Find Thrift Store in Hawaii
Hawaii is a great place to shop secondhand. The island state has a strong culture of giving and reusing. Whether you live on Oahu, Maui, the Big Island, or Kauai, you can find thrift stores near you. This guide covers where to go, what to expect, and how to shop smart in Hawaii.
Major Thrift Store Chains in Hawaii
Several well-known chains operate across the Hawaiian Islands. Each one has its own strengths and selection.
Goodwill Hawaii
Goodwill is one of the most popular thrift stores in Hawaii. The local branch is called Goodwill Industries of Hawaii. It operates dozens of retail stores across Oahu and neighboring islands. Goodwill accepts donated clothing, furniture, electronics, and household goods. Sales fund job training programs for people with disabilities and other barriers to employment. You can find Goodwill locations in Honolulu, Pearl City, Aiea, Kaneohe, and Kailua.
Salvation Army Thrift Stores
The Salvation Army runs thrift stores throughout Hawaii. They are known for affordable pricing and a wide mix of items. Locations include stores in Honolulu, Hilo, and Kailua-Kona. Proceeds support local social service programs. The Salvation Army often has rotating color-tag sales, which means extra discounts on certain items each week.
Savers and Value Village
Savers is a for-profit thrift chain with locations in Hawaii. Value Village is the same company - it operates under different names in different regions. Hawaii locations carry a broad selection of clothing, kitchenware, books, and decor. Savers buys donations from local nonprofits and pays them for goods, then resells everything in-store. You can find Savers stores in Honolulu and surrounding areas on Oahu.
Local and Regional Thrift Stores
Hawaii also has many independent and locally run thrift shops. Some are run by churches, community groups, and nonprofits. These stores often have lower prices and more unique finds. Look for stores like:
- Aloha United Way thrift shops - support local community programs
- Hospice Hawaii Boutique - upscale resale with proceeds supporting hospice care
- Windward Mall area secondhand shops - a cluster of small resale stores on the windward side of Oahu
- Kaimuki thrift stores - a walkable Honolulu neighborhood with multiple secondhand shops
- Big Island thrift shops in Hilo - the east side of Hawaii Island has a strong local thrift culture
Where Thrift Stores Are Concentrated by Island
The best thrift shopping depends on which island you are on. Here is a breakdown of each major area.
Oahu
Oahu has the highest concentration of thrift stores in Hawaii. Honolulu alone has dozens of secondhand shops. Key neighborhoods include Kaimuki, Kapahulu, Chinatown, and Kalihi. The suburb of Pearl City and the Ala Moana area also have strong options. Oahu benefits from a large population, which means more donations and faster turnover of inventory.
Maui
Maui has a growing secondhand market. Kahului is the main hub for thrift shopping on Maui. You will find Goodwill and Salvation Army stores here. Smaller towns like Wailuku and Lahaina also have independent thrift and resale shops. Tourist areas sometimes donate high-quality items when leaving the island, which means you can find great deals.
Hawaii Island (Big Island)
The Big Island has two main thrift zones. Hilo on the east side has a well-established secondhand culture with multiple stores. Kailua-Kona on the west side is more tourist-focused but still has thrift options. The larger towns like Waimea also have community-run shops worth visiting.
Kauai
Kauai is smaller, so thrift stores are more spread out. Lihue is the main commercial center and your best bet for finding thrift stores. There are also community-run donation shops in Kapaa and Hanalei. Inventory turns over slowly compared to Oahu, so visiting regularly pays off.
What You Can Find at Hawaii Thrift Stores
Hawaiian thrift stores carry a unique mix of items you might not find on the mainland. Here is what to look for.
- Aloha shirts and Hawaiian print clothing - vintage aloha shirts are a top find and can be very valuable
- Surf and beach gear - wetsuits, fins, snorkel sets, and beach toys show up regularly
- Outdoor furniture and patio items - popular in Hawaii's warm climate
- Household goods and kitchenware - plates, cookware, and small appliances are always in stock
- Books and local interest media - Hawaiian history, language books, and local guides appear often
- Children's clothing and toys - families donate frequently as kids grow fast
- Art and local crafts - unique pieces created by island artists occasionally show up
- Sporting goods - hiking boots, kayak accessories, and camping gear from outdoor enthusiasts
- Furniture - wicker, rattan, and tropical-style pieces are common and affordable
Tourist turnover is a real factor in Hawaii. Visitors often donate or discard items before flying home. This means quality clothing, electronics, and gear show up in stores regularly.
Tips for Thrift Shopping in Hawaii
Smart shopping makes a big difference. These tips will help you find better items and save more money.
- Go early in the week. Stores typically process weekend donations on Monday and Tuesday. New items hit shelves early in the week.
- Ask about sale days. Most chains run color-tag sales or half-price days. Ask staff which days offer the best discounts.
- Check multiple islands if you travel. Each island has different donation patterns. Maui may have resort-quality items. Oahu has sheer volume.
- Inspect items carefully. Humidity in Hawaii can cause mold and mildew on fabric and wood. Check items closely before buying.
- Look for aloha shirt labels. Authentic vintage aloha shirts by brands like Reyn Spooner, Kahala, or Tori Richard are worth real money.
- Bring cash. Some smaller community shops prefer cash and may not accept cards.
- Visit during tourist off-season. More locals donate during slower travel periods, which can mean more inventory.
- Sign up for loyalty programs. Goodwill and Savers both offer rewards cards that earn points toward discounts.
- Donate to get discounts. Savers offers a coupon when you bring in a bag of donations. It is a good way to clean out and save at the same time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Hawaii have Goodwill stores?
Yes. Goodwill Industries of Hawaii operates many retail stores across the state. Most locations are on Oahu, with stores in Honolulu, Pearl City, Aiea, Kailua, and Kaneohe. A smaller number of locations serve Maui and the Big Island. Goodwill Hawaii is a locally run nonprofit that uses store revenue to fund job training and employment services for island residents.
What is the best thrift store in Honolulu?
It depends on what you are looking for. Goodwill Hawaii stores in Honolulu have high volume and fast turnover. The Salvation Army locations offer reliable low pricing. For a more curated experience, try independent shops in the Kaimuki or Kapahulu neighborhoods. Each store has a different specialty, so visiting a few is the best way to find what works for you.
Are thrift stores in Hawaii more expensive than on the mainland?
Prices at chain stores like Goodwill and Savers are roughly similar to mainland locations. However, some smaller local shops price items higher because of Hawaii's overall cost of living. Vintage aloha shirts are often priced by their label and age. Bargains are still easy to find, especially on sale days or at community-run donation shops that price items lower than chains.
Can I donate items to thrift stores in Hawaii?
Yes. All major chains accept donations. Goodwill Hawaii, Salvation Army, and Savers all have drop-off locations. Most accept clothing, furniture, electronics, books, and household goods. Call ahead before donating large furniture pieces, as some stores have size limits. Donating in Hawaii helps fund local programs and keeps usable items out of the landfill, which is especially important on islands with limited space.