I visited Evolving Realms on the last day of my trip to Honolulu while visiting from the Bay Area…read more I'm a longtime Pokémon card collector and had spent several days checking out other local card shops (Aloha, Nocturnal, etc.), all of which were welcoming experiences. Based on the strong reviews here, I decided to stop by despite the extremely windy and rainy weather, especially since the store is only open a few days a week. Unfortunately, my experience didn't align with what's described in some of the positive reviews. When my wife and I entered, there was no greeting, despite the store not being busy. The lady staff member remained on their phone. That alone is something I could easily overlook, since everyone has off moments, but it set the tone for what followed. I spent time browsing and identified a few cards I was interested in, noting that prices were generally above TCGPlayer market values. I fully understand that brick-and-mortar stores can price however they choose, and I'm never expecting exact market matches, but I did ask if a $27 card could be adjusted to $24 to align with TCGPlayer. The response was a firm no, followed by comments such as "you can buy online instead" and "it's only $3 difference." Being told to shop online rubbed me the wrong way, especially considering I had made the effort to visit in person on the very last day of my trip, through rough weather, specifically to support a local store. Wanting to understand the pricing flexibility, I then asked about another card priced at $5 that was around $1.75 on TCGPlayer. While the dollar difference was still small, the percentage markup was significant, which is why I asked. At that point, the explanations began to feel inconsistent. I was told they weren't going to "waste time repricing cards," which didn't really address the question, and that "nobody prices at market... unless they're a vendor," which directly contradicted my experiences at other local card shops earlier that same week. I was also told pricing could be flexible "if you're buying a lot," but by then the interaction felt more tense than welcoming. I decided it was best to thank him for his time and leave. Separately, my wife mentioned afterward that there was a noticeable odor in the store that made her feel dizzy, which prevented her from browsing at all. To be clear, this review isn't about expecting market pricing. Stores are absolutely entitled to set their own prices, and customers are free to buy or walk away. As a matter of fact, I had already paid above market at other Honolulu card shops earlier in the week without issue. What stood out here was the tone of the interaction and the lack of hospitality, which didn't match the welcoming, passionate "mom and pop" experience described in many other reviews. In hindsight, I'm glad I visited this store last. Had this been my first card shop experience in Honolulu, I might have been hesitant to visit others, something that would've been unfortunate, given how positive the rest of the local card scene turned out to be. If the store responds by saying this was simply about price, I'd encourage readers to consider the overall customer experience being described. That said, as we were walking out, I did receive a "thank you." and I guess that alone deserves at least a star.

Best card shop in the island. Always a great selection and great customer service. Pokemon cards,…read moretoys, plushies,stickers and a selection of sodas and juices.

Other Realms is located in the back side of the Nimitz Center. Parking can be a little tight on…read morebusy weekdays but if you head straight past Eagle Cafe on the left, there's a smaller parking lot that usually has enough open stalls that doesn't compete with the other shops in the front. This store has absolutely everything from comic books, collectibles, MTG/TCG, D&D items and books, Warhammer, and also board games. Honestly if you are into any of those then this place is the place to come to. The absolute widespread level of inventory is only matched by how friendly the staff is and how comfortable of an environment they've created to spend your time there. They even put on events on nearly a daily basis depending what you're into. Pricing is very reasonable and I do majority of my shopping here as it is extremely competitive with online pricing. Not to mention being able to find the product that you're looking for locally is hard to find for most shops. The gameplay areas of the store are clean, tidy, and do not smell (yes... we know the stereotype of hobby shops). Plus they're always willing to spend the time to explain and help you get into any of the games they sell. I haven't played MTG for decades since I was a child and they were so kind to take me thru the differences from what I knew then to the large and vast game that it has become. They also make it simple to sign up on their website for Prerelease events and specialty game nights. I'm so glad to have found a store that has a staff that is passionate about the games as much as its customers. Thank you so much for having such a great shop to keep coming back to.

Wow never knew comic stores was so big other than Jellys. They are located way behind eagle cafe…read morenext to (I believe) a korean church. Real orderly (not surprised) and clean large comic book and other fantasy games. They seem to have alot of employees working and stocking. It seemed like a lot of them may have been lacking in social skills or customer service. Upon entering I stood at the main check out counter and a handful of workers looked up saw me and did not acknowledge me or call somebody to help me and nobody smiled. I was about to walk out feeling I was outside to their realm because essentially I was! Just came by to get a gift card. My visit left me with the impression from my experience as "what are you doing here outsider" or "you can wait we dont need your business" kind of vibe. So anyways nice clean well stocked store but the vibe meh!!

Oh, I wish I had taken pics of this place! It wasn't majestic or anything, but they had such a…read moregood supply of cards. Hopefully, you'll go and see it yourself. It was located in an unnoticeable building and the store wasn't noticeable either, but they had a good crowd inside playing. More importantly, they had a nice selection of both sealed product and individual packs and cards. Prices were reasonable, especially in this market. Best of all the people who ran the shop were friendly and helpful. SELECTION: Pokemon and Magic the Gathering are plentiful here. They had more than most shops and a good selection of Japanese Pokemon. Sadly no Japanese MTG in stock, but a really good selection otherwise. SERVICE: Excellent! Very helpful staff and friendly. Definitely would shop here if we lived in the area. COST: Reasonable. The service makes it even more worthwhile.

Great place for Pokémon cards. Generally most things are regular retail pricing, but if it…read moresomething highly sought after like the Charizard Ultra Premium Collection, it is more expensive than retail. The two times that I have gone there, the employees were really nice. I am a little sad that they have moved locations and that the parking there is not as readily available though.

Love this spot, they have all your tabletop game supplies and the owner is super helpful l! They…read morealso host games on the weekends, it's a great spot to hang out with lots of tables in the courtyard to play with friends. I like that they also have snack options since they are open late, but if you're there during regular hours fatboys and subway are right there.

Armchair is typically my first go to when I'm looking for boardgames, card games and things in…read morebetween. Everything is fairly priced as close to msrp as possible and almost never marked up unnecessarily high. This shop is basically the "third space/third place" I commit the most time at just hanging out and playing or just socializing with other hobbyists. There's always space to play between tables in the store or out in the dole lobby and the staff is always friendly an accommodating.

I am always on the hunt for educational toys that challenge my children. We just happened to walk…read moreby this store so I decided to check it out to see if they had any interesting toys. I was blown away by their selection. It's not a large store but it's jam packed with a variety of toys. They have a lot of great STEM items and toys for my older children (which is hard to find in most places). As for their prices, I feel like they are competitive with other retailors. This place is definitely a one stop shop for your toy needs!

On the search for a children's toy that my sister would approve of for her kids -- that's where…read moreThinker Things came into play! Located in Kahala Mall, this locally owned toy store has toys, books, games, and collectables with a focus on education. My nephew is growing out of his dinosaur phase, so it's not as easy as buying anything dino-related for him anymore. It was great being able to walk through and explore all the different educational toys. The planetarium projector is what caught my eye and would make an awesome gift. To be honest, when I came in - it was mostly young adults shopping for themselves... and we were all on the hunt for the same thing. Unfortunately for us, the Sonny Angels were sold out and they did not have any information on when they would get in another shipment. They did have a tons of smiski and calico critters --- which I know a lot of people are collecting nowadays. If you're looking for a gift for a young one in your life, or just doing some inner child healing - Thinker Toys has a great selection!

Cute merchandise at a kiosk on the Ground Level of the NEX (Navy Exchange), Pearl Harbor, Honolulu,…read moreOahu, Hawaii... Everyone must pass by the kiosks at the lobby of the NEX. How can you resist looking at items as you walk by??? You don't need a Military ID to shop at the kiosks (and the food court)! I saw so many Sanrio characters such as Kuromi, My Melody, Pochacco, and Hello Kitty... PLUS, they were tanned! I also noticed a Hello Kitty purse and a bunny stress ball... too Kawaii!! There were no Cony (Line Friends) items... shucks! Well... I know where to find useful, foldable, reusable tote bags... and lanyards... and keychains, towels, t-shirts, backpacks, mugs, fans, bowls, plushies, wireless headphones, insulated tumblers, and luggage tags!

Cuteness galore…read more.. The lovely kiosk cart is located in the NEX Mall and you just can't miss the cuteness that loaded and filled from top to bottom. So much fun and happy items that makes you smile with all sorts of characters like Sanrio, Pokemon, and even some local cuties that are totes, accessories and lots of plushies the selection here are amazing with items that are hard to find elsewhere you're sure to find something that will make you smile. Prices are great as well and to find all these cute items in one area is the real deal and a find. Thank you!

Visited this shop while on vacation with my family- the two gentlemen behind the counter were very…read morefriendly and made us feel welcome. They had a great selection and fair prices. Had a great experience! Definitely check these guys out!

I think to this day, they have not provided updates on Gundam Newtype Challenge 1 promotional cards…read morebeing distributed. Perhaps they apply for tournament status, get supply/get rare promo cards and then just cancel events citing terrible excuses and pocketing the profits from selling said promotional cards and product. Edit: Okay, sounds good. Just make sure to clarify why you sold ST05 at or above market price but cancelled the event that players applied for.

Who knew about this newbie right in Ala Moana Center!?! Gosh though I've been getting my regular…read moreretail therapy this is when I knew it's been awhile that since I've taken that total escape from adulting. Newly opened since March what a fantastic place that support a bunch of small local business here as it's completely locally owned and a few I've seen at select expo, farmers market and craft fairs is conveniently found here. Here you can find items for everyone clothing, home decor, stickers, and accessories and I was finding myself oohhh and ahhhhh-ing with each item. Come check them out as they do have a great return policy as well though all items I got instantly when as gifts and a nice splurge for myself as I do love love love to support small local business and seeing the creativity is so heartwarming. They're located in the former Calendar store on the top level and to see just a fraction of their inventory check out their Instagram @noeaudesigners. Thank you!!

SO MANY amazing local designed items. If you're looking for a local souvenir or just want something…read morethat represents Hawaii, look no further. I had such a hard time choosing between the reusable bags they have, plus they have these amazing smelling reed diffusers.