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Best of Honolulu 2011: Shopping

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Hawaii Doggie Bakery won editor's pick for best doggie treats. Watch the video.

Photo: David Croxford

Readers' Picks

Aloha Attire and Hawaii Souvenirs/Gifts

 The number one shopping attraction in Hawaii has some impressive market share. Hilo Hattie is the largest retailer in the state for Hawaiian gifts and the world's largest retailer for Hawaiian resort fashions. Shoppers will find muumuu, aloha shirts, resort apparel, beach gear, candies, music, books, and souvenirs. Hili Hattie, named after 1950s performer Clarissa Haili, whose stage name was “Hilo Hattie”, has been open since the early 1960s, with the first store in Kauai. The flagship store is now located on Oahu (700 N. Nimitz Highway). Multiple locations, 535-6524, hilohattie.com.

Baby Gifts

Readers in need of baby shower gifts or new toys for their tots head to Babies “R” Us. The first store opened in New York in 1996 and the retailer has since grown to 260 locations, including one on Oahu. Mothers-to-be can sign up for the baby registry in-store or online. 1150 Kuala St., Pearl City, 454-8438, babiesrus.com.

Children's Clothing

 For the best of kids’ clothing, readers like to shop The Children’s Place, a retailer that focuses on threads and accessories for keiki ages newborn to 14 years. Multiple locations, 947-0003, childrensplace.com.

Furniture Store

INspiration’s contemporary furniture pieces are chosen to blend well in any home. “There are price points for every budget,” says Lena Haija, who works at the store. The 80,000-square-foot flagship store in Honolulu is not only chockfull of furniture and design ideas but also Stage Restaurant, Amuse Wine Bar and Cupola Theater. At the new location, Inspiration.Fun, in Pearlridge Mall, everything is under $1,000. 1250 Kapiolani Blvd., 956-1260, honoluludesigncenter.com.

Home Accessories

For home accessories, readers chose Pier 1 Imports, a retail store with international influences and brightly colored merchandise. What’s popular? “Bamboo shoots. We just can’t keep them in stock,” says Amber O’steen from the Ward location. Multiple locations, 589-1212, pier1.com.

Locally Owned Boutique

Local boutique Cinnamon Girl was started more than 15 years ago by Jonelle Fujita. The brand has become a local favorite because of unique, casual designs, as well as matching mommy/daughter outfits. Multiple locations, 596-0423, cinnamongirl.com.

Optical Shop

What sets Lenscrafters apart is its one-hour service. Customers can schedule or walk-in for an exam, pick their frames and, in most cases, come back an hour later to pick up their new lenses. Take a quiz online to learn about your “frame personality.” Multiple locations, 947-3805, lenscrafters.com.

Pet Shop

For pet needs, readers have chosen as their favorite the only pet retailer in the U.S. to cover all 50 states: Petco. From supplies, to grooming, to professional photography, to the actual pets, animal lovers are bound to find all they need here. Multiple locations, 456-5570, petco.com.

Place For Lunch While Shopping

Shoppers needing to refuel head to California Pizza Kitchen. Those who plan ahead can order online for pickup. Two more locations are planned this summer for the Honolulu and Kahului airports. Multiple locations, 941-7715 (Ala Moana location), cpk.com.