"The Inspiration"…read more Curating their inventory to fit the local need. Family owned and operated. Cozy and welcoming, it's a place with unique offerings. They lock into the local community to make the whole town feel complete. It's a special, one-of-a-kind place. These are the mom 'n pop stores I grew up with on the Big Island of Hawai'i. Some are still around. Mom 'n pop stores, the inspiration behind Kalepa's Store at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa. Ko Olina-O'ahu. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ "My Storytelling" It's the weekend and my parents are taking my siblings and I to a kiosk in Kaiko'o Mall. To enjoy Icee from Kaiko'o Seeds N'things, as we choose bags of cracked seed from this mom 'n pop store. Household appliances weren't purchased from corporate retailers like today. My family and most of East Hawai'i years+ ago were loyal to mom 'n pop stores like Modern Appliance. Next door, Kay's Lunch Center had the most delicious Korean fried chicken made by "mom", and slices of homemade cream pies by "pop". ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Kai Store since 1948, Chika Nakano since 1975, Optical Dispensers, Hilo Siam Thai Restaurant (see my Yelp review), and Leung's Chop Suey House since 1975. Doris Place since 1948 on the west side and Hirano Store since 1969 in Mountain View. These are some of the mom 'n pop stores currently still in-business on the Big Island of Hawai'i. Since my childhood. And of course, the Hasegawa General Store since 1910, still serving the local community in Hana-Maui. Featured in the Disney animated film, Lilo & Stitch. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ "Disney Storytelling" A story is shared with intricate details. Culturally significant, extremely immersive. The Disney way - through storytelling. The culture of the Hawaiian people is displayed in the most creative way by Disney Imagineers. Unlike any resort in Hawai'i. Unique architecture and design, awe-inspiring artwork and murals throughout. Multi-sensory excellence at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa. Home to Kalepa's Store. The only place to purchase official Disney merchandise and exclusive Aulani items in Hawai'i. (Visit my Yelp review of Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa.) ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ "Elevated Perspective" Joyful suspension, relaxed excitement. A rental car made the drive possible from Waikīkī on my first visit. Fourteen months later, a last minute window of opportunity became available for another visit to Kalepa's Store. I've learned to look upwards for hidden high level details and architectural Disney magic. As I entered Kalepa's Store, I found the most meaningful key designing element. Framed photos of actual mom 'n pop stores in Hawai'i. Some are now closed, others are currently still in business. It brought personality, warmth, meaning and an authentic deep connection to the rich history of my home-state. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Retail exclusivity is why I'm here. Unique Aulani logo items, clothing and accessories that cannot be found inside the Disney theme parks and online. Bags of Disney Parks Main Street Popcorn like those found at Disneyland are found along with my favorite, Gummi Disney Character Bites. Guest service excellence at Kalepa's Store. Individual attention, personalized conversations, strong engagement from the cast members. We laughed and reminisced about our past trips to Disneyland, Disney vloggers we watch. Photo ops were taken, care was extended. I felt valued. That the drive from Waikīkī was worth every minute, that my choice to be here as a local Hawai'i resident was appreciated. I'm departing Kalepa's Store, Aulani logo shopping bags in both hands with orange tissue paper puffs. All smiles, I'm content. Parking validation is extended since my purchase reached a certain dollar amount. It's now time to enjoy the resort property for just a while longer... ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ "Future Inspired" Mom 'n pop stores. Independent, family-owned, a unique role in the local community. But they struggle to compete with larger corporations, big box retailers and e-commerce platforms who have buying power. My visit to Kalepa's Store at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa opened my eyes. It made me realize my unique role in my local community, how important my choices are. Where I shop, where I dine, where I choose to take my business as a consumer. It matters to help keep money circulating nearby for the vitality of mom 'n pop stores and small businesses in my community, on my home-island. In Hawai'i. Even though I'm employed by a corporation, I've recently decided on making small, gradual changes in some of my habitual spending. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ "Be Inspired" I implore you to do the same while you visit, shop, casually meander and enjoy the most unique resort property in Hawai'i. Like I did. Stay for hours, return for a second time, or become an overnight guest. Immerse yourself in the details. Embrace the magic of Disney and the rich history of Hawai'i at Kalepa's Store. Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa. Become inspired.

This store is always busy no matter what time it is. People come here to pick up their Disney…read moremerchandise. I love to check out the different designs of their bags. I've bought a few over the years. I didn't see anything that I liked this time around. They did have those popular Disney x Aloha print bags near the entrance. People were buying everything in the store. They were standing in line holding clothes, mugs, toys, headbands with the ears and snacks. I really liked the Disney ears, but they were $40 something each or $30 each when you buy 3. I decided not to get them, even though they were so cute.

From time to time I'll stop in to see what new items or special bargins Hawaii Gifts may have. Let…read moreme say I'll always find something. If you're a resident of Hawaii or a visitor, Hawaii Gifts may have something perfect for yourself or gift giving souvenirs. Hawaii Gifts is warehouse store with merchandise and discounted prices. Where you'll find post cards, children's puzzles & books, home decor and essential and more. If you're in the area stop by and if not make the drive. Take Exit 7 to Mililani Tech park. You'll be happy that you stopped by. Hungry??? Well... After shopping you can help support local food truck businesses. You'll find these food trucks parked on the side street of Hawaii Gifts Warehouse, and opens at 10am. Happy Shopping & Eating!

Totally legit gift store and super fun for treasure hunting. A great place to shop if you need to…read morebring some souvenirs to your friends when visiting off island. There are also a bunch of household items, skincare products, misc items you'll find in drugstores that are sold here at a discounted price! It's a warehouse that's distributing items to abc stores, hardware stores and other retail on the island. And it's so nice for them to open to the public so we can directly buy from the warehouse! No public bathroom so make sure you go first lol. Great place for gem hunting. Happy shopping!

I've been to several SoHa Living locations in Waikiki, Ko Olina, and now Kapolei and I can honestly…read moresay they're consistently beautiful! The decor and presentation always stand out. Everything is styled so well, it honestly makes me want to live in a beach house. They have the cutest kitchen tools and home decor. I'm especially obsessed with their aprons, the prints and Hawaiian designs are just my style. I usually stop by just to window shop and see what's new, but so far... I've taken home three aprons and I'm absolutely in love with them!

I just want to share this store remained open when the wet & rainy weather occurred a couple weeks…read moreago. Majority of stores were closed because the electricity & power went out. But NO! Not this store, they kept their employees there to work in darkness & no power, no AC & having to use their phones to ring up customers. If the owners of this store care about their staff they would treat them better. And if you have them work in these conditions compensate them accordingly! Ever thought they might've been going through tough times in their homes too such as no electricity or power? So inconsiderate, greedy and no Aloha!!

This is one of the two stores located at Aulani Resort. This store would be the higher end of the…read moretwo. While it's smaller, I could tell that they sold higher quality items. They sell clothes, sunglasses, mugs and Dooney x Disney bags. Some of their Dooney bags were 40% off. I also loved the matching family set of clothing they had on the mannequins at the front by the entrance.

So many exclusive Disney items here at Disney Aulani that's not sold online! When I went April '26…read morethey even had some items discounted like 40% off Aulani Dooney & Bourke items and 30% off Tommy Bahama items. We only bought stuff we were actually going to use and it was hard not to buy extra things because they were cute or exclusive. If you're a DVC member it's 10% off purchase. Bought: - Mickey Mouse wreath with sand dollars (cashier gave it in an unopened box which I put in a carry on bag grocery bag) - Plumeria Mickey light up necklace - Aulani sterling gold 18k bracelet - Leighton Lam Designs necklaces in plumeria, monstera, and hibiscus design (all online on brand site) - malie plumeria lotion was heavenly

I loved all the jellycats, so fun and a nice little shop, had friendly service I loved it 10/10read more

This is such a cute store. If you like little trinkets, this is the place for you. They are located…read morein Kaimuki, right by the Koa Pancake House. You can stop by after having your breakfast. They have everything in there from chips, tea, stationary, toys, cards, etc. They have too many items for me to list them all. Drop by and have a look. It's a great place to pick up gifts.

Aloha General Store deserves a lot more attention for its shave ice. While many visitors head to…read morethe famous spots in Haleʻiwa, this little gem quietly serves one of my favorite shave ice on the North Shore. For just $5, the small size is actually pretty generous. Even better, it comes with a scoop of vanilla ice cream hidden at the bottom, making it an incredible value. I chose Melona, strawberry, and coconut, and all three flavors were vibrant, refreshing, and not overly sweet. The shave ice itself was soft, fluffy, and melted perfectly in your mouth. The store also sells souvenirs and gifts, but I came strictly for the shave ice, and I'd happily come back just for that. It's refreshing, affordable, and surprisingly underrated. If you're in Haleʻiwa and looking for a delicious shave ice without the long lines, don't overlook Aloha General Store. It may not be the most talked-about spot, but it definitely deserves a place on your shave ice list.

Cool general store with a little bit of everything. hats, flip-flops, food, drinks, knickknacks,…read moreand souvenirs. Staff was helpful and friendly. Prices are not exactly cheap, definitely higher than ABC stores. But the selection and staff make it worthwhile.

I've enjoyed my visits to this marketplace. I frankly don't go as much as I would like to!…read more I've enjoyed visiting shops like SoHa Living here. This is one of my favorite places to just window shop. They have really fun, coastal and local vibe home decor and lifestyle finds. I've eaten at Kono's although I am not primarily a pork person so I would not personally go back here. Some places to visit would be the Aloha General Store where you'll find Island-inspired gifts, clothing, home décor, shave ice, and souvenirs. Aloha Vintage Vibes is where you will find vintage Hawaiian apparel, retro finds, and unique gifts. Northshore Boardriders Club is where I found a really cute bracelet here that allows you to track your own sea life! You'll also find surf apparel, boards, accessories, and local North Shore merchandise. Polynesian Treasures is neat. You get to browse through Hawaiian-made gifts, wood carvings, jewelry, and island crafts. I Am Paradise is a Pearl Shop. You will find Hawaiian pearl jewelry and handcrafted pieces. I have not yet entered this establishment yet. I think I'm intimidated by the possible price point of real Hawaiian pearls. Silver Moon Emporium is where you can shop for Women's fashion, accessories, and boutique clothing. I wish there were more plus size options. Tini Manini, I haven't been to this one yet but you'll be able to find Children's clothing, toys, and gifts here. Waimea Blue North Shore Art Gallery is where you can shop for original local artwork, photography, and prints. There are also several dining options which include: Banzai Sushi Bar, Cholo's Homestyle Mexican, Kono's, Maya's Tapas & Wine, IL Gelato Cafe (Love this place!), and The Fixx Haleiwa. I have yet to try them all but even more reason to come back to take a trip over to the North Shore.

This is not one business but a few shops and eatery's. It's fun to cruise through. There are some…read morereally neat stores here. Always a don't miss for us.The gal that does the shave ice at The Aloha General store is so nice (wish I could remember her name). Parking is easy too!