Kong Lung Company

By Richard Carroll / Photography: Donna Carroll

The historic Kong Lung Company in Kilauea, Kauai, a 15 minute drive from the Princeville Resort on the North Shore in the Kong Lung Center, might be the best shopping experience in Hawaii.

Proprietor Wha Chee Lung owned the original Kong Lung Business near the turn-of-the-century. In 1902 the family moved the business to the present site, and in 1941 the Kilauea Sugar Company constructed a building with lava field-stones gathered from cane fields.

Present owner Patty Ewing reopened in 1993 following Hurricane Iniki. Ewing's restoration remained true to the authentic plantation-style design and the building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Visitors will find bowls from Maui, glassware from Poland and Mexico, baskets from Africa, furniture from China, Noguchi Lamp Sculptures, Izabel Lam tableware, Ragamuffins by Crispina French, raw silk blouses and a "Made on Kauai" room featuring high quality handicrafts.

Folks fly in from Maui and Oahu for the day to shop at the attractive Pacific Rim Emporium and look for one-of-a-kind or rare items, unique designer clothing and essential luxuries. Kong Lung tees and backpack style tote bags make great gifts if you can part with them.

Kong Lung Company is on Lighthouse Road in downtown Kilauea adjacent to the Casa Di Amici, Italian restaurant. (808) 828-1822.