My daughters LOVES to shop at the Fighting Eel because the brand is Hawaiian (local) and the clothing is high quality. I was in Kahala Mall and decided to pick up a gift card for her for her birthday. I was greeted by both clerks. The store is filled with colorful Hawaiian prints. The prints are designed in-house. The jersey fabrics are wonderfully soft and wash easily. Most of the clothes are made locally in Chinatown (Honolulu). The clothes are expensive, but wear well and are timeless. The clerk quickly fulfilled my gift card order and then packaged in a little leather pouch. She gave me information of how to order gift cards from the Mainland. She was super helpful. read more

Received this little dress for my granddaughter. We washed using laundry instructions and there were so many loose threads Label shows Made in China but I still expect Fighting Eel to have better quality control. I trimmed off all of the loose threads. FE might reconsider the fabric or how its manufactured read more

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I was recently at the Kahala location and had a very bad experience! I see many other reviews here about the poor experience the girls give at this store. I didn't ask her for her name but I see on my receipt it was "Brittnie". I hope that is her name on the receipt. To keep it short, I bought 3 pieces of outfits this day, 2 of the pieces were for my daughter and 1 for me. We decided to pay together in one transaction. Most pple know but they offer a promo discount if you use your American savings bank debit card. $30 off any $150/ up to $60 off $250. My total for the 3 outfits came out to $495.29. As soon as I made the purchase my daughter and I quickly realized that we should've paid separately so that we could've gotten $30 off on each of the pieces instead of just $60 off. I went back to the girl who rang me up and she gave me a very unpleasant vibe. Her attitude was very rude. She didn't even look at my face when I wanted to ask her a question and says without looking at me " it's one transaction per day" she didn't even give me a chance to ask if my daughter could pay with her own card to take advantage of the full promo. So I walked up to another girl and said I wanted to return one of the pieces I just paid a few minutes ago so that my daughter could pay with her card and she says " only store credit ". Wow what an experience! Poor customer service I guess they've gotten too big they can treat customers like this. Store visit: 12/07/25 read more

Poor customer service! I have never been to this store so today i shopped at their new location in the mall and spent almost $500 and after i paid my friend told me that there is a promotion going and every $125 u paid u will get a gift from the mall so i came back and was wondering if they could do something to split my receipt so we can get more than just one gift from $500 receipt and that lady with her loud voice scolding me how thats not the store promotions and its Kahala mall and i need to go and talk to the office and she kept going on with her very angry voice! I told her its not even big deal i was just wondering if thats something they could do, and why she treated me like this after i just spent almost $500 at the store.. there is so many way u can explain to a customer and u chose a very angry way for no reason! i will never coming back to this location they need to hire more friendly staff with customer service or they will lose more customers! I just saw others review about their bad customer service too! So awful! read more

This brand has just gone tacky and ugly, nothing unique anymore. Plus the prices all gone up, everything is made in China from there, they have lots of tacky bags, tacky designs. They lost the design aspect many years ago. It kinda looks like a flea market in there. The Customer service is a bunch of young college girls trying to make a buck, it's okay. read more

It's funny other say that the workers aren't friendly and don't greet. I agree! I've walked in many times and walk throughout the store without being greeted. However, this time I came in was looking at their blankets and they came to greet me kindly. They offered to hold the throat the cashier until I was ready to pay. Fighting eel does have an American savings bank deal where you spend $150 and get $30 off or spend $250 and get $60 off. Tricky though cause most items are under $150 and you need to buy something else. They sell their white shopping tote bag for $20 and she said usually that's not apart of the spending deal but she gave me it only this time. That was very kind of them but it's also strange why it wouldn't count as a purchase since I have to buy the bag anyway, it's not free. Anyway, cute items but quality is inconsistent so check and touch all material before you buy. There's no refunds only store credit! 4 stars because of service this recently time but otherwise I would've rated an overall 3 due to store return policy and just quality of fabric. Their sizes are also huge! A small is definitely a medium or even large depending on the item. Sizing is very inconsistent too. It's hard to find clothes that fit me sadly. read more

Businesses love to receive good review right? Well, fighting eel was advertising a special collaboration with the pineapple collection and so I went to the store to check out the products. I was really amazed at how busy fighting eel was, and all the pretty things, and colors were in the store! Sadly I left empty handed as the product I was looking for was all sold out! fortunately I was assisted by a sales clerk upon entering the store, but it didn't seem like anything in the store was on sale although by the way of people shopping, it looked like the fighting eel was having a huge sale! the products are a little pricey so I would wait for a sale, but support this local business too. read more

Shopping in Honolulu, Hawaii... The Very Merry Event at Kahala Mall is from December 8 to 10, 2023, this year. For $5, participants get discounts at certain stores, and the proceeds go to local charities. I thought that this was my chance to get something from Fighting Eel, a very popular boutique. This shop was offering 10% off regularly priced merchandise. Side note: I have seen families with matching outfits from this shop - they look very well-put-together! I searched the store for something reasonable, but I just couldn't get myself to spend so much on one item. Even though the quality is very good and the prints are attractive, I kept telling myself that I don't NEED it. Examples: a customer asked a sales associate about a piece of jewelry... it was over $1000. A t-shirt was over $50. Dresses were over $100. I think I'll maybe get something from the Clearance rack when there's a Hawaiian Airlines miles promotion later on... A dress that I considered getting was $111 on sale. read more

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Straight to the point. Some of the ladies that works at this location's really giving some mean girl vibes. I wasn't so sure if it was the manager I spoke to regarding a return, but she didn't look so happy at all when I came to the store just to return an item. (mind you they don't do any refunds on your purchases, ONLY STORE CREDIT) So if you're even planning on buying any fighting eel products, just remember that you can't get a refund for it. Which is outrageous considering how expensive their items are. My first experience when I came to the store with my friends, didn't feel welcomed at all. They give you that look like you can't afford anything that they're selling in store. Overall bad experience. Zero customer service. Not very welcoming. VERY OVERPRICED local business. SAVE YOUR MONEY & TIME! read more

Well first off love that the Kahala Mall location is easily accessible. We walked in looking for a particular dress and there it was on the rack! We found my daughter's size quick and right away the sweetest sales girl helped us set a dressing room up. She also recommended to just try a size down. From beginning to end we felt so welcomed and the sales girl was very helpful. I wish I got her name. But we will definitely go back to the Kahala location because of her. read more

Fighting Eel - The anthurium dress for the gods!!! - Women's Clothing Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

My wife loves Fighting Eel! I came here to get her a few gifts for our anniversary and needed some recommendations. Luckily Kalei was there and helped me choose items my wife absolutely loved. The rest of the staff was excellent too. Kalei was personable and super easy to talk to as well. Such a great store. To all the men out there looking for gifts for there significant others, go to the Fighting Eel Kahala! Kalei will show you the way! read more

My sister gifted me a beautiful Ava Sky shirt for my birthday, and upon trying on the shirt, I couldn't even button it up because I was too fat! Buwahahahahahahaha!!!! Okay, so I admit I eat too much Frrrrrrried Chicken, Rice Cakes, Custard Pies, Cracked Seed, & Pistachio Pudding Cakes! Ai-yai-yai!!! Or perhaps this beautiful Ava Sky shirt that my sister gave me runs more fitted???? Hummmmm???? After all, Bruddah Fran normally wears a Men's Large when he wears his Reyn Spooner shirts, but this Ava Sky shirt I received already was a Men's Extra Large. Truthfully, I've never heard of this brand of shirt, and when I Googled it, I came across a store called Fighting Eel. I didn't even know where the Fighting Eel store was, so I quickly "Yelped it", and came across four great reviews from my Yelp buddies - Tracy K., Emi H., Victoria A., & of course da FAMOUS Auntie - Nadine C.. Shoots den', I jumped into my rod and headed on down to Kahala Mall, as there was a Fighting Eel store just next door from the Town & County Surf Shop. Walked into the beautiful Fighting Eel store, and originally, I thought I was in the wrong place as I was the only dude inside of da shop, as it appears that the Fighting Eel shopis a women's store. Luckily, I did go to the right store, as Fighting Eel does sell some men's shirts. I was greeted by a friendly clerk, and I explained to her that I had received a beautiful shirt as a gift, but the shirt did not fit me. She was very helpful in finding me a 2XL shirt with the same design. I went into the fitting room & tried on the 2XL shirt to make sure it fits. Shoots den', it was perfect! After letting the clerk know that the shirt she picked up for me fit, she packed up my 2XL shirt, and I was out da door. What OUTSTANDING service!!! Darn.......I wished I hard gotten the girls name who helped me, as good service should always be recognized. If you're looking for great quality island wear, you way wanna check out Fighting Eel. read more

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I want to add a disclaimer because this is my first review so oh boy! I hope you bear with me. I have been a long time yelp lurker so I am excited for my first review. I do not usually shop at Fighting Eel but stopped by because my daughter wanted something from the pop-up outside. We got a pair of checkered gingham shorts and earrings from the two tables outside that day and were unsure about going in to the store itself since the line to check out was so long. Once I got inside I couldn't resist all the cute accessories and prints! The store is a little cramped because when I came the line wrapped around the cashier and almost out of the door and it is a smaller store. The girls walking around were helpful, checked in on us as we were looking around, and answered my questions, but I am writing this review mainly for the cashier. With the line out the door; and because I was getting something not sold in the store, I was expecting her to be very curt, especially since it was moving quickly. As I came closer to the front of the line I was surprised to see she was engaging with every customer in front of us. Finally, when it was my turn and nobody was blocking me, I saw that she was wrapping our orders (in the most darling paper by the way! I wish I could have taken it home!), making conversation with us not only about the shorts but also about our day. She looked a little overwhelmed with the line since it was only her and two others and she was the only one up there but I was so pleased that she took the time to ask about us and apologized for the wait and even cracked jokes. I came back recently just to look around and the same cashier girl was there again and helped me. So far my experiences have been quite good at this store and I came back to buy lunch bags and again to get some clothes. I looked at my receipt and saw that the employee is listed as a Vivian. I hope this is correct, she is a petite mixed asian girl. I believe in giving credit where credit is due and this store and its customer service NAILED IT for me. I don't like all of the prints but I always find something when I go. With all of my purchases so far, I have loved incredibley!! I cannot wait to go back and purchase more things from their new releases. It is more expensive but I am very happy with what I received and they have worn up in the wash pretty well so far. I understand why it is so beloved by so many local customers and it is a new store I will be visiting now that I am in this area. read more

I have been spending a lot more time shopping at Fighting Eel than I like to admit. I blame my husband who always buys me gift cards and outfits from here. He is just feeding my need to buy clothes. Their items are very pricey, so I usually only splurge on prints that I like. I frequent this location often, but sometimes feel that the staff aren't as friendly as other locations. I would say that it is a hit or miss dependent on who is working that day. They get very crowded here, especially when there's sales. There's only a couple dressing rooms, so it sometimes takes long to get in to try something on. Luckily the sizing runs pretty similar across the board. Looking forward to the prints that come out in 2025. read more

I am an FE "Late Bloomer". A fashion fry in a lagoon of loyal fishies. Although my obsession began a couple of years ago, FE is well into celebrating their momentous 20th anniversary this year. That's two decades of evolving their craft with fashion, travel, baby goods, essentials... the list goes on. Their savvy business model hinges on their "limited edition" colorway drops, motivating the consumer to purchase early before it's sold out. Once it's gone, they may never make it again. FOMO is the true driver in this example of Consumer Psychology. Retail fish frenzy at its best. Their classic fish print is iconic. Total strangers (men and women) will compliment my wardrobe- at the mall, beach, and abroad-- who doesn't appreciate a little ego-stroke to get through the weekly grind? This momager is not above it. My go-to store is the Kahala location, and I'm usually by myself or with my husband and young sons in tow. Most times than not, the staff greet me by name and see how my week is going. How thoughtful! I appreciate the customer service they provide despite how busy they must be with constant orders and questions. It's not easy and I'm sure they get flack for their strict return policies (Word of caution: purchasing online, in-store, and phone orders each have unique terms and conditions, especially returns and exchanges. Ask first BEFORE purchasing to avoid headaches for both parties). I admire Fighting Eel for breaking barriers on so many levels- as a local business, as a woman-owned business, attaining global success including Hollywood's greatest, and keeping the styles relevant for ALL ages. It's not uncommon to stroll into any FE location and see moms and daughters shopping together. My justification in cost is two-fold: Quality and Practicality. The fabric is ridiculously comfortable, yet made well (Drawback: most garments require hand washing, but I just throw my FE clothes in the "quick wash" on cold, then hang dry). The style lines accomplish the visual presentation that I humorously tell my friends, "It looks like I'm put together without actually trying". And the compliments received only positively reinforce my buying habits. The fish cycle continues... **Congrats to Lan and the amazing FE team on their Big 20! From the seamstresses to the managers, the marketing and the CSRs: your hard work, sacrifices, and dedication are truly appreciated!** read more

Let me start by saying that even though the Kailua store is closer to me, I drive all the way from the Windward side to the Kahala location because it's *that* much better. Unfortunately, I had multiple unpleasant experiences at the Kailua location so much so that I wanted to stop shopping at FE altogether. However, every single time I've been to the Kahala store, the staff has been top notch and they are what kept me wanting to shop at Fighting Eel time and again. They are super helpful whenever I need to pick up an online order, and they allow me to shop without being pushy. The nice lady who worked tonight even moved some of the racks out of the way so I could push my stroller through even though I just wanted to look at some small inexpensive gift items. Thank you to everyone at the Kahala store for making my shopping trips a five-star experience. Also, whoever wrapped the socks I ordered did so beautifully and I'm excited to gift them. You're all the best! read more

Amazing service, although they were super busy, they were so helpful and patient. Got to try on many different styles and sizes!! Love how the clothes fit and make you look great!! Love the quality of the material and how it fits. It's so worth the price, I was so happy with what I got!! Definitely will be back. Thank you read more

As others have mentioned ranging from 7+ years ago to more recently, this Kahala location specifically has awful customer service every time we go in. Never a greeting when you enter, and the sales associates don't even look up from what they're doing to acknowledge you. read more

Yesterday I shopped at Fighting Eel Kahala during the Very Merry event and bought two items. One the way out I looked at my receipt and noticed that they had charged me full price for an item that was on sale. I went back to the cashier and showed her the receipt and told her that one item was charged incorrectly. She agreed, but gave me a credit on a gift card for the difference. I told her that I didn't want the gift card, I wanted my credit card to be charged correctly. She said she can't do that, it has to be store credit because they don't give refunds. I commented (calmly) that it's not a refund, it's a correction of an error that she made in overcharging me. She then looked annoyed and said that she can make the change but I have to go to the back of the line and wait. At this point I was stunned that she seemed to be punishing me for making a reasonable request. She said it a couple of times in an annoyed tone while I decided whether to accept the store credit or wait in a long line again so that she would adjust the credit card charge to the correct amount. I don't shop there often so did not want a gift card with a small amount on it that I could only use in that store, especially after being treated this way. I decided to wait in line. There were about five people ahead of me so it took a while. When it was my turn, the cashier tried to fix it but was unable to so she had to call someone on the phone to walk her through it. The whole time she did it, she looked upset and never looked in my direction. A different sales person apologized for the wait but was unable to help her at the cash register. It seemed that there was only one person of the three working there who knew how to use the cash register, and she did not know how to do the transaction. She was finally able to fix it but it took a while. I waited an extra 30 minutes total, in line and waiting for her to fix it. It really turned into an ordeal. I felt hostility from the cashier. Maybe she was mad at me because she didn't know how to do the transaction and she had to ask for help, which embarrassed her? I don't know but for sure she was totally lacking in customer service skills as well as job skills. In a way I felt sorry for her because she was clearly poorly trained. I noticed a number of bad reviews of the Kahala location that are similar about poor customer service, and the staff making people feel unwelcome. The responses are the same, saying that they value people's comments and will make changes. But they obviously have not made the changes. What's sad is that I was trying to shop there to support a local business. Maybe they think their products are so popular that it doesn't matter how they treat people. I'm posting this review to let people know that they need to check their receipts when you shop at this store, and you may be treated badly if you have the audacity to ask them to fix their error. read more

So sad to see this local company have such POOR customer service. Huge fan of Ava sky prints and quality but going into the Kahala store the customer service is horrible. There were 3 associates working I'm assuming one is a manager I was not greeted by anyone while entering the store. when I approached the counter I was barely acknowledged. I had to return something I bought the day before and was told I could return within 14 days. ***Read the fine print because they will only exchange or issue a gift card for store purchases. So order online with this company to skip the rude associates and be able to change your mind on an item bought. I will not be returning to the Kahala location. Downtown and Kailua have better customer service. read more

I just love the Fighting Eel... this was my first time here and I was pleasantly surprised with their beautiful island wear. The color schemes the attention to keeping their products true to our island life is amazing. I have passed by this store many times without actually knowing what their focus was. I missed out on this gem of a bouquet. Located pretty much in the middle of the mall where all the action is right in plain sight. They have so many beautiful items for women, children, men and even your home. I seen amazing unique shower curtains that would look wonderful in any home including pillow. Long and short dresses that you could tell were made with love and aloha. Everything was made with such quality and felt so soft. I have not seen these unique designs anywhere else. Beautiful craftsmanship and truly local. Great job Fighting Eel, I'll be back soon.... read more

Fighting Eel - Cute Bucket hats - Women's Clothing Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Love love love kahala Fighting Eel The girls are all so friendly and super helpful. My fave store to go to for cute and comfy clothes and the best accessories/housewares. read more

I maybe have gone into a FE store 3 times. This was the first time I actually bought something. As I waited to be helped at the counter, one clerk was cordial and politely said someone will be right with me. Then another clerk came up to the register and asked can I help you? I asked for a gift card and as she was preparing it, I asked how much the handbags are up on the shelf and she bluntly says, 92. And then asked her if it was $92 for all styles and she just says, yah. Then she puts the bill on the counter and tells me to sign and then she puts my receipt down and walks away, with no thank you or have a nice day! All I can say is such bad customer service and so unfriendly. read more

Thank you to Kylie for all your help to get an item I couldn't get online on the Origami Fish debut. So appreciative that I could get a black Tank Oli!! Luckily I was able to snag a teal Dress Sabrina online. LOL. When I went to pick up the Tank Oli, social distancing, temperature check, and hand sanitizer procedures were in place. Waited a few minutes for my turn to go into the store. I was given 20 minutes to browse. Vivian was helpful, friendly, and assisted me with my pick up. Thank you FE Kahala! read more

Fighting Eel - Tank Oli - Women's Clothing Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I had a very unpleasant experience at the Fighting Eel Kahala store. The customer service was very poor and the staff was rude. I won't be returning. read more

I love this fighting eel location!! I walked in not knowing much about their whole brand, or knowing what I was looking for but as soon as I stepped inside. I was approached by a sales associate named Naveah. I came in last Wednesday trying on pieces for a wedding party that I am going to attend later this month. Naveah had helped pick out 3 pieces for me to try and at first I was a little skeptical but as she was telling me all about the styles and prints. I decided to buy all 3!! I could have never asked for a better sales associate. I will be coming back. Thank you Naveah! read more

This is for the Kahala Mall location only. Went with my wife on Saturday, we haven't been to Kahala Mall in quite awhile. The salesperson that waited on my wife definitely did not want to be at work that day. Basically just went through the motions with my wife processing her charge card purchase. Very little emotion, just lacked basic customer service skills. To be fair, our daughter was visiting from California about 3 weeks ago. After taking her and our grandsons to Kailua Beach we stopped by the Kailua store. This is one of her favorite stores to shop at whenever she comes home. We were in there for about 45 minutes and the salesperson helping her was awesome. She really knew her stuff, after getting a feel for what my daughter liked, a lot of suggestions and trying on went on. This Fighting Eel girl really exuded the Aloha Sprit, her smile and personality was awesome. Plus all the sales staff at the Kailua location made us feel welcome. Our daughter bought quite a bit and was very happy to have a new wardrobe, jewelry included, that would be pretty exclusive for where she lives. This salesperson loves her job and definitely wanted to be working there. Now this was a 5 star experience, I didn't post this positive Yelp, as I was not involved, only waiting. However, since I listed the negative one with my wife at Kahala, I wanted to balance the ledger. read more

I am a loyal shopper with Fighting Eel (primarily DOWNTOWN) and I consider myself worthy of fair and decent treatment. The following are the exact reasons why I exclusively shop with the welcoming ladies @ the downtown location. I am absolutely embarrassed about the lack of respect when myself and 2 other friends entered to browse at the Kahala Mall location. Thursday 7-22/1745 hours, we proceeded to look at the new release items as well as throughout the store at the merchandise. Out attire was for a special dinner nearby. Lucky for these employees (3 females) they had masks on and cannot be described. I am appalled at the following behavior : Employees followed us around at close range (Loss prevention ?) the entire time inside of the store. Im not even sure if they maintained a 6 foot distance. A female employee wearing all black stared at us (from behind) possibly thinking we couldn't see her with her arms crossed as if to glare at us in disgust (or whatever it was it was NOT appropriate!) At no time did we disrespect anyone or act in a displeasing manner however we were treated as such!! I was in fact wearing a F. E. Jumper from the previous release! As soon as this happened we chose to leave the store. I am so hurt and disappointed that we had this experience and explained to my friends that this is not the norm with fighting eel. *FYI the only reason for 1 star is it would not let me POST THIS... read more

Love, love, love this store! Everything they sell is so cute and the quality is great. A little on the pricey side their clothes are more than with the cost. Every time I wear a dress or romper from here I get a compliment! read more

I too have experienced MANY instances of poor customer service in this store. Not sure why the owner Lan or anyone from her management team doesn't address this negative, toxic culture and discrimination. Read the room! (the many yelp reviews and word of mouth. It's a small island). Every time I walk into this store no one says hi or welcome in or anything. They all just continue steaming garments and doing other things as if you are the scum of the earth and have the audacity to even step foot in their presence to contribute your business. It's a small store so usually you are 1 of 1 customers or 1 of 3 and if no on says anything when you walk in, it makes it uncomfortable and weird. I understand that they can't greet every single customer, but even after entry into the store they usually ignore you as if you don't exist. I genuinely have to mentally prepare every time I walk into that store just to pick up an online order. It's so uncomfortable and you can't help but to think you are the problem or something is wrong with you. Am I not pretty enough? Skinny enough? Or look wealthy enough to shop here or wear their products? Like what is the secret to being accepted at this store? Someone please let me know so I don't have to face mental anguish just to pick up and online order at minimum! At the end of the day, we all have bad days or have something going on in our personal lives and that is ok. But it's every single time I walk into that store. And usually I will purchase online and pick up in store to have minimal contact with employees. I don't even try on the garment on in store when I pick up because they are so cold and mean that it's so uncomfortable! I also feel perhaps the owner doesn't care because if you read multiple comments of the same thing and it's still like this since last week when I had to pick up an online order. Btw when I walked out two employees were standing by the door talking to each other laughing and having a fun convo. Then I walked passed them to walk out they just looked at me and didn't say anything. Not even a bye or thank you. It's always this one employee on the petite side who wears these dark black framed glasses that is always so cold. Along with another Asian girl who always wears a denim jacket. I was buying a dress one time and when ringing me up she didn't make eye contact with me not once and when she read my total she was looking out the front door of the store as if I was undeserving of even eye contact. Can't even get treated like a human at minimum in this store it's very bizarre. I hope this is addressed because it's just mentally traumatizing. I feel like I am in a real life scene from Mean Girls every time I walk into this store. Do you think they have a burn book for customers? read more

Went to Fighting Eel to pick up a a Mahina Made shirt that I had on hold from Kalei. Love the customer service that I always receive! I also was looking for a blanket and Kyleigh helped me. She is the sweetest. I didn't feel like I had to purchase anything. But I really wanted someone's opinion. I'm glad she thought like I did. I also went to Made in Hawaii on Friday. The line was long to get in. The line was also long at Lex breezy, Mahina Made, Fighting Eel, etc..... I didn't want to stand in the line. Really wanted something from Mahina Made and Fighting Eel. Glad that Fighting Eel had a shirt I wanted. And Kalei could put it on hold for me. She is so awesome! Let me just tell u that there was lines from the time I got into Made in Hawaii to all the other places that had their exclusives drops. But, if I got something then I did. If not, it wasn't meant to be. I wasn't gonna be mad about it. Will always love the customer service from Fighting Eel! read more

There was a new tote that just released last week but it was sold out online. I just so happened to see it in store while I was passing by (totally not a planned trip) and was excited to get it. I was instantly met with stares and I was super uncomfortable with their treatment. Asked if they could hold the tote for me up front as if I was going to steal it. Acting like they're better than me . I won't be supporting this business anymore. read more

It's nothing new that this store lacks in customer service.. BUT I went in today and I have NEVER felt so uncomfortable. I walked in because I had put a dress on hold earlier that morning for my sister. Immediately when I walked in, no one greeted me, yet the store wasn't busy and there were a couple workers on the sales floor. I had to walk up to get a girls attention but I could tell she didn't want to help me either and just had a weird attitude and demeanor.. she ended up telling another employee instead to get the dress for me. The other employee came out with the dress and was about to walk over but then gave it to the girl that didn't want to help me originally.. she quickly handed me the dress and hurried away to go talk to the other employee. As I was looking at the dress (because it was a gift) my boyfriend and I just felt so uncomfortable words just can't fully explain it. I just knew I didn't want to be in the store any longer so I just gave the dress back and quickly walked out. read more

Located in Kahala Mall, Fighting Eel is a local fashion brand that has a strong following. Always a great variety of prints, colors and cuts that are perfect for the Hawaii lifestyle and warm weather. I love that you always feel comfortable in their clothes and you can dress looks up or down depending on the occasion. Fighting Eel is definitely spendy, but I really do believe you get what you pay for in terms of quality of fabric and you're supporting a truly locally owned business, as opposed to a disposable national brand such as Forever 21. If you're not in the mood to buy clothes, they've also got a nice selection of locally made jewelry, Quay sunglasses and accessories. Customer service has always been great every time I've visited the store and if the don't have something in your size, they can always cross check at their other locations. read more

Talk about a lifestyle brand that's tailored to my personal needs and comfort. I actually met the owners many years ago at a Fashion Co-op event in Santa Monica when they had just started their business. I was so impressed with their concept and simplistic, yet versatile pieces. Fast forward to last summer when I was hunting down the perfect dress for a beach wedding. I swear I searched for much too long a time for just the right thing with no luck at all, nada, until I spotted Dress Martina from the charming Bird of Paradise collection sitting pretty in the Kahala store's window. BINGO! It was kismet. I received countless compliments on it, even from people I didn't know! I knew from that point on that this store (which oddly was not on my shopping radar all these years given I was so joyful about its success all along) would become my top resource for casual, effortless style. Enter Nikki. Now my personal shopper/photographer/stylist/friend, who often hits home runs when she picks stuff out for me that I would never even think to try, this gal is just a breath of fresh air! She hunts down that coveted triangle ROLA necklace and really takes the time to study what styles/cuts look most flattering on me. I always look forward to seeing her friendly smile whenever I walk through the door. She always shares her honest opinion and laughs at my silly jokes. Gotta love her! Did I tell you about the prints? Omg, the many beautiful patterns and colors that spawn from each collection just seem to get better and better! They're so fun and beautiful that I try to get at least one piece in every print. Aside from the flattering cuts and prints, another plus is the comfort and ease of the fabrics. I don't think I've ever gotten a piece that has to be dry cleaned. So much better for the environment, and even better for my pocketbook! The oh-so-soft ribbed collection was a travel staple for me during early winter. These mix-and-match pieces were just perfect for wearing on the flight and packed well without a single wrinkle. If you're a frequent traveler, these are the key pieces that will take you through an entire week without taking up a lot of space. Yes, there is something to be said for packing light and having the ideal travel capsule wardrobe! These pieces can be dressed up or down and pair well with jeans or a denim jacket, heels or flats. Packing perfection! The durability of these fabrics and construction of every piece is flawless. I have even accidentally tossed an Ava Sky (FE's sister company) Jumper Josie made of the most deceptively sturdy rayon crepe in my dryer. Gasp! Like all of us powerful women, these beauties look fiercely gorgeous on the outside and are even fiercer when put to the test! Each piece is an investment and can be enjoyed for years to come. I really can't think of anything more to ask of a clothing line. The jewelry and accessories selections are always amazing. You will find some very unique pieces most, if not all, handcrafted by local artists and designers. Way to support local, island fashionistas! If you enjoy mixing things up a bit, Fighting Eel always has some handpicked staples from on-trend brands like Joah Brown, Mother Denim, Z Supply, Lovestitch, Bella Dahl and sleek swimwear by ACACIA. I always feel welcome at the Kahala store and am warmly greeted by all the gals on the floor as soon as I walk in. Even when Nikki's not working everyone there makes me feel valued as a loyal Fighting Eel customer. It's like when Norm would walk into Cheers and everyone would call out his name, don't you love it when that happens? I've been to all but the Kailua location and received the same level of courtesy and assistance at each one. Let's face it, ladies, how can we resist a brand whose tagline is "Buy Now or Cry Later."? This brand has truly made my life a lot easier because instead of telling myself I have nothing to wear, I get to ask myself, "Ooh what will I wear today?" As usual, I can't wait until the next collection drops! Why should you? read more

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I want to give 0 stars to this over priced store with the worst employees ever. No customer service what so ever, they look at you like they are better than you. I will never support a place like this. I guess all the stores are the same. I went to the Kailua one and so I wanted to see if the one in Kahala was better, nope same type of service. No one greets or says anything to you. Horrible. read more

I'm a loyal customer and this used to be my favorite store pre-pandemic...now I don't know what to think. Yes, it's high priced for quality products, and that used to come with quality service, too. However, the last time I went in, it was obvious the salespeople wanted little to do with me. Was it some kind of prejudice on their part? Or were they simply "quiet quitting" and doing as little as possible out of some kind of protest against the employer? I bought a couple of things anyway, because I've always liked the merchandise, but it was not a pleasant experience. read more

I am a frequent customer at fighting eel and I have spent more money here then I'd like to admit. Pros: comfortable, quality garments that are super flattering on any shape or size. If you like prints this is the place! Cons: return policy is nonsense and as of recently the customer service is atrocious. My husband went in after work to Christmas shop and was ready to drop some money in there for me. Yup my hubby is a arborist and probably didnt look his best... that's no excuse in my book. He unfortunately was treated poorly, ignored for 20 plus minutes and now has vowed to never give this company another dime. I am extremely disappointed as it was one of my go to places for a nice outfit. The staff needs to humble down, treat every customer with respect. Yes, there are a lot of regulars but everyone should receive the same treatment and customer service. A few co- workers had complained about rude staff as well and I couldn't believe it. Now I hear first hand from my hubby. I think I'll be taking a break from shopping here for a while, if anything visit some of the other locations. Needless to say I'm disappointed. read more

Sweet and friendly staff--they helped my bf secure a few of the ever-popular fish print pieces since I wasn't able to go there myself. Wrapped everything nicely, and got them to me safe and sound. Love Fighting Eel! read more

I've always been a fan of Fighting Eel. Call me crazy, but the items they offer - Quay and Toms sunglasses, their tote bags, Joah Brown, along with their FE line - the choice of fabrics, patterns, and cuts, there's literally something for everyone. Kahala Mall is WAY off the beaten path from my side of the island, in fact unless I'm going to the nearby baseball fields for either of my kiddos, there's only one time I'm guaranteed to be in Kahala and that's when I'm running the Honolulu Marathon. I do like coming to this mall, my youngest does too, in fact he's said that it's his favorite mall. Not sure why, but I agree with him. During my visit at this FE location, they were hosting a local jewelry designer, I AM and they had a holiday 25% off sale. Trust me - they will always have me at "sale"! While I do love FE, the prices of their goods don't always "love" me back (if you know what I mean). I was here a couple of weeks before and fell in love with these awesome cute "hey girl hey" type spunky Quay sunglasses. Since I was Christmas shopping I needed to focus and hold off on buying everything I saw for myself. In fact I remember saying that if it was meant to be, when the time is right, I'll be back and I'm getting these bad boy rims. Guess what? I was right! I saw the sale posting on IG, made plans to head down and was fortunate enough to find that the sunglasses were still there. During my trip, a nice young lady (I didn't catch her name) helped me finalize my decision, in addition, she helped me find some Joah Brown tops that also caught my eye while I was there. We chatted and laughed and thanks to her help, I got my Quay. 10/10 would definitely come to this FE location even if it's on the other side of the island. read more