This post is for a very specific group of people, and if it’s you, you already know who you are. 

If you’re a Sanrio girlie (or guy, no judgment), the idea of Hello Kitty in a hula skirt or a tiny lei is basically your version of a must-have souvenir.

Same.

So here’s what you need to know: Hawaii actually has a really solid selection of Hello Kitty merch, and a lot of it is Hawaii-exclusive stuff you can’t get anywhere else.

This probably isn’t a fully exhaustive list of every single place you could find a Hello Kitty keychain in Hawaii, but it IS every place I’ve personally found merch worth talking about. So let’s get into it.

This post may contain some affiliate links, which means I’ll make a little money on anything you choose to purchase. But of course, I only recommend my absolute favorites to you. Thank you for supporting the brands that make HulaLand possible.

ABC Stores (All Islands)

Your first stop, your best stop, your “I can’t believe how much Hello Kitty stuff is in here” stop. If you’ve been to Hawaii before, you already know that ABC Stores are basically everywhere — like, on every block in Waikiki and all over the other islands too. And for Hello Kitty fans, they are a GOLD MINE.

We’re talking plushies, keychains, tumblers, towels, lip balm…the works. If you only have time to hit one place, make it ABC Stores. You will not leave empty handed.

Whalers General Store (All Islands)

Whalers is actually owned by the same company as ABC Stores, but there are fewer of them around. The reason it’s worth mentioning separately is that sometimes — not always, but sometimes — they carry exclusive Hello Kitty merch that’s DIFFERENT from what you’ll find at ABC. So if you spot a Whalers, it’s worth poking your head in just to see what they’ve got that’s different.

Diamond Head (Oahu)

Okay, this one is fun. Inside Diamond Head (the famous volcanic crater and hike on Oahu) there’s a kiosk that sells exclusive Diamond Head Hello Kitty merch. Like, Hello Kitty specifically themed to Diamond Head, which is such a cute souvenir concept. If you’re planning to do the hike anyway (which, you should — it’s great), factor in a few extra minutes to browse.

Side Note: If you’re looking for a rental car for your trip, I LOVE Discount Hawaii Car Rentals. They’re seriously the only company I ever use. They’ll give you the very best prices, you don’t have to reserve with a credit card or pay until you show up, you can cancel and re-book anytime if you find a better rate, and they usually have a special that adds additional drivers for no fee. It’s a no brainer. Click here to check rates for your trip.

Pearl Harbor (Oahu)

This might be my favorite Hello Kitty situation in all of Hawaii, honestly. The Pearl Harbor merch leans into the history of the location in the most charming way — we’re talking Hello Kitty as Rosie the Riveter, Hello Kitty as a sailor, and Hello Kitty Tsuru (the Japanese paper peace crane, which is SO fitting for Pearl Harbor). There’s also a really cute line of teddy bear Rosie the Riveter merch alongside the Hello Kitty stuff.

International Marketplace (Oahu)

Here’s a handy little tip — on the first floor of the International Marketplace in Waikiki, there’s a tour kiosk that usually stocks some of the Diamond Head and Pearl Harbor exclusive Hello Kitty merch. So if you’re not planning to visit those specific spots but you want the merch, this is a solid option to check out.

Dole Plantation (Oahu)

Last but not least — Dole Plantation (which, yes, is absolutely worth visiting for the Dole Whip alone) also has some Hello Kitty merch. It’s mostly plushies and a tote bag, so it’s not the biggest selection, but it’s Dole Plantation themed Hello Kitty and that’s just fun.

 

Like I said, this probably isn’t every single spot in Hawaii where Hello Kitty merch exists, but it’s a really solid starting point and covers the most unique, location-exclusive stuff. Happy hunting! ; )

I’ve made it my job for the last 10 years to explore Maui.

And after hundreds of beach days, rainforest hikes, snorkeling trips, and reconnaissance missions to find the best hotels… and mai tais… I put everything I know into one place.

This is my Maui Digital Map — hundreds of my favorite spots. Beaches, snorkeling spots, hikes, farm tours, scenic drives, places to eat.

Yes, I share hidden spots I don’t talk about so much on social media…but also—tourist doesn’t have to be a dirty word. Popular places are popular for a reason.

So I break down what’s worth it, what’s not, where to spend your money, where to save it, and how to avoid crowds at some of Maui’s most popular (and best) places so you actually enjoy your time.

I’m also sharing all of my travel guides on when to go, where to stay, detailed hotel reviews…
plus dozens of itinerary options based on where you’re staying and what you love to do.

It’s everything you need to see the best of Maui and actually relax. A Vacation in a box…all YOU need to do is pack your suitcase. 

Get access to my Maui digital map and itineraries here.