Hi there ... my husband is a t-shirt collector (and used to work for a huge screen printer here in SF), so he's always on the lookout for cool tees.

You should definitely go to the Hanalei Surf Company and check out their stuff. Here's a link to their website: http://www.hanaleisurf.com/backdoor.htm

Enjoy your research and your trip!

Red Dirt Shirts, of course. There's a shop in Lihue.

I think Pohaku T's in Koloa makes their own t-shirts and other stuff.

Aloha from Kaua'i!

Well if you are looking for t shirts that local folks would wear -- I'd definitely stay away from Red Dirt shirts -- honestly I don't know anyone who lives here who wears them -- they were kind of a fad when they first came out, but now they are pretty much a gift for mainland friends.

I'd second "Pohaku T's" here on Po'ipu Road in Koloa -- they have some very unique shirts, particularly with the pidgin sayings (Can, No Can) on them -- and yes I have seen quite a few local folks wearing them.

Honestly I can't think of any other t shirt places that would be a big thing with residents -- most of the surf shops, etc. are geared towards the visitors as well. There are some crafters that sell at various events that are VERY popular -- I just bought a shirt from one lady yesterday at the Lei Day at the Kaua'i Museum -- I have about 6 of her shirts, you see them all over the island -- asian applique designs onto t shirts, always with a chinese coin attached -- very unique and very Kaua'i!

Good luck!

Malama Pono,

Janet

I may be interpreting your request a little differently....

I would think a shirt of JoJo's Shaved Ice (in Waimea) or Hamura's Saimin would be what you are looking for...places both locals and tourist adore.

Aloha! If you are looking for locally owned T-shirt shops, you might try Puahina & Warrior Designs in Hanapepe Town, in addition to the shops mentioned above.

But it sounds like you mean locally owned businesses that would remind visitors and locals alike of Hawaii, how about...

Duane's Ono Charburger (Anahola)

Shrimp Station (Waimea)

Waimea Brewing Company (Waimea)

Kalapaki Beach Hut (Lihue)

Lappert's Ice Cream

Tahiti Nui & Tiki Man Pizza (Hanalei)

Duke's Barefoot Bar (Lihue)

The Bull Shed (Kapaa)

Pono Market in Kapaa (Deli & Marriage Licenses)

Kayak Kauai (Hanalei and Wailua)

Holoholo Charters (Port Allen)

Garden Isle Tattoo (Harbor Mall in Lihue)

Definitely Hamura's Saimin (Lihue)

How about Kong Radio, while your there?

Lihue Barbecue Inn

That's all that come to mind at the moment... too many to list. Is that the kind of thing your looking for?

I forgot -- Kauai Kookie Konpany on the West Side, I think Eleele. My daughter bought tons of stuff there and a Tshirt on her last visit. They are nice folks in there. Also the Kauai Coffee Company in Eleele

How about Aloha Kauai Pizza in the Coconut Marketplace. Maybe the Hula Girl Restaurant, the Fish Hut. The Hukilau Lanai. All on the East Side

The Tip Top Cafe in Lihue (Akahi Street)

Sueoka's Store in Koloa?

Island Soap and Candle? (Koloa and KIlauea)

Banana Patch in Kilauea (Kong Lung) and Hanapepe

Kilauea Lighthouse (they take donations) famous for the red footed booby-birds.

Oops -- I keep forgetting places -- How about Banana Joe's or Mango Mama's Fruits stands along side Kuhio Highway on the north shore.

Thank you all so much. These are just the sort of suggestions we need! We'll be exploring all of these great places later this month.

Much appreciated!

Dispatch

I am not sure if some of these places are still there. But on the Hanalei side.

Hanalei Liquor Store

Tropical Taco

Blue Dolphin Restaurant

Hanalei Civic Canoe Club

these just a few places I remember I had Tee-shirts from when I was a kid.