Shopping malls sometimes get a bad rap in pop culture, but these are the modern-day markets and town squares. These are places where people share their businesses and create better conversations. If you’re visiting an area, the local shopping center is a great place to go to see a wonderful cross-section of local shops, restaurants, and artists. A one-stop cultural stop. The Kona Commons Shopping Center is a perfect example of modern shopping malls done right.
The Kona Commons Shopping Center is located along Makala Boulevard in Kailua-Kona. This Big Island shopping mall was completed in 2008 in partnership with the island’s very first Target store. That Target store is still here, but don’t let the big box retailer scare you away from the wonderful mixed-use commercial community this space is! The Kona Commons Shopping Center is an open-air shopping mall in which all storefronts lead out to a nice paved walkway bordered with colorful landscaping and interspersed with outdoor seating. Visitors to this shopping center will find a wonderful mix of national brands and locally-owned stores and dining facilities.
Some of the fantastic shopping destinations at Kona Commons Shopping Center include:
Aloha Grown
Aloha Grown is a locally-owned and operated appeal shop that specializes in its own graphic t-shirt line. They started selling their first t-shirts at local markets back in 2010 and have since grown to operate a couple of storefronts, including one here at Kona Commons Shopping. In addition to selling unique and colorful shirts, Aloha Grown is proud to give back to the community. Two percent of every sale is awarded to local schools and non-profits.
Hawaiian Island Creations
Hawaiian Island Creations is a surf shop that has been delivering the biggest and best in surf gear, clothing, and accessorily options for Big Island visitors and residents since 1971. This is a great spot to shop when you need some last-minute beach gear.
Some of the fantastic dining destinations at Kona Commons Shopping Center include:
Ultimate Burger
If you’re craving a thick cheeseburger and a good helping of French fries, then Ultimate Burger at Kona Commons Shopping Center is calling you. This Americana grill prides itself on using primarily locally-sourced ingredients from nearby Big Island farms and ranchers, making for some wonderfully sustainable food choices
Daiichi Ramen
Asian and Polynesian cuisine is big on the Big Island, so it can be hard to choose just where to go when you have limited time. Daiichi Ramen is a fantastic choice when you’re visiting this part of The Kona Commons Shopping Center is located along Makala Boulevard in Kailua-Kona for its great prices, large portions, and a good selection of options, including curries and gyoza.
In addition to these and many other shops and dining establishments, the Kona Commons Shopping Center also commonly boats an array of activities and events. For example, during select seasons, the group hosts an annual Hawaii Artisan Market. This market often features over 50 vendors that come from all around the island to set up their tables and show off their wares.
Insider Tips:
-If you’re planning on doing more than an hour of shopping, we recommend not going during the middle of the day. That’s because this place gets packed during lunch hours and with so much concrete around, it can get uncomfortably hot walking between stores.
-Don’t have a car or don’t want to hassle with navigating tight parking areas, check out the Kona Trolley. The Kona Trolley travels throughout the town and costs just $2 per route or a flat $15 for a 10-day ticket.