabulous island of O’ahu, Hawai’i. It was an absolutely magical place and we’d both go back in a heart beat. But, the five hour time difference from Hawaii to KC was a doozy – not to mention the 12 hour travel day. Still, so worth it!
We were staying in a smaller town, Kailua, about 30 minutes northeast of Honolulu, with about 40,000 people in the town (compared to Honolulu with ~400,000). We stayed in a cozy little Airbnb, as there aren’t really any hotels in the area, making it less of a tourist spot. Almost unintentionally, we were living it up like locals. With an entire strip of the most adorable local shopping in Kailua s side-by-side in the “town center” and pockets of restaurants and small businesses everywhere, I was in dreamland! All the while being right next to beautiful palm trees, soft sand and warm beaches.
Although I didn’t capture photos of every storefront we went in, because we did go into a lot, I’ll at least share with you some of my faves in detail that are a must. I’ll add some additional info of others we stopped by and some other items we picked up along with way.
Local Kailua Shopping and Places to Visit
Wimini Hawaii
A tiny, but mighty shop. Located on the backside of a small strip of retail and service spots on the main road, it’s tucked away ever so sweetly, but definitely not to be overlooked.
Once you step inside, you’ll feel at ease with the clean, cozy vibes and dainty, curated items on the shelves. From crystals, air plants, handmade soaps and softly woven dreamcatchers to books, precious graphic tees, keychains and photography, you’ll instantly have the desire to want to pack the whole store up in your pocket.
Started by a Japanese graphic designer who moved to Hawaii in 1992, Wimini’s prints, totes and tees are all hand printed in Hawai’i.
Fun fact: the name Wimini isn’t some Hawaiian name like I thought it would be – it’s actually made up! From their website, “When we were deciding the brand name, we shuffled letters from the name of native Hawaiian honeycreeper “IIWI” and added the first letter of “MIND” and “NATURE”. From there, WIMINI was born.” Isn’t that just a perfect name with a perfect story?!
We actually had to go back a second time after visiting once and we picked up this cute, fluffy little dream catcher (and a photography print of the beach we were staying next to – but I forgot to snap a pic). It was all bagged up in these adorable made-in-shop bags (themed for Halloween too).
Anuenue Exquisite Tea
Just across the parking lot from Wimini you will find Anuenue. An airy, but quaint local tea shop. With beachy vibes and a plethora of premium house tea blends and fresh gluten free pastries and dairy free puddings, Mitch and I were instantly in love.
Not only is there a wide variety and little treats for those of us with food restrictions, but there’s literally something for everyone (I’m not a big tea drinker and loved this place). The items come in glass with lids to take the bottle to go too. You can reuse the bottle at home, bring them back in for some cents off your next order or recycle them. Being eco-friendly will always get more brownie points from me. 😉
From hot tea and iced tea to cold brew matcha latte (oh yes, it’s a thing!) and local honey – you’ve got to stop by and get a little somethin’. The owner is very humble and kind. With tons of knowledge about the teas and menu items, you can really feel his passion when he speaks.
Olive + Oliver Boutiques
Two local shops owned by a husband and wife team that are just two doors down from each other. If I told you nothing else, you’d probably be sold to go to these two places if you’re anything like me.
Olive, geared towards women, hosts a bounty of different handmade jewelry, locally made bags and tons of flowy and sweet clothing.
Surrounded with creative and fun art prints, nice music and things to suit anyone’s interests (and budgets!). This is the perfect stop to grab something for yourself and a thoughtful gift for someone while you’re traveling.
Walk out the door of Olive, pass one storefront and then you’ve hit Oliver – the men’s version. Although this shop is about half the size, it still seems to have the same amount of goodness.
Packed full with very unique items, any man (or human of any sort, really) will get lost in the trinkets like coasters, masculine jewelry, glassware, wallets and more. Dig into their graphic tees, beachy shorts and summer-like hats and you’re sure to be touting a dapper-like profile instantly.
Both places are clearly complimentary of each other, but yet completely different, so stopping into both is a must.
To top off the already great experience, chatting with both cashiers at each store, we found out that the gal behind the counter at Olive is the girlfriend to the guy behind the counter at Oliver…just stop. C’mon, the cuteness is just never ending!
I really could go on and on about Kailua shopping and the little local and cool places around the town. Instead, I’ll leave you with a quick hit list of three other spots that were top notch for us. Guess you’ll have to go visit to experience the rest. 😉
More local places to check out in Kailua:
- Kailua Town Farmers’ Market – hosted outside the elementary school
- Find jewelry, food, home decor, produce and more! Very upbeat and there’s live music!
- Betty x Joe Boutique – right next door to Olive boutique
- Open and modern interior feels with boho designer women, men and children’s fashion, handbags, jewelry and different local goodies as well.
- Lanikai Juice – the street behind the Whole Foods and down the street, around the corner from Wimini
- This is THE best smoothie/juice place. We went several times over the course of 8 days and was impressed each time. Tons of fresh options and unique flavor options and combos, including a variety of smoothie bowls too!
If you haven’t guessed it already, I highly recommend traveling to Hawai’i. Being on the island of O’ahu was great and staying in Kailua was even better. The entire island was full of great gems for the non-tourists and I can’t wait to go back to explore more.
If you’ve been to any part of Hawai’i, where have you gone? I must know where to check out next!