Shopping in paradise

Hilo is one of the Big Island’s few shopping destinations. Visitors won’t have any trouble finding the usual tourist trinkets, of course, but savvy shoppers will discover exciting regional crafts, foods and clothing.

The basic mall crawl beckons at the Prince Kuhio Plaza, while Hilo’s famous downtown farmer’s market offers an adventure for the senses. Hilo never runs out of Hawaiian shirts, good and bad. And you’ll be needing that hand-crafted ukelele for the long flight home, of course.

HILO’S MALL
Prince Kuhio Plaza: More than 75 shops and fast-food joints mean you’ll find pretty much anything at this popular mall located in downtown Hilo. Macy’s and Sears anchor the facility. Hot Dog on a Stick, Starbucks, Sunglass Hut, Radio Shack, Footlocker … check. Hosts Hilo’s movie theater of choice for first-run films. Good food court and family entertainment center. 111 E. Puainako St. (808) 959-3555

GROCERIES AND GOODIES
Big Island Candies: This sweet spot has been packing in tourists since 1977. Macadamia nut candies and cookies are made on site, using ingredients such as Kona coffee and local eggs. Also sells brownies, shortbreads, coffees and mints. 585 Hinano St. (808) 935-8890.

Kta Super Stores: Where the locals shop for regional foods. Some shoppers find Kta too expensive, while others say the price is right, especially for the high-quality seafood. Try the poke counter for the Hawaiian dish of seasoned raw fish, onions, soy sauce and seaweed (a cousin to ceviche). Also praised for its bakery, with all things macadamia amd mochi. 50 E. Puainko St. (808) 322-2511. Also, 321 Keawe St.

Hilo Farmers Market: Foodies don’t care if they ever come back from this Wednesday and Saturday-only street adventure. Tropical fruits, leafy-bright vegetables, amazing flowers, carts with every kind of regional ethnic fare. Be sure to sample the white pineapple and the Peruvian tamales. Tourists will find good prices on jewelry and trinkets, some locally crafted. More than 200 vendors, usually. Come early or miss out, locals say. Mamo Street and Kamehameha Ave. (808) 933-1000

Island Naturals Market: The Big Island’s version of Whole Foods, on a smaller scale of course. Meats, wines, organic produce. Vegetarian and vegan fare, to go or eat there. 303 Makaala St. (808) 935-5533. Three other Big Island locations. Also try Abundant Foods and Cafe.

SPECIALTY SHOPS
Hilo Guitars: Bills itself as “the best little guitar and ukulele shop in Hawaii.” Many musicians who visit the Big Island discover the big sounds produced by Hawaii’s little instrument of choice — that is, in the right hands. Here’s the place to get a high-quality musical souvenir. Hilo Guitars stocks ukuleles from Kanile’a, Kamata and G-String, as well as some from the Big Island. Owner Ken Cameron is a Scottish musician with a long history in the business. (808) 935-4282 56 Ponahawaii St.

Discount Fabric Warehouse: Major stash of Hawaiian print fabrics. 933 Kanoelehua Ave. (808) 935-1234

Hilo surf shops: Everything from longboards to skateboards.

CLOTHING
Hilo Hattie: The touchstone for tourists, Hattie offers up your basic Hawaiian shirts, mu’u mu’s, leis, shell and coconut jewelry, Kona coffees, snacks. One-stop shopping for the folks back home. We’ll never tell. In the Prince Kuhio Plaza. (808) 961-3077. Another Big Island Hilo Hattie shop in Kailua-Kona.

Sig Zane Shopping: Good quality, tasteful Hawaiian shirts at a price that’s about a third less than, say, Tommy Bahama. Low-key to amplified designs. Pullovers and button-down styles. For the ladies, an even wider selection of dresses, blouses and hoodies. 122 Kamehameha Ave. (808) 935-7077

LUXURY SHOPPING EXPEDITION
King’s Shops at Waikoloa: Recession? What recession? Cash those traveler’s checks at Tiffany’s and party like it’s 2007. Upscale retailers include Coach, Noa-Noa, Louis Vuitton and several art galleries. In the Waikoloa Beach Resort. About a two-hour drive through the heart of the island.