Find island-style kitsch at Hawaii antique stores

If you’re one of those people who use the word “antique” as a verb, you’re in luck -- there are some great antique shops in Hawaii, though you'll have to put forth a little bit of effort to find them. Whether you’re shopping for something special or just want to take a peek into the past, take a cruise through these antique stores for collectibles with a distinct island flair. You'll find furniture and accessories made from bamboo, teak, and koa along with a serious dose of kitsch at the following shops.


OAHU


Bailey's Antiques and Aloha Shirts Inc. – With the world's largest selection of aloha shirts (more than 15,000!) Bailey’s is your go-to shop for a shirt that suits you to a T. They carry used and new aloha wear, including vintage and specialty options. Prices start as low as $3.99, but collectible shirts can be much (much) more than that. They also carry a wide selection of Americana and Hawaiiana antiques and collectibles. Bailey’s is on Kapahulu Avenue near budget hotels like the Park Shore Waikiki and the Ocean Resort Waikiki.


Alii Antiques – With two shops in Kailua, Alii Antiques has a little something for everyone. Alii I carries items like European artglass, pottery, jewelry, and much more. Alii II might be more appropriate for your Hawaiian vacation, since it sells only Hawaiiana: Paintings, furniture, and collectibles dating to the 1920s fill the store, giving you plenty to see.


T. Fujii Japanese Antiques – Asian culture has greatly influenced life in the Hawaiian Islands, so it's no surprise to find an antique store dedicated to Japanese antiques. Located near the Ala Wai Golf Course and the budget Aston at the Waikiki Banyan, T. Fujii Japanese Antiques is only open on a limited basis. You’ll need to catch them during special exhibits or by appointment to see items from Old Japan like screens, scrolls, woodblock prints, ceramics, porcelain, chests, and more.


MAUI


Lahaina Printsellers – If you’re looking for a souvenir that you can proudly display at home, make sure to stop by Lahaina Printsellers in Whaler’s Village, just five minutes from Kaanapali Beach Hotel. Their collection of antique maps, prints, and engravings features the Hawaiian Islands, and expands into the Pacific and around the world.


~Kris Bordessa of Honolulu On The Cheap and Big Island On The Cheap


[Photo courtesy of Steve Snodgrass/Flickr]