With Christmas just days away, can’t you almost hear those sleigh bells ringing?
If you’re trying to check off the last names on your gift list, but the thought of crowded malls and parking gridlock brings out your inner Grinch, think again: Kailua Town has dozens of shops with thoughtful and unique gifts plus abundant free parking.
Below is a short list of ideas to get you started; download Kailua Town’s Holiday Savings Pass for more places to shop – and score 20% off Dec. 15-18.
Aloha Kira
Merchants Row
Find joy in browsing one of Kailua Town’s newest shops where owner Christine Tang loves creating and curating a fun, colorful world of clothing and accessories for women and kids, playful gifts and gifts for the home. From Aloha Kira’s exclusive organic cotton children’s graphic tees, coffee mugs and gluten-free mochi pancake mix to surfer towels, puzzles and games for grownups, Tang highlights local artists/designers as well as unique items she sources from around the world.
Dogtown Bakery
Kailua Shopping Center
Just in time for the holidays, Kailua’s boutique pet bakery has expanded its space and filled it with healthy treats and chews; freshly baked PupKakes, DoughMutts and other pastries; holiday-themed toys and intelligence games for the canine kids, and a wide selection of leashes, harnesses and dog apparel. Cute pastry gift sets can be ordered online.
Grace in Growlers
143 Hekili St.
When you drop into Grace in Growlers’ tasting room to check out the latest craft beers on tap, also check out the sturdy, waxed canvas beer caddy – a handsome accessory for beer-lovers on the go. Score extra Santa points by filling the 6-bottle tote with a selection of craft brews from the to-go fridge.
Maui Brewing Co.
Lau Hala Shops
Apple banana Foster pancakes? Breakfast pizza? The perfect holiday gift might just be a reprieve from kitchen duties and brunch at Maui Brewing Co., now offered Saturdays and Sundays, 10am-2pm at MBC’s Kailua location. There’s a keiki menu, too
Red Bamboo
Straub Building
Newly re-opened next door to its former space, Red Bamboo beckons shoppers with its fresh, bright interior and a fun collection of island-inspired gifts, home furnishings and accessories, plus a new line of women’s apparel. You can’t miss the exclusive line of throw pillows in vibrant ocean-themed patterns by Kailua artist Leanna Wolff. Plant-lovers will be pleased with the selection of botanical-themed kitchen towels and utensils, journals and zippered pouches. For holiday entertaining, find seasonal table décor and cocktail napkins with cheeky messages (Alexa, wrap the presents!).
Tori Richard
Kailua Village Shops
Santa and his new ride, the North Pole Clipper, colorfully embroidered on a soft, silk lyocell shirt, have landed at Tori Richard’s Kailua shop – just in time for the guy who likes to sport a merry look for the holidays. Also new this year for Dads and sons, the Santa World Tour aloha shirt is illustrated with scenes of Santa and his reindeer crew as they travel across the globe.
Under A Hula Moon
Kailua Shopping Center
This cozy boutique is always well stocked with gift ideas for any occasion. For the holidays, we found beautiful, collectible glass ornaments by Maui by Design, hand-painted from the inside. Also perfect for the season: soy pillar candles in Cedar Fireplace and Frankincense & Myrrh fragrances.
Waxing the City
Lau Hala Shops
‘Tis the season for pampering at Waxing the City where you’ll find trending beauty products for gift-giving, like Spongellé’s star-shaped, body wash-infused buffers packaged as ornaments to hang on the tree. Tuck a Musee bath balm gift set under the tree. The professional staff at Waxing the City can help with other gift ideas – or a gift card for beauty services and merchandise.
