Shopping in Kona: The New Resident's Survival Guide
Forget souvenirs. Here is where locals buy furniture, hardware, and groceries on the Big Island.
Kailua-Kona serves as the primary commercial hub for the western side of the Big Island. For new residents relocating to Hawaii, the best places to shop for household essentials include Costco and Home Depot in the Kaloko Industrial Area, KTA Super Stores in Keauhou for local groceries, and Kona Commons for big-box retailers. Due to high mainland shipping costs, sourcing furniture and bulk goods locally is highly recommended.
| Shopping Category | Top Kona Location | Primary Resident Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Bulk Groceries and Gas | Costco (Kaloko) | Affordable fuel, bulk food, household starter kits |
| Hardware and DIY | Home Depot / Lowe's | Appliances, lumber, island-grade exterior paint |
| Local Groceries | KTA Super Stores | Local produce, fresh poke, Hawaiian specialties |
| Big-Box Retail | Kona Commons | Bedding, decor, pet supplies (Target, Petco) |
| Tropical Furniture | Bamboo and Teak Imports | Humid-climate resistant wood furniture |
Moving to Hawaii is different from moving across the mainland. You can't just "drive to the next town" if the store is out of stock. Supply chains are long, and shipping furniture is expensive.
The Island Settler Checklist
Where to go for the essentials (because Amazon takes 2 weeks).
Budgeting for Paradise? See how grocery prices impact your monthly budget in the Kona Cost of Living Guide.
The Big Box Essentials
1. Kona Commons The Hub
This is the practical center of Kona. It houses Target, Petco (vital for pet owners), and Ross Dress for Less. If you are setting up a new household, you will spend your first week here.
2. Lanihau Center The Local Stop
Located in the heart of town, this is home to Longs Drugs (the CVS of Hawaii). Join the "ExtraCare" program immediately — it's how locals get sale prices on spam and rice. It also has a Post Office, which is crucial for setting up your PO Box (many Kona homes don't get mail delivery).
Grocery Shopping Like a Local
3. Keauhou Shopping Center KTA Super Stores
Forget mainland chains. KTA is the local grocery store. This is where you find poke, local beef, and produce grown on the island. The Keauhou location is cleaner and less crowded than the downtown ones.
Live Nearby: Keauhou is also a top residential area. Check out why locals love Keauhou.
4. Kona Farmers Market Produce
Located on Alii Drive. Go here for papayas, avocados, and bananas. It is significantly cheaper than the grocery store and supports local farmers.
5. ChoiceMart (Captain Cook) South Kona
If you purchase a home south of Kailua-Kona (like in Captain Cook or Honaunau), this independent grocer will become your lifeline, offering excellent local meats and organic health foods without the drive into town.
Furniture, Decor and Trades
Shipping a sofa from the mainland via a freight forwarder can cost thousands. Buy local instead.
6. Bamboo and Teak Imports
If you want that "Tropical Estate" look, this is the place. High-quality wood furniture that withstands the humid climate better than mainland particle board.
7. Kaloko Light Industrial Area
Located just below Costco, this entire grid of streets is where you will find contractor showrooms, tile shops, glass installers, and heavy equipment rentals for home renovations.
8. Alii Gardens Marketplace
An outdoor market great for finding local art, wood carvings, and plants to make your new house feel like a home.
Leisure and Local Markets
9. Coconut Grove Marketplace
You won't buy groceries here, but after a long day of unpacking, this is where you go for dinner and a drink. Oceanfront dining that reminds you why you moved here.
10. Keauhou Farmers Market
Held on Saturday mornings at the Keauhou Shopping Center, this is strictly a 100% Hawaii-grown market. No imported souvenirs — just local coffee, honey, and macadamia nuts.
11. Kona Inn Shopping Village
While heavily trafficked by tourists, locals still visit the boutiques here for high-end aloha wear and the iconic waterfront lawn views.
12. Queens' and Kings' Shops (Waikoloa)
Located 30 minutes north. This is "Luxury Row." If you need a high-end boutique or a fine dining experience, you make the drive to Waikoloa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a Costco on the Big Island of Hawaii?
Yes, there is one Costco warehouse on the Big Island. It is located in Kailua-Kona at 73-5600 Maiau St, situated in the Kaloko Light Industrial Area just a few miles south of the Kona International Airport. This Costco is a critical resource for new residents — it offers the lowest gas prices on the island, bulk food, household supplies, and even furniture. It is typically the first stop for anyone relocating to the Kona area.
Is there a Target in Kona Hawaii?
Yes — there is a Target store in Kailua-Kona, located at Kona Commons shopping center off Queen Kaahumanu Highway. Kona Commons is the main big-box retail hub in the area and also includes Petco, Ross Dress for Less, and several dining options. For new residents setting up a household, Target at Kona Commons is where you go for bedding, kitchen essentials, electronics, and basic clothing. It is the closest experience to a mainland shopping center you will find in Kona.
What is the best grocery store in Kona Hawaii?
KTA Super Stores is widely regarded as the best grocery store in Kona for local residents. KTA carries fresh local produce, Big Island beef, fresh poke made in-store, and Hawaiian specialty items you won't find at mainland chains. The Keauhou location is the largest and cleanest option. For bulk staples, Costco in the Kaloko Industrial Area is the most cost-effective option — it has the lowest grocery and gas prices on the island. For organic and specialty health food items, Island Naturals market is another strong local option. See the full Kona cost of living guide for average grocery price comparisons.
How do you get furniture delivered to Kona?
Shipping heavy furniture from the mainland via freight forwarders (like Matson or Pasha) can cost thousands of dollars and take 4 to 8 weeks to arrive by boat. Because of this, most Kona locals and real estate agents recommend buying heavy furniture directly from on-island retailers like Target, Costco, or local tropical import shops such as Bamboo and Teak Imports. For high-quality pieces suited to Hawaii's humid climate, local wood furniture shops are the most practical and cost-effective option. Particle board furniture from mainland retailers often warps or degrades quickly in the island's humidity.
What shopping centers are in Kailua-Kona?
The main shopping centers in Kailua-Kona are Kona Commons (Target, Petco, Ross — the big-box hub), Lanihau Center (Longs Drugs, Post Office — central Kona daily needs), Keauhou Shopping Center (KTA Super Stores, cinema, dining — south Kona's community center), Kona Inn Shopping Village (boutiques and waterfront dining on Alii Drive), Alii Gardens Marketplace (outdoor market for local art and produce), and Coconut Grove Marketplace (dining and beachside shops). Each serves a different purpose for residents — see the detailed breakdown above for which is best for each shopping need.
How far is Kona from the Waikoloa shops?
The Queens' Market Place and Kings' Shops at Waikoloa Village are approximately 25 to 30 miles north of downtown Kailua-Kona on Highway 19 (the Queen Kaahumanu Highway). The drive typically takes 30 to 40 minutes depending on traffic. Waikoloa's resort area is considered "Luxury Row" for the Big Island — it has high-end boutiques, fine dining restaurants, and resort amenities not available in Kona proper. Most Kona residents make the trip a few times a year for special occasions rather than regular shopping.
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