Author: Hale Hahalua

Makau Nui is named after the constellation known as Ka Makau Nui o Māui (the big hook of Maui), also known as Scorpio. The constellation is part of a legend about a God who pulled the Islands out of the South Pacific Ocean.

Benjamin Muti is the local behind this store with its gorgeous carvings. For many island keiki, carving is not only a hobby, but also a great way to learn about Hawaiian culture. Benjamin and his family cherish this tradition and are happy to share their artwork with tourists and locals alike.

Traditional materials such as sword fish bill, marlin bill, abalone shells, and cattle bones as well as wood are used. Being handmade, every single piece is unique and tells its unique story. For each symbol they have cultural information available which teaches you about the background.

More information can be found on their website; or head on over to Kealakekua and pay them a visit. They also have pop-up stores at lūʻaus in the area. In 2023 we met them at the lūʻau at the Keauhou Outrigger hotel.

The Ho’oulu Community Farmers Market & Artisans Fair is conveniently located off Kaleiopapa St, about 5 minutes walking distance from Hale Hāhālua. Walk downhill towards Keauhou Bay, and the Market can be found on the left side of the street at the intersection with Ehukai Street.

The market takes place every Wednesday from 9am until 2pm; depending on tourist activity, they are often there on Fridays as well. For an updated schedule, please visit their website (see below) and take a look at the list of vendors.

You will find about two dozen vendors selling paintings, textiles, photographs, jewelry, soaps, cosmetics, wood art, coffee, macadamia nuts, honey and much more. There is a limited selection of food and beverages offered here as well (try the tacos!).

We visit the market every time we are on Island, and you can find items we bought there all throughout the condo. ^^ What makes this market special is the fact that all products are manufactured on the Big Island. If you’re looking for souvenirs or gifts to bring home with you, why not support the local economy and buy local!

KTA Super Stores (yes, plural) was founded in 1916 by Koichi & Taniyo Taniguchi. Starting with one location in Waiakea (Hilo), KTA has grown into a small chain of supermarkets with seven locations in Hilo, Kealakekua, Waimea, Waikoloa Village, Kailua-Kona, Puainako, and Keauhou.

If you like to shop at foodland, you will appreciate KTA as well. Both chains’ strength is the diverse, extensive, and delicious range of local and US food items. They have a great bakery, excellent(!) poke, a great selection of cheeses, and local produce. If you need to grab a quick bite to take with you on your daily adventures, you can be sure to find something tasty and fresh in their convenience section, such as fruit salads or sandwiches.

While KTA Super Stores is more expensive than Costco or Walmart, their variety of goods makes up for it. Since we like to support local businesses, we usually split up our shopping and make sure that we do not only shop at the nationwide chains.

Last but not least, the KTA Super Store Keauhou is located only 0.9 miles away from our condo, at the Keauhou Shopping Center (KSC), which means you could actually choose to walk there. The spectacular ocean views from the KSC parking lot never cease to amaze us and are certainly a big incentive to visit.