Crate diggers on the hunt for rare vinyl ‘70s funk, pristine Japanese imports with original strips, or latest indie releases should have the following record stores on their list to visit next.
Oʻahu
Village Books & Music (Friends of the Library of Hawaiʻi)
Address: Ward Centre, 1200 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814
It’s a massive, volunteer-run treasure trove that directly supports Hawaiʻiʻs public libraries. Snag a couple used Hawaiian, jazz, or classic rock vinyls to add to your collection. Since the store is entirely donation-based, you’re in for a lot of incredible prices.
Address: SALT at Our Kakaʻako, 675 Auahi St, Honolulu, HI 96813
Did you know Oʻahu holds the oldest record store? And itʻs been around since 1980! Serious audiophiles convene here for its eclectic mix of new, old, and exclusive local reissues. Originally established in Kailua, it now sits at the heart of Kakaʻako and remains a cornerstone of the music community.
AGS Honolulu (Aloha Got Soul)
Address: Mōʻiliʻili, 2017 South King St, Honolulu, HI 96826
As an extended arm of the Aloha Got Soul label, this space exudes a cool, community-centric energy with a specialized selection of rare Hawaiian funk, soul, and jazz that’s hard to find anywhere else. It’s a must-visit for anyone who wants to experience a bit of ‘70s and ‘80s island music.
Address: Chinatown, 1148 Bethel St, Honolulu, HI 96813
In the heart of historic Chinatown, this curated shop brings a distinct, alternative edge with an artistic and independent vibe that caters to fans of punk, metal, and indie releases. You’re also likely to find rare underground pressings and a selection of books that match the shop’s counter-culture aesthetic.
Maui
Address: Historic Wailuku Town, 10 N Market St, Wailuku, HI 96793
The undisputed go-to music store on Maui, this shop offers a moody, alternative vibe reminiscent of class ‘90s. It carries a solid array of new releases and thousands of vintage records. A vital hub for the island’s underground music scene, they frequently host live shows and remain a pillar within the Wailuku community.
Addresses:
- E Camp 5 Rd, Puunene, HI 96784
- South Maui Center, 95 E. Lipoa St, Kīhei, Hawaii 96753
- Queen Ka’ahumanu Center; 275 W Ka‘ahumanu Avenue, Kahului, Hawaii 96732
The quiet, high-reward digging experience at any of the three donations is reason enough for any collector who enjoys the thrill of a thrift-store-style hunt. As a nonprofit, 100% of their proceeds support Maui County Public Libraries, teachers, students and community. The Puʻunēnē location is particularly known for having crates of vintage Hawaiian recordings at bargain prices.
Maui Swap Meet
Address: UH Maui College, 310 W Kaahumanu Ave, Kahului, HI 96732
Like other swap meets, this one requires an early start and some heat tolerance as it opens every Saturday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Local vendors often bring in vintage Hawaiian and rock record collections that haven’t been found yet. Who knows what you’ll find in this treasure trove. Perhaps one of the rare vinyls hidden in between local crafts and fresh produce.
Big Island
Address: Inside Kona Antiques & Collectibles, 74-5599 Luhia St, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
It’s the go-to place for the Big Island’s serious collectors, complete with organized and meticulous collections of classic rock, 80s pop, R&B, hip-hop, jazz, Hawaiian, and more. If professionally inspected and cared for are among your biggest requirements, make a stop at this Kona staple.
Address: Downtown Hilo, 235 Waianuenue Ave, Hilo, HI 96720
This place offers a cozy and curated browsing experience that fits the rainy and artistic atmosphere of Hilo perfectly. You’ll find selections from jazz to indie, and well-preserved classics. Don’t forget to pick up your favorite book for you to read while vibing out to your recent vinyl purchase.
Address: 65-1227 Opelo Rd. A4, Kamuela 96743
Not only would you be stepping into a highly curated collection of records you can enjoy in a world-class audio environment complete with listening stations during the day, Uila is also a live music cocktail lounge by night. That makes for a great evening spot for a collector who wants to pair a good drink with a good record.
Kauaʻi
Address: Kaumakani, 1-2600 Kaumualii Hwy, #3B, Kaumakani, HI 96747
Known as the “Westernmost Bookstore in the U.S.,” this famous shop is housed in a historic building that exudes old-Hawaiʻi charm. While primarily a bookstore, they maintain a rotating vinyl section filled with used gems across various genres. It is the perfect stop while exploring the west side, offering a peaceful place to browse through vintage local recordings and classic rock favorites.