Hilo Hattie, Honolulu

The store named for the famous Hawaiian singer and entertainer has become the place to buy island-style clothing. It has one of the largest collections of the popular aloha shirts in the islands, as well as more than 70 styles of dresses. Some apparel is manufactured by the Hilo Hattie Company and some is purchased from other sources. Prices here are competitive and the quality is generally good. You can buy macadamia nuts and Hawaiian chocolate in the food section. The atmosphere tends to be busy to the point of insanity. Hostesses greet shoppers at the door, shell leis in hand. Tourists bump about the aisles in search of a fabulous deal. Slack-key issues from the stereo, and dozens of tourists enter and exit from all directions.