These folks are a classic example of the type of small retailer that used to be a mainstay of the American economy, but that now barely exists any more in the U.S. They are knowledgeable and helpful, and you get the kind of personal attention and service that doesn't exist at Amazon or Best Buy. They do absolutely first-rate, professional-grade photo printing (which we use for our daughter, who is a photographer in the BFA program at CalArts). Hope they stay in business forever. read more

All I can say is WOW! And not in a good way. I went to kaimuki camera to buy a manfrotto tripod and head and I can't believe the customer service I got. This was going to be my first tripod so I had some questions. I asked if they could show me how to set it up and stuff, so the guy pulled the legs out and looked at me like I was an idiot. I mean I know how to do that, but what about the other features of the tripod. Pan head and that stuff. I wanted to mount my camera on to see how it would hold and I was left to figure it out on my own. Instead they were showing another customer a $700 tripod and that customer had no intentions of even buying a tripod. She was there for some CDs. Man I never felt so out of place in my life. They looked at like an idiot. Anyway I decided to get the tripod set up from amazon instead of giving them my business. Man I thought family owned businesses were supposed to be very friendly. So that's my experience with kaimuki camera. I will never shop there ever again, even if they sold something cheaper than amazon! read more

I realize that is hard to be in business in Hawaii with the high costs and overhead but the only way to compete is by providing exceptional customer service. If you can't provide that service and cannot connect with the customer base, people will go where the price is lower and will not be willing to pay the MSRP and not get any "service". There is not any customer service provided at this store to justify paying the full list prices they ask for. Although I want to support "local" shops, stores like B&H and Amazon provide superior customer service/support and much much better prices. read more

Be wary of these reviews---they are getting their friends to write positive reviews. I am a loyal customer but the owners have said in their own words that they prioritize and priveledge customers who they know will spend the big bucks in their store, over a new face who may not. They look someone up and down to see if they are "worth" their time. While they treat me with respect, the reviews below that say that they are ignored, unacknowledged coming in and out of the store, and given little help...are unfortunately true. The only reason they stay in business is because there are very few places in Honolulu that sell high-end equipment--that's all. They would never survive in any other city nationwide. I support local business, but I also concur with the others who suggest getting equipment from amazon.com due to the poor treatment they receive from Kaimuki camera. And...I know plenty of pro photographers who choose to take their business elsewhere--that says alot. read more

I had to chuckle a little reading the other bad reviews. The last time I went into this store was probably three years ago and vowed to tell everyone I knew not to go there. They have no concept of customer service, unless you are purchasing an expensive item. The woman who co-owns the store told me my purchase wasn't important enough to pay attention to. And before I had gone in, I had called and she actually hung up on me because I guess my question was too unimportant. Ignore this store. Shop online, save money and your dignity. read more

I have been a patron of Kaimuki Camera for longer than I can remember and it has always been a great experience. One of the things that stick out in the many experiences there is that Neil (the owner) will never try to sell you something you don't need even if you think you want it. Kaimuki Camera is a small family owned business that caters to both professionals and amateurs alike. Also the prints coming from his machines always turn out better than anywhere else. read more

I have been passing by this store for years and have never found the time to stop, but today, I decided to make the time and I am so sorry I did. Complete waste of time, well maybe not, because I found out that they have no customer service whatsoever. My husband and I walked in and was completely ignored by the man behind the counter. he was too busy talking to his friend. The store is so small, you walk in and the counter is in front of you..so this was really rude. The woman beside him(maybe his wife) did finally acknowledge us, but when I started asking question regarding a product she acted like that's not acceptable. She kept saying working photographers know lights and they don't use lights like the product I asked about. I didn't ask her that. I asked her what kind of light does it produce..soft..hard..what? I told her different light sources produce different results..she just kept talking about working photographers knowing their stuff.. yeah..ok..I know you're trying to degrade your customer, I just refused to be degraded. You want to sell... then sell..answer questions..be nice..etc..etc..maybe time to take motivational training? read more

The negative reviews from people are those who goes there and ask a lot of questions then leave and go to a big box stores or internet to buy it. The people can't ask the same kind of questions from the big box stores and internet because they don't know much. Once you become a regular customer and buy products, they are more open to answer your question because they know you will be buying from them. Remember they are a small business trying to survive. read more

firstly... i would like to agree that the customer service is not what you would expect, but no means bad. what do i mean by that? i mean that most customers are use to GETTING BABIED... yes i said it... with how much retailers kiss your butt now days, it's like people have grown use to the notion that when you walk in... the sales clerk is going to cater to your every whim and ask YOU if you need help.. this store is definitely not like that... and i love it that way. I dont believe in getting pampered.. because i'm a man, not a toddler in the store with mommy holding my hand, so if i want something i'll ask for something or get it myself. the customer service was great for the most part, i came in the door, dude asked what i was looking for, and i said 62 mm lens cap, he got it for me, and i specifically told him just browsing after, cause i legitly wasn't sure what to get, so he let me do my own searching with no interruption. Then he started talking to a guy about what seemed to be business or mututal topics at least, so i waited patiently near by, i was in no rush, and i figure if i REALLY wanted to pay now, i could have simply said "i'm read to pay" and if he rejected me THEN..... HE IS A BAD SALES... BUT.... he looked at me and asked if i needed something else, but to take my time, n i told him i wanted his biggest shoulder bag, and he pointed it out to me, i looked at it took it to the counter and asked for the price n the next size smaller, after he said the price though i wanted it. overall, i wasn't even a big buyer.. a general lens costs EASILY more than the 140$ i spent, so it's not like i'm some huge spender.... or some repeat customer. idk if i got the husband n wife that is so notoriously rude or whatever, but they seemed rather nice imo. they were maybe mid 30's? lil older maybe? both with glasses and on the slender side. I think people go in here expecting someone to hold their grown up ass hand... and walk them through everything they need to buy.... as though they are there to teach you how everything works or to give you a review/opinion about all their gear.. seriously that's not their job... and why would any one expect that to be? lols. Even at big chain stores like best buy, a worker can only tell you what he's exp'd, which is prob limited. overall i think if you know what you want... the guy can offer alternatives if they dont have what you are looking for, but will not tell you waht to be, obviously only we know what we want. and though this isn't the best store in the world, for a hole in the wall, i'd say it's a good one, at least for now i'm willing to give return business.., we shall see in the future. read more

Their prices are decent, just wish they were a little more courteous and helpful, would love to give this local hole in the wall my business! read more

I'm not sure where all this bad blood comes from. I was hesitant to call this place, but had no choice as there was a specific item I needed that I didn't have time to order. I was pleasantly surprise read more

I was very happy to find the camera my daughter needed at Kaimuki Camera. I had some special needs for the camera and the owners spent a lot of time and effort to help me out even the store was busy with people. I am glad there are a few mom and pop camera stores left that know their stuff. I am tired of shopping for photographic gear from big box stores that don't know about the products they are selling and building life-long relationships with customers. read more

had some time to kill, noticed this tiny place, and noticed they had canon stuff! Ok, so i'm drawn in. BIG MISTAKE! if you're thinking of casually shopping in there, think again! i saw some random stuff that looked interesting, and i actually thought of buying, but maybe because they weren't big ticket items, i was given short, cold answers, and had to wait for them to finish long conversations with other patrons...didn't seem like they'd help me with other gear I was looking at, so i left! read more

This little store is my one stop shop for my camera needs. I really enjoy conversing with the owner about gear and being a business owner myself I can relate to them very easily. I'm not sure where all the bad reviews came from, but the owners are very helpful. Looking at all the eye candy, they have a super telephoto lens in stock that I really want and it is in stock. There isn't any other camera or electronic store here in Hawaii that can compare to this store that stocks pretty much everything a photographer ever needs. I live in Kapolei, and although the commute is far, I don't mind traveling to Kaimuki Camera to get what I need. read more

I used to be in favor of small mom-n-pop businesses, but my few interactions with this company have changed my mind. They are extremely rude on the phone and actually hung up on me saying they were "too busy" to answer my questions. The owner actually said she would spend more time with me if I were spending more money. Besides the horrendous customer service, they don't offer much of a selection. You're better off just ordering online from a more reputable company or trying other companies in town like Colorprints or Ritz Camera. It's not worth the hassle of driving down to Kaimuki and searching for parking. read more