Do you want to shop for island treasures from yesteryear? If so, you need to take a trip to Discover Antiques and Ice Cream. A true Kealakekua favorite, this little shop stays chockfull of amazing antiques all throughout the year. No matter when you visit, you’re bound to find quality jewelry, old bottles, cute knickknacks, and a whole lot more. What you won’t find these days is ice cream. Although it stays a part of their name, their ice cream has flown the coop – for now, at least. You can hope that they bring it back, of course, but only time will tell if that wish comes true.
To kick off your treasure hunt, you’ll just need to look for the historic bright red building just past Hale Keekee Place on the Mamalahoa Highway. Then, pull in right out front and take a moment to gaze upon all the items on display. After adjusting to the sheer volume of items in front of you, take a deep breath and venture inside. Just be forewarned, their entire shop has just as much stuff waiting for you to dig through. Plan to take your time in exploring all the items on hand. Or risk missing out on the good stuff.
If you have something particular in mind, it’s best to ask the shopkeeper for their assistance. They bring all the aloha in the world to the table when interacting with their customers. From the second you walk through the doors, you’ll get a warm welcome, an invitation to look around at your leisure, and offers to help find what you need most. So, for special searches, like items for a time capsule, don’t hesitate to let them know what you’re hoping to find. More often than not, they’ll lead you straight to the items in question, fulfilling your request with a smile.
Although ice cream is off the menu for now, if it comes back, you can expect Tropical Dreams Ice Cream to serve as their supplier. They usually have up to a dozen gallon jugs lined up, offering you flavors like Kona Coffee, Coconut Cream, and Chocolate Fudge. They would serve them up in sugar cones, waffle cones, or cups if you prefer. You just have to let them know what you’d like and how many scoops to add.
Even without ice cream on the menu, this little antique shop promises to provide hours of entertainment. You’ll undoubtedly spend plenty of time oohing and ahhing over each discovery, especially if you brought along a few shopping partners for the ride. Don’t be surprised if you want to take every last item home with you by the end. If you simply cannot let something go, then you might want to see if the post office can ship it back home for you. Otherwise, take a photo and move on, knowing that you saw some of the best treasures around on your trip to the Big Island.
In true antique shop fashion, their items change on the regular. So, it’s well worth putting this little shop on your itinerary anytime you’re on the island. You never know what you’ll find, after all, making it an exciting trip each and every time.
Insider Tips:
-When checking out, let them know if you have a long trip home. They’ll put extra care into wrapping up your items for your travels.
-If you don’t feel like the price is fair, nicely ask for a discount. The shop owners often welcome gentle haggling, although they reserve the right to set the final price.
-Upon finding something truly unique, ask the shopkeeper if they have any extra details on its background. You never know what stories you’ll hear if you keep asking.