Shop Local During Small Business Month in Hawaiʻi
May marks small business month, and there’s plenty of local places to shop and support across the Islands.
From old-school bakeries and mom and pop restaurants to boutiques and surf schools, small businesses are vital to Hawaiʻi’s economy and often at the heart of local communities. Many of these businesses have helped shape the Islands’ cultural landscape while also evolving to meet the needs of the people.
On the east side of Maui in Hāna, Hasegawa General Store is one of the oldest family-run businesses in Hawaiʻi. For decades, it’s served as an outpost for groceries and household essentials in the remote town. In Hanalei, Kauaʻi, the Ching Young Village Shopping Center has grown from a family-owned general store to now housing a colorful variety of local shops.
Siblings Tiffany and Christopher Chou.
Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino
Today, you can also watch a new crop of local entrepreneurs making their mark, from Native Hawaiian artists like JT Ojerio of Aloha de Mele to creative superfood companies like Mālama Mushrooms. On Maui, Depot Market is a boutique located in Wailuku that employs adults with disabilities, providing employees an opportunity to work in a supportive environment. In Hilo on Hawaiʻi Island, Hana Hou provides a space for artisans from Hawaiʻi and Oceania to showcase their exquisite goods.
READ MORE: Support Native Hawaiian Businesses by Shopping Here on Oʻahu
But regardless of if you’re a multi-generational business or an emerging one, it can be difficult to navigate and survive challenging economic conditions. So, shopping at small businesses in Hawaiʻi can make a meaningful impact.
Tips for Shopping Local in Hawaiʻi:
Do your research: Rather than heading to a chain store the next time you need something, you can do a quick search to see if there’s an alternative small business to support. Thanks to companies like Farm Link on Oʻahu, you can order groceries sourced from local farmers and vendors throughout the Islands.
Visit local markets: From craft fairs to farmers markets and places like Warehouse 3540 in Lāwaʻi, Kauaʻi, there are plenty of organizations bringing businesses together making it easy to browse goods from farmers, producers, artists and creative entrepreneurs.
Remember to be patient: Small businesses often operate with smaller teams, therefore, there might be service delays. They are also navigating rising costs, so you might see price increases. Just remember to give them grace, too.
Shoutouts can go a long way: Word of mouth, or coconut wireless, is huge in Hawaiʻi. Share your positive experiences with small businesses with your friends and family. If you feel compelled, you can even share a post on social media and tag the business, too.
