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    The Refinery

    4.0 (43 reviews)
    ModerateHome Decor
    Closed 10:00 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated 1 month ago

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    Irene M.

    It's like they read my mind... Refinery always seem to have something interesting with a slight twist to make you say...aha! This very fun and artsy shop is filled with items for all ages and even for our pets and home that just adds that touch making it our own. They strangely always have an incredible inventory of bags here none really that's for my taste and style but I guess it popular so it's kept fully stocked which is great. The novelty items are funny though very specific and is great for gift giving as it's things you normally don't get for yourself but know who'd love it and will put into great use. I do always find something here but it's so pricey I give another thought and see if I'm able to find something elsewhere first before I make that purchase if starting with a gift bag $12.50 I'm afraid what the total cost for the items will be at the end is frightful. It's really a fun and artsy place that's so much fun to browse and do have so much on my wish list...hint hint but give this place a browse who know what you'll find! Thank you!

    7-10-21
    Gail U.

    7-10-21 You know when you need to gift someone who has everything and you just don't know what to get? Why not come in here? You could probably spend an hour browsing and reading all the clever, witty sayings on merchandise as well as find eclectic, unique, tickle your funny bone I think so and so would like this. They even carry some handsome practical travel accessories and bags. Don't know how they do it but they have a seriously diverse inventory but they display it so well it doesn't look hodgepodge. I love entering these type of stores. Creative, whimsical, useful bric or brac- it might suit your fancy.

    Erasers
    Kimberly J.

    Located inside Kahala Mall. While walking around, we came across this store. Employees are so friendly, kind, and helpful. The store is incredibly organized and clean, not to mention all the cute stuff inside. Things are on the pricier side but they offer unique gifts. They have bags, notebooks, erasers, books, cards, socks, home decor, jewelry, pens, shirts, cups, etc. I'm so glad we got a change to visit. A great store to find special and unique gifts.

    Erica M.

    Ugh.. it pains me to write this. Pros: locally made/handcrafted unique items. Cons: wildly overpriced, but i'm ALWAYS willing to pay more for small business/handcrafted, quality items. I had a terrible customer service experience. I purchased these cute chopsticks for my kids with crocodiles at the tip.. see the photo. They were $10 each but my son and daughter loved them so I snagged them both one. The woman at the register offered to take the little sticker tag off of them..which was nice. As we we were walking out of the store, my daughter spotted a different animal on the top (a little lamb) that was more girly. She asked if she could switch it.. so I brought it up and asked if we could exchange.. we literally had not left the store. And they could have just put another price tag on the first one, but she said she had to ask the manager. So the manager KAYLA--- said no. Why on earth? So of course my 3 year old is super sad.. and I purchased her a third chopstick. I guess it was an easy way to get another sale. What a lame reason to lose a customer. Def will not be returning here.

    Sample of items in this great store!
    Randall S.

    I don't visit Kahala Mall often but when I do, I always like to stop at The Refinery. It's a great shop with pretty much anything for anyone. They always have something new and for bag lovers, there's a nice collection of fanny packs, shoulder bags, pouches and other items in the rear of the store. The staff is very helpful and if you go more often then me (about once every month or two) it may be worth signing up on their customer list to get the skinny on new items and discounts. Well organized, great lighting and good selection of products. Stop by if you have a chance!

    Cheryl S.

    Very cute and trendy store. I only came to pick up a greeting card, but ended up getting some other stuff too because once I saw it I had to have it lol. If you have a compulsive shopping habit like me, you may want to stay away. The customer service was very friendly and helpful. The Refinery is located at the bottom of the stairs if you enter Kahala Mall through the upstairs parking area. It's across from the Consolidated Movie Theatre, does anyone know if that place is ever going to open up again?

    Located by the Kahala Theaters!
    Tracy K.

    Reid and his wife decided to open up this local, unique, "gifty" store in Kahala Mall with a cute take on quaint meets retro style. The description on the window says, "Your modern general store", but there is SO much more to it. The Refinery Honolulu is one place to find unique, "out of the box" holiday gems without having to fly to places like the West Coast. Tucked in the corner across from the theaters, the store is well lit and full of holiday cheer. It is hard NOT to stroll in and take a peek. Curiosity will tell you to read the fun wooden signs, chuckle at greeting cards that read "Older and wiser, mostly older", and enjoy "dated" local paraphernalia like Red Rooster Manoa Lettuce handkerchiefs. Beautiful kitchenware, inspirational messages, soaps, jewelry, Christmas decorations... they're all here. It's difficult to categorize what they sell, but all Reid knows is he wanted the store to be something that locals will truly find unique and enjoyable. The staff are friendly and a bit shy, but more than willing to answer your questions. This is a great option for those who are buying gifts in a hurry. No time to go home and wrap? Choose one of the many great gifts, snag some gift wrap, and plop on their huge, wooden gift wrapping table with scissors and pens to shave off valuable time, and you're off! Business hours coincide with the mall; Mondays through Saturdays from 9-9pm, and Sundays from 10-6pm. The store has seen less than a full day of opening time, so the jury is still out on its mass appeal. But I wish great things for this local business who seems to have what it takes: a retro twist for the modern shopper.

    M D.

    Ugh, I will NEVER shop again at The Refinery at Kahala Mall. Very bad and poor customer service. I went in there last night to buy these three cool Robot Christmas ornaments at $27 each for gifts for a few of my nerdy friends. One of the sales associate told me that if you spend $60 then you get 20% off your purchase. So it really made me buy 3 pieces rather than 2. I almost bought 4. Upon ringing up the purchase the other sales associate girl tells me do you want it wrapped and I said no, just give me three of the small refinery totes and I'll use that for my wrapping. Easy. So she pulls out three tiny bags (not the small, medium or large bags), and swipes my card. I then say -- oh, not those tiny bags but the next up "small bag" so I can stuff the bag with tissue and a card, please. The tiny bags are as big as the ornaments, and the ornaments aren't exactly that small. So the sales associate tells me "ohhhh, it's too late. I already charged you for the three tiny bags." And I'm like, "but all the bags are the same cost. And if I bought these all separately then I'd get a small bag for each, correct?" She said "yes." So I'm like "this doesn't make sense. If you can't give me three small bags, then just cancel this transaction and ring them up all separately, I don't want those tiny bags, I want the small bags that I requested." She replies, "oh it's too late since I charged your card and our store has a no refund policy and the best I can do is give you a credit." And I'm like, "Excuse me? No refunds? I'm standing at the register buying something right now -- i didn't leave the store... A credit? I didn't even sign the charge slip yet so it doesn't constitute a legal credit card sale. So you can cancel that transaction and start all over." Aside from that I look at the receipt, and note that for the almost $90 purchase, she didn't even give me my 20% discount promotion. So I point that out too... Then she says oh, I'd have to refund that (20% discount) to you now. But I said just cancel the transaction and start over. And she says I can't do that because I'd have to give you a credit. So now, I'm pissed because I've just wasted a bunch of time in this store with an incompetent sales associate. So I nicely say, "you know what, I don't want any of this anymore due to this experience, so please refund me and I'll never shop here again." She was like "okay that's fine." She says "oh I'll have to call my manager." I'm like Jesus help me. She disappears to the back of the store and comes out all of a sudden teary-eyed. She says to me "we will just give you back your money." At this point I'm like can I speak to that manager please which she says "he says just leave your number and he will call you back." Plus she's telling her manager that I refuse to sign the charge slip or refund slip, which is a blatant lie. I told her, "that's false...you need to learn to get your details right." So I left my number to talk to this manager about this experience and I never got a call back. Poor customer service. The worst I've ever experienced in my years of being a manager/director level of retail marketing for shopping centers (my most recent career). Worse yet, I've always supported that store with TONS of purchases. They obviously don't care about customer retention if a long time customer says "I'll never shop here again" and the response is "okay." Lol seriously I was shocked and amused at the same time that this was her response. What customer walks in and buys $90 in regular priced ornaments on whim?!? The store was empty (with a whole bunch of expensive whimsical stuff on the shelves) and you'd think they'd want a sale or at least think twice before treating a "repeat customer" so poorly. They totally hard sold me on the buy $60 and get 20% or receive 10% off with a movie stub promotion. And totally FAILED at the register with customer service, customer retention, properly providing the promotional discount promised, and being silly when it comes to front of the house etiquette on dealing wuth a customer service issue. Never Again will I shop at The Refinery Kahala Mall. And I'll tell every family member and friend this story...in person and social media. Ugh...never again.

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    3 months ago

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    10 months ago

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    10 months ago

    So many great gift items and such a helpful salesperson! Great variety of items for any gifting occasion.

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    2 years ago

    Such a great shop! The perfect place to find a gift. The staff are friendly and there is tons of parking since it is located at the mall.

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    Sarra K.

    Thank you for stopping by! We hope to see you again soon.

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - The Refinery

    Review Highlights - The Refinery

    The Refinery is located at the bottom of the stairs if you enter Kahala Mall through the upstairs parking area.

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    Sugarcane - Cute key chain with space for quarters for parking meter.

    Sugarcane

    4.2(86 reviews)
    0.9 miKaimuki
    $$

    My daughter and I had lunch nearby. She smelled more food and followed her nose. Next thing you…read moreknow, we were in front of this store. The food wasn't coming from here, but my daughter just had to see what was inside. So we came in to just look. Sugarcane is this cute shop where you can find all these locally made items for a gift, for the home, fir kids, for a friend, or for visitors. They have books, puzzles, toys jewelry, totes, bags, coasters and more. I love the wooden toys for the kids. I bought a wooden cell phone, a camera, stickers and a cute cooking set. They are my kiddos favorite toys. I've gotten key chains and jewelry for gifts. We have coasters for our home too. The workers are pretty friendly and they also wrapped my gift item too. The items seem pricey, but they are locally made and are unique. I don't think you'll find any ship with the same kind of item that Sugarcane carries. Overall, this is a great place to get gifts and maybe something for yourself. Beware of bringing your children. They will make you buy everything.

    This is the cutest little shop in Waialae with all the local goodies- perfect for holiday shopping!…read moreThe pieces here are very unique and has products/ art from a ton of different local artists and artisans. Everything here is really local-fyed and trendy. I love taking mainland visitors here so they can have a unique Hawaii keepsake or so they can go shopping for friends and family back home. The past few times I came here, I got a gift for my mom and for someone who I was going to their house for the first time. Both of those times I bought Aloha Aina aromatherapy candles and soaps. When I've come here browsing for myself, I've gotten\ zodiac themed jewelry, a cute cellphone charm, and a hair clip. The space might be small but the selection is vast and curated- you never know what goodies you'll find!

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    Sugarcane
    Sugarcane - Only $65

    Only $65

    Sugarcane

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    Simply Home - Gardening supplies

    Simply Home

    3.9(79 reviews)
    0.1 miKahala
    $$

    I was at Kahala Mall the other day. I passed by and all these cute bags they had at the front of…read morethe store enticed me to walk in. I have a weak spot for bags. All my friends call me the bag lady, haha. Anyways, I recognizes these bags right away. They're from Eden in Love. They have the cutest bags ever. This is the biggest collection that I've seen. They probably have all the design and sizes. Most places only carry the medium size as it's their most popular. Here they have it in small, medium and large. I couldn't help myself and had to get one. I got the medium Sushi Crew bag $18. Service was ok. The cashier was nice. The sales guy working the floor seemed irritated when I asked him to help me locate the bag.

    Shopping in Honolulu, Hawaii…read more.. I didn't know why my friend wanted to go shopping here. I try to avoid Simply Home (at Kahala Mall) because there are cute things at the front of the store... luring me in... I tell myself I don't NEED more stuff... However... The merchandise in this store is useful. Dish towels, tote bags, shower curtains, hooks, pet supplies, kitchen gadgets, trivets, and charging cords are some of the items in stock. I even saw a bunny toothbrush holder and a panda hand sanitizer... so cute! I will return to get gifts - especially for mainland friends. Some of the designs have Aloha themes like local grinds... such as okazuya, pineapples, and laulau! Service is very friendly and positive! There was a young man who was sincere about wanting to help me find whatever I was looking for! Thank you! Anyway... it turned out that my friend wanted to get me a Bowl Hugger. It's like a potholder that goes around your bowl when you place it in your microwave, so you can protect your hands from the hot bowl when it comes out from the microwave! Clever, thoughtful gift, right?

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    Simply Home - Charging cords... 3-in-1... and different lengths

    Charging cords... 3-in-1... and different lengths

    Simply Home - Bowl huggers, tumblers, and more

    Bowl huggers, tumblers, and more

    Simply Home - 7/2022 Eden in love items

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    7/2022 Eden in love items

    Every Day Better by Green Meadows - Jewelry, purses, and more!

    Every Day Better by Green Meadows

    5.0(16 reviews)
    0.8 mi
    $$

    Shopping in Kaimuki, Honolulu, Hawaii…read more.. I saw the sidewalk sign that read: "SHOP CUTE" ...and I had to look... especially because the name of the store is intriguing... Every Day Better by Green Meadows is a shop that carries eco-conscious merchandise. There were bags, clothing, jewelry, books, little ceramic animal figures, air plants, packing cube sets, umbrellas with duckie faces on the handles, fabric koi fish hanging flags from France, insulated lunch bags, pillows, clothing, wrapping paper, gift bags, and more! I need to return because I only got a reusable Hello Kitty bag and a couple of greeting cards... haha! Metered street parking is nearby. The municipal parking lot is over on the next block. I would come back on a Sunday when metered street parking is free!

    The name says it all one day one thing one moment one thought one kindness makes every day better…read more I've known this cute cozy shop but with their limited hours it's a bit challenging for me but not enough to stop me for sure. Location is slightly tucked away off of Waialae Ave just glance behind Goodwill and you will see a turquoise-ish colored building that's it. There you will find something for everyone...awesome selection of green, reusable, eco friendly, and humorous fun items. Today for me I found a cute bamboo chopsticks I needed to complete my set and a bamboo pot scraper because I had to resist the bags because that's my kryptonite but I'm so thrilled I found what I really needed and thank you!!

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    Every Day Better by Green Meadows - Art, vintage, jewelry, Baggu, party favors, lauhala tote bags, Cane Haul Road tea towels, and more @everydaybetter_by_greenmeadows

    Art, vintage, jewelry, Baggu, party favors, lauhala tote bags, Cane Haul Road tea towels, and more @everydaybetter_by_greenmeadows

    Every Day Better by Green Meadows - Art, vintage, Hawaiian muumuu, and more @everydaybetter_by_greenmeadows

    Art, vintage, Hawaiian muumuu, and more @everydaybetter_by_greenmeadows

    Every Day Better by Green Meadows - Bags and other merchandise...

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    Bags and other merchandise...

    SoHa Living Kahala - 30% off

    SoHa Living Kahala

    3.7(87 reviews)
    0.0 miKahala
    $$

    Rita, supervisor said she didn't give me a hard time? Really when you don't give the customer what…read morethey want cause the CUSTOMER IS ALWAYS RIGHT! " I came the other day to return a Christmas present my daughter received! The sales clerk would not give my a merchandise credit even it was clearly a SOHA Living item marked $35.80 with NO red line! She said since I did not have a gift receipt or know my daughters girlfriends name so they could look it up, there was Nothing she could do!!! Really? I asked for the supervisor/manager! That's when Rita came to the counter, again asking me all those same questions that I didn't know! Why should it matter?? I have your merchandise, not marked down!! Plus, I showed her a 1/2 page advertisement that was in the newspaper stating "After Christmas SALE up to 70% off". I had come in on 12/26 and there were only signs of 50% off! When I asked, what was 70% off, the girl at counter said it was online! But she couldn't find anything online that was 70% off! So very misleading! FALSE ADVERTISING!! So when Rita said she had to call her manager, I told her to ask about the ad! Well, Rita returns and finally gives me a gift card for $35.80. No tax? I'm sure all my credits have included the tax!! Also, she didn't talk to anyone and just decided to do " the right thing" But claimed she did not give me a hard time! I really like this store and appreciate 2 sisters who went to Punahou started this business and SoHa Keiki but will have to think twice on patronizing them because of the bad customer service! Please note that I gave this business a 5 Star Review on 4/18/2018! Wow, how much has changed in those 6 years! So sad!!

    No visit to HI is ever complete without a visit to my favorite store. Last year we were in Maui and…read morethis year in Oahu. The brand is consistent. Stores are organized and just oh so cool! I get some of the gifts to bring back home for friends from SOHA.

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    SoHa Living Kahala
    SoHa Living Kahala
    SoHa Living Kahala

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    Nohea Gallery - In Kahala Mall

    Nohea Gallery

    4.6(45 reviews)
    0.0 miKahala
    $$$

    Notes Gallery is located in Kahala Mall with lots of parking! It is a very nice welcoming store…read morewith beautiful Hawaiian merchandise! Please look at my pictures below: Gorgeous jewelry including necklaces,earrings, etc. They have many display cases so make sure you check them all! Also, beautiful artwork and also prints that are reasonable and easy to carry out! I always admire the handmade Koa bowls, boxes and even business card holders! I found the prices very reasonable compared to other stores! They also have pretty Hawaiian night lights and pottery! The store also features Artist Jordan Prussing's contemporary artwork and stickers! The younger customers will appreciate his work! His grandmother art is also sold there! This store is Great to find the perfect gift for birthdays and Christmas!

    I stopped by NOHEA Gallery at the mall today with a friend, just planning to browse for a bit, and…read morewe ended up having one of the most memorable art experiences I've had in a long time. We had the pleasure of meeting (JORDAN), one of the artists who works at the gallery. He was incredibly kind and generous with his time, walking us through the store and sharing the stories behind some of the pieces. When we asked to see his own artwork, we were blown away. Jordan has an incredible talent for capturing the beauty of the east side of the island-the lush greens, deep blues, and the feeling you get when you're out on a hike surrounded by nature. As someone who spends a lot of time exploring those places, his work really spoke to me. You can feel the connection to the land in every piece. What impressed me even more is how young he is. His level of skill and vision is remarkable, and it's exciting to think about where his artistic journey will take him in the future. We were lucky enough to purchase a few of his pieces for an amazing price and I truly feel grateful to have them in my home. It's rare to find artwork that resonates so deeply, and even rarer to meet the artist behind it. If you're visiting NOHEA Gallery, take the time to ask about Jordan's work you won't regret it. Supporting talented local artists like him makes the experience even more special. I'm beyond excited to own a few of his pieces and can't wait to watch his career grow!

    Photos
    Nohea Gallery - Artists Ann, Brenda and Mary

    Artists Ann, Brenda and Mary

    Nohea Gallery
    Nohea Gallery

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    Koolau Farmers - Tropical flowers are sturdy!

    Koolau Farmers

    4.1(96 reviews)
    3.1 miMo'ili'ili
    $$

    Koolau Farmers is a locally owned/operated nursery and garden supply business that are home…read moregardening experts. It was started in 1938 by East Oahu farmers and a Kailua papaya cooperative as a farmer-founded business entity that shifted from farming to home gardening. Today, it supplies plants, floral arrangements, fertilizers, pesticides, garden tools, etc. for home gardeners. There are currently two locations for Koolau Farmers: Kaneohe and Honolulu (McCully). This review is for the Honolulu location. Items that the McCully location carry include: bromeliads, flowers, fruit, orchids, palms, fruit trees, peppers, tropical fruits, shrubs, soil, trees, veggies, hono hono orchids, dwarf fruit trees (Meyer lemon, Tahitian limes, Naval oranges, jabong, grafted mango, avocado). It also offers seed starting supplies, fertilizers for plants and flowers, worm composting bins; and info re growing and care of indoor potted plants, organic gardening, soil testing, and proper lighting. What brought us to Koolau Farmers is my lilikoi vine that I've had in my back yard for a number of years. With the help of bees, the vine had flourished and produced many delicious fruits for homemade lilikoi desserts, such as lilikoi chiffon pie, lilikoi curd, lilikoi bars, and more. But in recent years, the flowers would bloom, but because there are no bees to pollinate the lilikoi flowers, no fruits are produced. Questions to Koolau Farmers confirmed that there is a lack of nesting sites for carpenter bees (I think they're known as the black bumblebees that we no longer see) to pollinate the lilikoi flowers, resulting in a lack of fruit. According to Koolau Farmers, the flowers must be hand-pollinated instead. Staff provided instructions to my hubby on how to hand-pollinate the beautiful lilikoi flowers. A work in progress, and I'm sure more questions to follow. Then the next project will be our dwarf local orange tree. Where is the fruit? There's a single tiny orange on it, yes, only one! Hope Koolau Farmers can help us on this one! Another work in progress. Staff is very knowledgeable, helpful, and provides helpful guidance. An unlikely spot in urban Honolulu to have a nursery and garden supply store, but I'm glad that it's there! The interior space is not that big, but houses boxes of fertilizers and various home gardening equipment for home gardeners. There may be displays of seasonal items on how to grow certain plants, such as hono hono orchids. Open daily from 8a to 5p. Free parking in the private lot. On the outside private lot are scattered variety of healthy local plants, herbs, orchids, and fruit trees. We look forward in working with Koolau Farmers and knowing that they are there to help us with our home gardening needs!

    Gardening in Honolulu, O'ahu, Hawaii…read more.. My parents have green thumbs... it helps when you live in lush Nu'uanu Valley! My siblings and I always had plants around us and learned basic techniques from our parents. My mom has prized hanging heliconia plants and torch gingers. When they're not blooming, she complains, but doesn't water the plants extra nor give them fertilizer. I'm the kind of person who will do something to make her happy. After several suggestions to mom about fertilizer, I went to Ko'olau Farmers on Beretania Street and got a bag of fertilizer. This store has been around for a very long time. It's a locally owned name with another location in Kaneohe! I read the labels and asked the cashier if the one I selected would be good for heliconias... He said that this mix will force the plant to bloom. It won't necessarily get greener. Perfect! I can't wait to see the results!

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    Koolau Farmers - Orchid plants

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    The Refinery - homedecor - Updated May 2026

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