The historic Kilohana Plantation estate, located at 3-2087 Kaumuali'i Highway in Lihue, holds a unique selection of shops with art, knicknacks, locally hand made items, clothing, and other island-style products. The shops can be found on both levels of the house and include Grande's Gems and Gallery, offering jewelry with Tahitian black pearls, opals, tanzanite, and other rare items. At Sea Reflections you can find unique objects from the sea as well as Hawaiian shells. The Artisians Room on the lower level of the house is decorated with work from local artists. Originals, prints, and sculptures can all be found here. A really fun shop is The Country Store, where distinctive gifts, collectibles, and local crafts like Hawaiian quilts and things made with local woods are found. A very popular and interactive shop is Clayworks at Kilohana, a working ceramics gallery. Browse work by local artists or take a workshop and clay making class yourself for the ultimate souvenir. The Hawaiian Collection Room has an array of intriguing island finds, like Ni`ihau shell lei, Hawaiian collectibles, and local jewelery and gifts.
Historic Kilohana Plantation — Photo courtesy of Jade Eckardt
In its heyday, this grand, 1930's-era mansion was the focal point of a successful sugar-cane plantation. Today, the Tudor-style, 16,000-square-foot home has been restored to its original glory and houses galleries, boutiques, and a historic train. Visitors may wander its halls with their rich detailing and explore the cottages that lie on the estate's grounds. You'll also find Kauai's only rum distillery and a ceramics shop where you can make your own pottery to ship home.
