Hawaii RSD FAQ
Hawaii’s record stores are spread across four islands Oahu, the Big Island, Maui, and Kauai. Each with its own personality and selection. Oahu carries the biggest concentration, with shops like AGS Honolulu (Aloha Got Soul), Hungry Ear Records, and Then and Now in Kaneohe covering everything from Hawaiian pressings to deep jazz and classic rock. On the Big Island, you’ll find Conscious Riddims Records in Kealakekua and Uila Records in Waimea, along with the Hawi Center: Hawaii Cigar & Ukulele up in North Kohala. Kauai has Hanalei Strings and the Hawaiian Music Store in Princeville, and Maui’s go-to is Request Music in Wailuku. Use our directory above to filter by island, search by name, or browse the map to plan your route.
Oahu leads the way with three record stores in the directory AGS Honolulu (Aloha Got Soul) and Hungry Ear Records in Honolulu, plus Then and Now over in Kaneohe. The Big Island is a close second with three shops of its own scattered between Hawi, Kealakekua, and Waimea. Kauai holds two stores on the North Shore, and Maui rounds it out with Request Music in Wailuku. No matter which island you’re visiting, there’s vinyl waiting for you. Use the island filter above to zero in on shops near your stay.
Absolutely, and Hawaii’s record stores are one of the best places on earth to find it. Shops like AGS Honolulu (Aloha Got Soul) specialize in Hawaiian music, from classic slack-key guitar and steel guitar pressings to modern Hawaiian soul, reggae, and island funk that you won’t find on the mainland. Conscious Riddims Records in Kealakekua leans heavily into roots reggae and island riddims, while the Hawaiian Music Store in Princeville and Hanalei Strings on Kauai stock local pressings alongside ukulele and island lifestyle goods. If you’re hunting rare Hawaiian LPs or want to bring home something that sounds like the islands, these shops are the real deal.
Yes. Honolulu is home to two of the state’s best. AGS Honolulu (Aloha Got Soul) on South King Street is a must-visit for anyone chasing Hawaiian soul, funk, jazz, and locally pressed vinyl. It grew out of the Aloha Got Soul label, which has been championing Hawaiian music for years. Hungry Ear Records in the SALT at Our Kaka’ako complex on Auahi Street offers a well-curated selection of new and used records across genres. Both shops are a short drive or rideshare from Waikiki, making them an easy stop between the beach and dinner. For something off the tourist path, Then and Now in Kaneohe on the windward side is worth the scenic drive over the Pali.
Most Hawaii record stores carry a mix of new and used vinyl, and several stock CDs and cassettes alongside the wax. Hungry Ear Records and Then and Now are solid bets for used bins where you can dig for deals on everything from classic rock LPs to rare 45s. Formats and inventory vary by shop. Some lean heavier into new releases while others are stacked with secondhand gems, so it’s always worth calling ahead or checking a store’s website if you’re hunting something specific. Our directory cards above include phone numbers and website links for every shop to make that easy.
A few things will make your trip smoother. Hours can be less predictable on the islands than on the mainland, especially for smaller shops on Kauai and the Big Island, so check the store’s website or give them a call before you drive out. Bring cash as a backup since not every shop takes cards, and if you’re flying home with your haul, ask the staff about packing tips to keep your records safe in checked luggage (a sturdy mailer and some padding go a long way in a suitcase). Most importantly, take your time. Island record stores tend to be community hubs where the owner knows every title in the bins, and a good conversation is half the experience.
There is, and it’s growing. Record Store Day (held every April and again with a Black Friday drop in November) is celebrated at participating shops across the islands. Stores like Hungry Ear Records and AGS Honolulu have embraced the event with exclusive releases, early-bird lines, and in-store happenings that bring out collectors and casual fans alike. Keep an eye on the official Record Store Day store locator and your favorite shop’s social media as the dates get closer. Limited-edition RSD titles move fast on any island. It’s a great excuse to plan a trip around the music.