Hawaii has plenty of spots to buy local fabrics and quilts

Hotels in this story

Price Dates

Luana Waikiki Hotel & Suites

Hilton Garden Inn Waikiki Beach

Ala Moana Hotel

Maui Coast Hotel

Kauai Beach Resort and Spa

If you’re looking for something a little different to take back home as a souvenir of your trip to the islands, look no further than the guy in the garish aloha shirt sitting next to you. Well, you don’t exactly want that shirt, but a length of Hawaiian print fabric is a great gift for seamstresses and your otherwise crafty friends. Or for yourself!

Fabric stores in Hawaii carry a decidedly unique selection of material: Hawaiian prints and Asian motifs, tossed with a little bit of manga. You’ll find something for everyone, in every possible hue and at a very reasonable price at these island fabric stores:

Selling fabric in Hawaii since 1926 when Mr. and Mrs. Takao Ozawa Takeya opened the original country store, today the shop is more modern, but still run by the Takeya family. With hundreds of styles of fabric, the sheer number of choices here could keep you off the beach for hours. It’s located just inland from the Waikiki resort area and budget hotels like Outrigger Waikiki and Ohana Waikiki West.

1144 10th Avenue, Honolulu | (808) 734-2141

Although there are several locations on Oahu, the Honolulu location (near the Hawaii Convention Center and the budget Ala Moana Hotel) is probably the most convenient for visitors. The warehouse-style store has stacks and stacks of Hawaiian print fabric to choose from. They even have an assortment of PVC laminated fabrics for use outdoors.

1631 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu | (808) 947-4466

You’ll find exotic Hawaiian fabrics, tropical batik designs, and Asian fabrics at Maui Quilt Shop. As the name implies, this place caters to quilters. Always wanted to learn the traditional art of Hawaiian quilting? The shop offers classes every Friday. They’re just $10, plus the cost of supplies. It’s located in the heart of Kihei just down the street from Maui Coast Hotel.

1280 South Kihei Road | (808) 874-8050

Located in historic downtown Kapa‘a, the store offers tropical print fabrics as well as quilt kits, sundries, and gifts. While you are in Kapa‘a, stop and order a fish taco at Monico’s Taqueria — you will be so glad you did. Kauai Beach Resort in Lihue is one budget option for nearby accommodations.

4-1326 Kuhio Hwy | (808) 822-1746

~Kris Bordessa of and

[Photo credit: nayrb7/Flickr]