Neil and Pat are wonderful! The epitome of a Mom and Pop store, the sell Canon cameras and accessories, like batteries and cases and straps. The take passport photos and also print. The also do large scale printing, for artists and photographers around the island. All sales are final, so please be sure you know what you want! Lovely people. read more

Though this place is a little on the expensive side, it is still locally owned and owners are friendly. I've been going her since high school. Its really out of the way from ewa beach, but if I need back up, wanna just sample new gear, then I'm there! They have a good variety of tripods, always stocked on necessities and gadgets. I paid $80 for a battery charger when I came back home to the islands, and really didn't mind, everywhere else at the time was out of stock or you needed to order online. Great place for canon heads, and right across coffee talk! read more

This guy in the store tried selling me a Fuji NP 45 charger for $60. What a fucking joke. Right before he attempted to sell me this junk he was low balling an elderly man for a camera. read more

Awesome customer service, fair prices and very knowledgeable about gear and practice! Highly recommended!

I love this place. Been going there for awhile now. I just go in, get what I need and leave. The owners are nice to me (maybe I'm a lucky customer haha). I prefer this place over any other camera supply place in Hawaii. read more

Happened to stumble upon this shop, wish I didn't. Maybe it might be me, but I didn't realize this shop and their owners were so biased to photography only. I make videos as a hobby and sometimes I get a decent amount paid for it as well. I inquired about some lenses for my new camera and the woman showed me their prices. I also mentioned to her that a camera store in Aiea didn't have the batteries I needed and that their store did, and saying that definitely brought her ego up. I guess she assumed I was a photographer which is why she started to share all these photography art shows with me, when I asked about videography, she told me "making someone sit through watching a video is torture", well let me tell you, listening to her talk about photography being the almighty art and social media being the devil was the torture. She continues to talk about how "your generation needs to start printing pictures" and talking about how Instagram and Facebook and Youtube are not good media. This woman absolutely rubbed me the wrong way. The entire conversation was about her store, how the Aiea store could never live up to the services they had (printing, canvases, canon specialty, etc.), how videos weren't a form of art expression like photography is, how printing is better than posting on social media, and how great her husband is at what he does. Sure the guy may be good at his craft, great for him, and great that you are proud of your store, but not once did she ask what I needed or how she could help. Not sure who taught them how to run a business, but even if the Aiea store doesn't have the batteries I need, at least they know how to treat a customer. At least they don't belittle my craft and art expression or make me feel bad for having social media. I always go with this saying my mother taught me, "If the folks in the store don't make you feel good, don't give them your money". Definitely won't be giving my hard earn cash to these stuck in the past folks. Don't they realize social media is free marketing? read more

I think they were a little unsure about helping me at first but once hey realized I wasn't just there to waste their time or be cheap they were extremely helpful. Picked up a macro lens from them. The gentleman was very helpful. Will be back for more parts :) read more

Excellent fast passport photo. No waiting. The owners are very nice and the picture are very high quality. Lots of parking in the municipal lots across the street except during lunchtime. It's a small shop on the Mauka side of Waialae Avenue. Right across from Coffee Talk. read more

DO NOT SHOP HERE! I was lured in by the good reviews, but quickly found myself in the same situation as some of the others who posted bad reviews. It started off harmless enough, I wanted to do some night shooting and needed a tripod. After some assistance, I found one I liked, and let my helper know my intent to purchase. I then asked an sb-600 flash, which they didn't carry. The salesman recommended another flash to me, which wasn't a remote flash, so I politely declined as that was a deal breaker for me. After that, I found was left awkwardly standing around, as the salesman who was helping me just walked away to talk to some other customer. Several more customers proceeded to walk in and get helped, while I stood at the register awkwardly. It looks like they were repeat customers, as they had very long conversations, during which the two store helpers both looked at me several times...smiling, but still not helping me. In retrospect, I should have just walked out, but I really wanted my mount. Finally when I was helped, there were no smiles, and it seemed like they just wanted to get me out of the store. During my stay, there was another customer who was asking about bamboo printing paper for a class. He was pretty humble(obviously fairly new to photography) and said he couldn't tell the difference. When he left, they proceeded to ridicule him. The saleswoman said that she thought today's youth was "just stupid," and that no one bothered to do research about paper....yes paper! I hope that customer is also reading this so he knows what transpired after he left. I will also say I was much younger than that customer they were ridiculing. Not to toot my own horn, but I work for Google on a floor where many people have written books, RFC's, and carry high level degrees. My point being that I encounter egos on a daily basis and this is the last place I expected to find them. The people running this shop should feel ashamed of themselves for having a superiority complex for something as trivial as photography. If this wasn't a family run business, i'm sure they would have all been fired ages ago. Also sorry to burst your bubble saleswoman, but people are actually getting smarter (and by a large margin) throughout the generations due to the Flynn effect. http://moreintelligentlife.com/node/654 read more

I was very hesitant to go to this store based on the bad reviews. I'm very selective about businesses with bad customer service. While looking for some accessories I was asking the owner a question and in the middle of our conversation he ignores me and proceeds to have a discussion with the customer who was looking at an expensive telephoto lens. There were no smiles, no interest, no help whatsoever from this owner. I bought my accessories anyway only to find out later that I was charged over 5 times the retail value found online. My mistake for not doing enough research, but it was an emergency. I also realize they are trying to make money, but they sure don't value all their customers. Instead I felt like I was being passed off as a customer that they could care less if they received my business or not. That's one degrading attitude I do not tolerate with businesses. There was only one other customer in the store besides me. It's not like they were so busy that they had to run around helping other customers. The store itself is very small too which means they could have easily shown more courtesy as I was literally in front of them. Bottom line is, I'm not giving them anymore of my business because of their complete lack of customer service and ridiculous markups. read more

I've seen a wide range of reviews with Kaimuki Camera but I can only report my experiences. And sad to say they haven't been good. I'll start and end with the customer service. I too have been ignored completely while at other times given only minimal customer service. I don't know if it's cultural but the owners have inadequate communication skills. Short story short, as much as I'd like to support a local business I will take my money elsewhere. I think there is a reason they've stayed a small camera shop. read more

Condescending and not just rude, the worker did not offer suggestions or any type of guidance for my next steps. Poor quality service overall. read more

Being family owned doesn't make an excuse for having bad and shady customer service. What many reviewers mentioned was exactly what I experienced on both times I've been there. The first time I visited this shop, I was looking to purchase a $3500 digital camera in which was in short supply. When I called and asked, they said they had one in stock. When I got there and was ready to purchase, he said that particular camera was on hold and he will call to check if he person was still going to buy it. Having me wait 5 minutes later, he brings back another young guy who was "supposedly" the person who had the camera on hold. He then tells me he isn't going to buy it if I was gonna pick it up. That's when my suspicions arose. Putting your customers on the spot with this type of tactic isn't good for business. Neither is telling the customer later on that they didn't sell the package of the camera like Canon sells it but instead sells it in pieces(even though same price, it screams grey market). I basically said, no thanks and walked away and ended up spending that money at a competitor who gave me much better service. Second time, I was looking to pick up an extra CF card in professional grade and speed and couldn't find help since all their workers were just chatting with friends. When I did, I was quoted a very ridiculous price and it wasn't even a "professional" grade card but just a "faster than normal barely" card. I don't plan on getting fooled the third time. read more

First off, I want to say that I've been a long time customer of Kaimuki Camera, almost 2 decades in fact. Although I buy much of my equipment online, I try to shop for my equipment as much as I can locally. I love this shop, and Neil and his wife have been nothing but excellent to me, and I will continue to support their business for as long as I can. Unfortunately, I have a feeling that this store will not last forever. With many big box and online retailers offering lower prices and incentives such as packaged deals and in-store rebates, Kaimuki Camera is unable to remain competitive in that category. What they do offer, is knowledge about he product, and Neil has a genuine passion for photography. I will admit, his customer base mostly includes the "older" generation of photographers, and those of you just getting into photography may find his store lacking. No bright shiny lights, none of the latest and greatest accessories and fads, no classes or tutorials on using your camera or how to edit in photoshop. Beginners beware, unless you know exactly what you want, this may not be the store for you. The shop offers a broad selection of Canon, Olympus, and Fuji, as well as Manfrotto, Lowepro, and a lot of common accessories you would need to round out your kit. They also offer film processing and in-house printing (though last I talked to them, the cost of keeping this service actually loses them money). You will not find Nikon or Sony here, period. So unless you're looking to buy a camera strap, gear bag, or tripod, you'd be better off going to Best Buy or Pro Camera in Aiea. That being said, after reading the reviews of other people here, I can definitely understand some of your frustrations, however, I think some reviews are negatively biased because they were told something they didn't want to hear. My review is based solely on my experiences there, which have been nothing but great. The only reason 5 stars was not given is because parking can be inconvenient at times. read more

If you say so Patty. I'm still in the camera business to some degree, I just refer them to Pro Camera, much more reputable camera business.

A great place to buy good cameras and equipment. I buy my Canon stuff from here. Neil (the owner) is very helpful and he will not try to hard sell you. Him and his wife seem to keep up with all the new cameras and lenses on the market. Parking on the street is almost impossible... so go park behind Coffee Talk and First Hawaiian Bank in the City Public Parking. You can go have a coffee at Coffe Talk after shopping for a camera. read more

I have spent over $4k at this shop and they certainly have a weird attitude. It is a great shop for enthusiasts and pros, but no customer attention is given. Today I called for the new Canon S100 point and shoot at $450. The lady that talked to me stonewalled me , she didn't know what it was and told me they did not have it. She said about three words and could be bothered less about the customer. There is some kind of disconnect. I always root for the local stores in Hawaii and hope someone fixes the problem. read more

Camera shops are far and few between in Hawaii. Sadly, many have closed up shop. My BF and I have both taken up photography as a hobby in recent years so we are beginners at best. This is a family owned business. The owners are passionate about photography and really took the time to help us make our selection of needed accessories. They also were very good at explaining certain concepts to us and we feel we learned a lot during our visit. They have a wide variety of cameras, tripods and other accessories. Will definitely support this shop with our future purchases. read more

Owners Tend to reply without sensitivity or effort. When asked for opinions of products, you are left to feel buy it or leave it with a dozen words, without much information given. read more

Just wanted to give a big thank you to Neil...I think it's Neil...for going through over half his inventory trying to find a plate that fit my tripod. While shopping online is convenient, it's nice to know there are still a local mom and pop stores with experienced and knowledgeable owners who are there to help...especially when you're in a jam and not sure exactly what you need. read more

I have been buying my gear here since 2003. I have received excellent customer service and lots of helpful digital photography education from Neil for years. As a local business owner, and professional photographer I prefer to support other local businesses and appreciate personal service. Every recommendation that I have received from Neil and Pat has benefited my work. Their experience and knowledge has been invaluable to me over the years. And Neil is a master printer. He has printed fine art prints for me and many other headshot prints for my clients. I love visiting Kaimuki Camera and I am thankful they are in my neighborhood! read more

Never made it past the phone call. Was asking about a wrist strap for a Nikon and all I got was a condescending woman saying we only deal with Canon cameras. Like I should have known that, What Nikon isn't a big enough brand for them to deal with? Also they may have carried a wrist strap of a non canon camera brand but I will never cross the threshold of that business read more

Only a three star because they had no Nikon equipment. They mainly cater to Canon users. Maybe if I get a Canon, I'll become a fan and give them a five star. read more

This small little camera shop in kaimuki is by far the best shop on this island. The owner Neil and his wife are absolutely the best and most helpful by far. They help me choose the coolest tripod that's great for travel and carrying in off the beaten paths to take photos and also choosing a new canon that's just right for me. Awesome!!!! I will be coming more often to their shop. read more

As a professional photographer, I really appreciate having a great local camera store available on island. They keep their prices competitive, are well stocked and extremely knowledgeable about their products. A big mahalo to Kaimuki Camera for being here for us! read more

We just had a great experience in this store! Purchased a new Canon Rebel DSLR 1, a couple of batteries for my Mark III and a polarizer. These folks, a couple who own the store could not have been more helpful and informative. Seriously, can't understand what the other reviewers are talking about, because yes , the store is small but they have really good inventory! Totally recommend! read more

Hands down, the best camera shop in Hawaii. I have since moved to CA, but I bought my first high end Canon EOS there. You just can't go wrong; the owners Neil and Pat Sananikone were very helpful in the selection and follow up questions I had. I usually buy electronics online, but I am glad I didn't in this case. read more

This is a hole in the wall hidden gem! It's very small and cluttered and musty but that's what makes it so charming. I was looking for a gift for a friend, who was on the hunt for a specific thing for his camera. He couldn't it find it ANYWHERE. One day, I was walking down the street, just browsing, killing time before my pedicure appointment and that's when I came across Kaimuki camera. I went inside and found what my friend was looking for and for a reasonable price! I also noticed that they are the ONLY camera store that carries brands and merchandise that isn't available anywhere else on the island. They even have vintage cameras. Some of the merchandise is expensive and you can find it somewhere else at a cheaper price, but Kaimuki Camera is the best place to go when looking for something specific. I never had a problem with the customer service. I always just ask for help if I need it and they have accommodated me every time. They even present different options that are similar to whatever I'm looking for and take the time to explain the differences of each one in detail in a way I can understand. I think a lot of people walk in, expecting it to be another electronics store that sells general cameras and equipment. In actuality, Kaimuki Camera is more of a specialty camera store and more for experienced photographers. read more

If you are knowledgeable and know what you want, you can walk in and walk out with a new unopened, unplayed with, unused lens still in its original packaging from the manufacturer. That is a benefit of their no return policy; You won't end up with a lens that other people have already bought, used, and returned. If you are a person who likes to try out several copies of a lens to try to find the sharpest one, or if you like to buy a lens, use it for a while, and then return it, then this shop with its no return policy is not for you. Their prices seem to match the online retailers on many lenses as well, and the sales tax in Honolulu, at about 5%, is lower than in many other places. read more

My husband and I came here for our passport photos (mainly for the "romance" of a small cluttered old-school camera shop over a walgreens) and I'm happy we did! Patty was so nice and genuinely tried to make sure my photo would not be rejected. They were reasonably priced and fast. I didn't purchase any camera equipment, but I overheard them telling another customer that they have a real dark room and can develop film the old-fashioned way, which I think is pretty cool. I'm glad little shops like this still exist in the sea of big name bland chains. read more

My favorite family owned camera store in Hawaii! Well... I think it's the last and only family owned camera store in Hawaii. Some of the reviewers may be perceive that the owners aren't friendly, or that they're pushy in sales. I think it may be a cultural thing (Chinese). However, for camera knowledge, they're the best when it comes to answering photo and equipment questions. I'll take product knowledge and a wide selection of gear vs. a friendly but unknowledgeable sales clerk (and limited merchandise) at Best Buy any day. read more

Horrible, horrible customer service. They are rude and will ignore you. They don't smile and it looks like I'm just bothering them. They are more concerned with making a quick sale. My friend also had a similar experience. Unless you absolutely need something right away, I highly recommend you steer clear of this place. read more

Came in for a lens cap and he had it! His shop is really tiny but, I think he has anything you need!

This is a small mom and pop store and they are very good. My whole family shops there and are happy because we have the best advice, not salesmanship. You will notice they are always busy compared to Lighthouse or other big retailers. Best Buy does not have a photographer on staff with the background of these two. No returns and they still sell a lot of cameras.video or still they know their stuff. If you have to get their attention it means some one ahead of you is a customer they know or have done business with before I have bought three camera and lens from them,so I know the difference. My friends go there with me and get what they need. Other stores do not have the small store staff as this one does. read more

I started taking pictures part time in 1989, primarily weddings, grad and birthday parties, etc. I started with mamiya 645s and rb 67s; converted to hassellblad a few yrs later; and when digital broke-out I started with the Fuji Finepix Pro-S1. A yr. later, not being happy with that system; I went into Kaimuki Camera to see what they carried. Since the day I met Neil, I have been a dedicated and loyal Canon fan; and a loyal and steady customer of Kaimuki Camera. Canon's equipment is top of the line; they have the budget to get the best glass and best research teams; and their product development to me is second to none. The same goes for Neil at Kaimuki Camera-he is soft spoken and knowledgeable; he has experienced all different photography situations and performed many requests for custom work. And, if you are having trouble, he is patient and understanding and will make a full effort to find viable solutions for your predicament. I currently use the 1DX mark 2; and a G1X-mark 3. The G1X started to take "soft" pictures, at first intermittently. Then last Saturday my wife's high school club got together for a reunion. Not one of the 9 photos that I took were printable or enlargeable. I was sad; upset; and determined to find out what I did wrong. I called Neil Monday morning, and after explaining what I was going through before selling me a replacement he asked me to bring the camera in so he could take a look. I had already asked him to recommend a replacement. Long story short, Neil discovered that my ISO settings were too high. I could not believe it was something so simple but when I use the other camera, I can get away with high ISOs because of the sensor size primarily. Neil told me- "before purchasing another camera, take it home and try shooting how we discussed. The other cameras will be here tomorrow." Needless to say, Neil was 100% correct in his diagnosis. A photo session at home restored my confidence in my equipment again, and Neil sacrificed at least a $1400 sale in support of a previous sale. This is why I am a loyal Kaimuki Camera customer; and always will be. The almost two hours that I spent with Neil (with him taking care of other customers in-between coaching me) and an intentional missed sale is how this husband and wife business owning team support their clients and customers. Thank you very much Neil and Pat for all that you do for your customers, and we sincerely appreciate your caring nature and customer support. This is also just one instance of this, as I have witnessed you assisting others in your store many times in the past, and that is why we keep coming back to you. Keep the faith, as for the others...its their loss! read more

Went in to buy a newly released camera, chatted with Neil for a little bit and he shedded some knowledge on me. Sold me a camera and I was on my way, relatively quick transaction, being that I walked in knowing what I wanted to purchase way ahead of time. Given that I didnt have any problems or issues. One thing I do feel comfortable saying is that if you get Neil customer service & knowledge of the products will not be an issue. read more

First you should know that this is the only fujinon store on the island. They have every accessory for all x series cameras. They also carry every other brand. I really enjoy filters and this store has the best German and Japanese filters available. The staff is super friendly and helpful. Really love this shop. It is tiny though. Like really really tiny. read more

Nothing but good things to say about this store. The couple that owns and runs this store are some of the nicest, down-to-earth people I've met. Always so willing to help you find exactly what you need. I've bought many lenses and several pieces of equipment from them, and they will continue to be my go-to place for camera gear in Hawaii. They're both extremely knowledgeable on cameras and can help you out whether you're an expert or beginner photographer/videographer! read more

Very disappointing. The lady owner is very rude and does not treat you to well until you buy or spend money. They ran my credit card two times and said my card was declined. I thought that was weird. Later I found out that the transaction went through and the owner yelled at me saying that it did not go through. But Later they did found the transaction and gave me a refund. What kind of customer service is this. I wished that before they tell me anything, they would check on their end first. Just unbelievable. I don't know how they are going to stay in business like that. read more

After reading some of the recent reviews I was hesitant to call this store, and I was starting to feel like I was going to get the same bad treatment others had mentioned when my first phone call went unanswered. Luckily, my obsession for wanting my tripod piece overwhelmed my doubts about this place, and on my second call I was nicely told that, yes, they do have the piece I was looking for. Since my tripod was a little old it took a little while for the owner to find the exact match, but he did it, and with a sense of humor, too. Amazing how much stuff is crammed into this tiny store. Having that piece available the day I needed it helped make my night shots of our vacation turn out. Thanks. read more