Maui

If an ocean breeze became a fashion designer and opened a store in trendy Paia, it would be the Tamara Catz boutique (83 Hana Highway, Paia, 808-579-9184, www.tamaracatz.com). Catz is an Argentine ex-pat who married a champion windsurfer and settled on Maui. We’d be seafoam green with envy, if she weren’t bringing such spot-on style to the island. Her work has been featured in Lucky, Vogue and US Weekly. Shop at her store for floaty, flattering tops and skirts, as well as lightweight dresses. Brides-to-be, take note: She has a bridal line perfect for beach weddings.


Kauai

Historic Hanalei, on the North Shore of Kauai, has a surprisingly robust boutique scene. The colorful shop, Yellowfish Trading Co. (5-5161 Kuhio Highway, Hanalei, 808-826-1227), has vintage fabrics, décor and home furnishings, and, for the guys, vintage aloha shirts from the 1920s to 1970s. Owner Gritt Benton says that antique vases are especially popular with her customers, because tropical flowers look great in them. Prices at Yellowfish range from $3 for a wooden and shell bracelet, to thousands for a vintage hula doll lamp.


Big Island of Hawaii

If you’re looking for a hidden gem—literally—head to Fabulous (73-5568 Maiau St, Suite 4, Kailua-Kona, 808-326-2322). True, it’s in a light-industrial area, but don’t let that throw you. Inside, you’ll find estate jewelry, costume jewelry, women’s clothing, men’s silk shirts, locally made pottery. “We also have Chinese antiques, Thai imports, beads and Hawaiiana,” says the store’s Sandy Sater. A good place to hunt for a one-of-a-kind treasure.




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“Best of Hawaii” 2009: Our favorite Hawaii snacks
"Best of Hawaii" 2009: Our favorite Hawaii restaurants
“Best of Hawaii” 2009: Our favorite Hawaii road trips