Hits and flops with visitors

Hawaii Costco stores are as popular with visitors as they are for those of us who live here. Management told us that a third of Costco Hawaii’s sales are for visitors.

So here is a list of things we highly recommend looking out for and some fails that you may want to avoid on your Hawaii vacation.

Here’s an amazing thing you won’t find at Costco: Ukuleles. Costco Hawaii stores have occasionally sold these out but they are no longer in stock.

1. Flower me.

Not called “not,” the same word is both singular and plural in Hawaiian. In any case, Costco regularly stocks lei with prices starting as low as $5 each (in fact, two for $9.99). They also sell more interesting lei with prices starting around $15 and up.

BOH: If you’re into Costco, this is a great place to pick them up, if you’re looking for something a little more exotic, however, this isn’t the best option.

Here’s advice on how to introduce lying to someone. Drape it over their shoulders instead of around their neck. lei is a way of honoring the recipient on their birthday, anniversary, or other personal event. It can be given or worn at any time and for any reason, and has become a symbol of Hawaii.

2. Skateboards and snowboards.

There is no better place to get into the water than here for surfing and paddle boarding enthusiasts. With year-round venues on the islands, pick up a plate in Hawaii, then take it home with you when you leave. Some Costco employees say visitors want to return their boards to Costco before leaving the islands. Costco does not have a “Board Loan” program, so if it is used, you are out of luck. Read below if your airline will charge you to send it home.

On a recent visit, we noticed that Costco sells a one or two-pack of decent body panels. Those pictured above were only $45. There were also surfboards in stock. The 8-foot foam below was only $120. They also sometimes sell paddle boards.

BOH: Bodyboards are a great value. We’ve seen the same ones at Walmart for $35 more.

By the way, here’s how to do it to bring your plates home from Hawaii:

On American Airlines, surfboards are charged for the regular baggage fee. There are no additional fees. The same goes for Alaska Airlines, which counts skateboards as baggage. Southwest Airlines has a great deal of surfboards under 50 pounds as one of your free checked bags. For heavier boards, that will set you back $75.

On the other hand, Delta Airlines charges a $150 fee for surfboards, so if you’re flying with them, this may not be the best plan. Hawaiian Airlines charges $100 for a surfboard check. Finally, United Airlines considers surfboards to be regular checked bags in California, from what we’ve learned. On the other hand, if you’re traveling outside of California, expect to pay at least $150 for a board to travel with you.

BOH: The Bodyboards at Costco are good value. It’s best to fly Alaska, America or the Southwest when traveling with a surfboard.

2. Fudge, Nuts, Chocolate Covered Mac Nuts.

This popular candy and a slew of other varieties are available at Hawaii Costco stores. They come in large gift boxes and in bags for eating, with some individually wrapped. Mac nuts in 6-packs are also available for sale. Many believe that macadamia nuts originated in Hawaii, but they are actually indigenous to Australia. It was introduced to Hawaii in the early 1880s and is primarily grown on the Big Island.

BOH: They’re usually great prices compared to grocery and specialty stores, Walmart, Target, or Longs.

3. Fresh local sushi and Hawaiian poke.

The Hawaiian flavor is popular with visitors and locals alike, and is sold in various forms at Costco. Not only that, but Hawaii Costco stores also make local sushi (from $9.49) in every store. Reasonable prices and high quality.

BOH: Have a great lunch or dinner while you’re at Costco. Poke is a traditional Hawaiian dish of shredded raw fish. Lomi salmon was $12.99. This is a global phenomenon now. We even saw Poke Shops in London last month.

4. Local Hawaiian pineapple.

You might be able to find more interesting Hawaiian pineapples at the farmers’ market, but for year-round availability and prices under $4, they can’t be beat. Costco Pineapples are grown locally on the island of Maui. Pineapples can remove plantings at the airport, provided they are in good condition and have no soft areas.

5. Hawaiian style car seat covers.

Again popular with residents and visitors, you can slide onto the seats of your rental car before heading home. Affordable and relatively long-lasting, with pretty Hawaiian-style motifs, starting at about $20 for a two-pack.

6. Hawaiian Beer, Wine and Spirits.

Many selections, including cases of Made in Hawaii beer for $31 (24 cans).

7. Sunglasses.

8. Many of the local products are from Hawaii.

Local Products: Costco Hawaii stores specialize in many local products. Those range from mac nuts, coffee, potato chips, and snacks, to cookies, bread, honey, and more. Also check out Hurricane Popcorn for $15.49.

9. Local seafood.

From Kauai shrimp to Hawaii, ahi ($16.99 a pound), uno, swordfish, and more have been caught, depending on the season. Perfect for your BBQ vacation rental.

9. Everything for the beach.

From Hawaiian themed towels ($11.00) to reef-friendly sunscreen, snorkeling gear, swim goggles ($3 for $16), swimwear, and more.

10. Hawaiian gifts of all kinds.

Whether for yourself or others, consider Hawaiian shirts ($19.99) and other apparel, hats, and other apparel that will make your trip unforgettable for years after you return home.

1. Dairy products.

Unless you need large quantities, you’ll likely be better off at Safeway or Target stores. This is true for milk, cream, butter, etc. For the same price at Target, you can buy organic milk in 1/2-gallon quantities without buying three.

2. Produce.

Some are okay, but they can also go rancid quickly and in large quantities. We can get frustrated with the shelf life of their products, and we live here. But back to the store to return it – no thanks.

3. Soft drinks and bottled water.

Again mostly in far too large quantities to use on vacation. Try Target, Safeway, or Walmart instead.

4. Selling anything else in very large quantities.

They run the gamut with their products and sometimes it’s hard to use when you live here.

And there’s the questionable question: Should you buy Costco gas?

It all depends. We previously wrote, “Visitors to Hawaii don’t waste their time buying at Costco.” This article caught your attention, has been read 100 thousand times, and has many interesting comments.

The price difference today was minimal compared to the gas station next door. But if you’re already at Costco and there’s not a long line, why not. On the other hand, the potential savings in terms of a very long line probably don’t make sense when you’re on vacation.