Secret Shopper

Our retail show. Madison goes undercover to get the inside dirt on Kauai's shops.

Secret Shopper – Under the Sea Gallery

In the quaint town of Koloa on Kaua’i, there’s a unique establishment that captures the essence of the ocean: the Under the Sea Gallery and Mermaid Boutique. Hosted by Eden Hazelip, the recent tour of this gallery provided a glimpse into its offerings and the inspiration behind them.

Upon entering the gallery, visitors are greeted with an ambiance reminiscent of the deep ocean. The gallery’s name, “Under the Sea,” is apt, as it offers a range of items that evoke the mysteries and beauty of the oceanic world. The host’s interaction with the staff revealed a playful side, with a series of mermaid-themed jokes exchanged, highlighting the gallery’s whimsical nature.

The gallery boasts a diverse collection. “We carry a variety of whimsical things,” a staff member shared. Beyond the mermaid-centric items, the gallery also offers a fairy collection, dragons, and a variety of seashells. Local art pieces, described as “one-of-a-kind,” further enrich the gallery’s offerings, ensuring visitors can find unique treasures.

A particularly enchanting section of the gallery is the Zen area, which houses pieces that glow in the dark. The ambiance of this section is serene, with the glowing pieces creating an illusion of being deep underwater. When asked about the glow, a staff member playfully attributed it to “magic.”

Jewelry is another highlight of the gallery. The pieces, which are handcrafted on-site, incorporate elements found on Kaua’i, such as colorful shells from Lumahai and other local spots. The jewelry is further adorned with precious stones, crystals, abalone shells, and freshwater pearls, capturing the essence of the island.

Located behind Island Soap and Candle Works in Koloa town, Under the Sea Gallery stands as a testament to the beauty of the ocean and the creativity it inspires. Whether you’re drawn to the allure of mermaids, the serenity of the Zen area, or the handcrafted jewelry, the gallery offers a unique experience for visitors to Kaua’i.

Under the Sea Gallery

Secret Shopper – Crystal & Gems Gallery

Crystals & Gems Gallery, situated in Hanalei, Kaua’i, has been a cornerstone for crystal enthusiasts since 1999. As one of Hawaii’s most extensive crystals and minerals stores, the gallery offers a diverse collection, ranging from small tumbled stones to towering amethyst geodes.

The gallery’s founder, Tanize Weck Kotsol, has a rich background that intertwines her passion for the mineral kingdom with her professional journey. Initially pursuing Psychiatry in Brazil, her move to Kauai in 1994 marked a shift towards exploring the therapeutic power of crystals. Under the guidance of Katrina Raphaell at the Crystal Academy of Advanced Healing Arts in Kauai, Tanize delved deep into the world of crystal healing. This exploration culminated in the establishment of the Crystals & Gems Gallery in 1999.

The gallery’s collection is a testament to Tanize’s extensive travels and her dedication to sourcing the best specimens. “I’ve been traveling around the world for 25 years collecting all different crystals and gems and bringing the best specimens to Kaua’i,” she shared. Her commitment extends to offering custom service shopping for clients, ensuring they receive pieces tailored to their preferences.

The gallery’s offerings are not just limited to crystals. Jewelry, much of which is crafted by Tanize herself, is another highlight. “I make a lot of the jewelry in this town,” she mentioned, pointing out pieces made from freshwater pearls and Larimar, a stone reminiscent of the ocean and only found in the Caribbean Sea.

The therapeutic potential of the crystals is a recurring theme. For instance, amethyst, with its calming properties, is described as a stone for “calming, relaxing, [and] tranquility.” Another notable mention is citrine, known as the “good luck stone,” believed to bring prosperity and success.

In conclusion, Crystals & Gems Gallery stands as a unique destination in Hanalei, Kaua’i, offering visitors an opportunity to explore the world of crystals and their therapeutic properties. With its vast collection, custom shopping services, and handcrafted jewelry, the gallery remains a testament to Tanize Weck Kotsol’s dedication and passion for the mineral kingdom.

Crystal & Gems Gallery

Secret Shopper – Havaiki

Havaiki Oceanic and Tribal Art, situated in the picturesque town of Hanalei on Kaua’i, is more than just an art gallery. Specializing in art from the vast Oceania region, which includes around 20,000 Pacific islands and nearly 1,800 cultures and languages, the gallery offers a unique blend of history, culture, and craftsmanship.

The gallery’s collection, which spans art from Hawaii to Indonesia, is deeply rooted in the traditions and spiritual beliefs of the Oceania region. The art pieces are not merely decorative but often serve religious, ceremonial, or practical purposes.

The gallery’s origins are as intriguing as its collection. The owners, who lived on two sailboats, embarked on voyages across the Oceania region, collecting artwork from remote islands. “We lived on two sailboats; we’re permanently on the first boat for five and a half years,” one of the owners shared. The gallery’s collection includes bowls from Polynesia, Melanesia, and Micronesia. Some of these bowls were finished on the day of a child’s birth, symbolizing that the child would never go hungry.

The craftsmanship behind the pieces is evident. Many of the items, such as the handcrafted bowls, are made using traditional tools like chisels and hammers. “They’re basically using chisels and hammers to create most of these pieces,” the owner explained.

The gallery also houses contemporary replicas of traditional designs, some of which use specialized materials like Mastodon because traditional materials like whale bone are becoming scarce. One of the standout pieces is a chunk of rosemary with intricate inlay work. “Each piece is individually called. Something like this might have 300 or 500 individual pieces of inlay, and each one is hand-tacked,” the owner described.

The gallery’s collection isn’t limited to decorative pieces. It also includes traditional weapons and tools, such as the ‘M’ from the Marquesas, known as a neckbreaker, and octopus lures made with tiger cowrie shells.

The gallery’s commitment to authenticity and tradition is evident in every piece. “When you get a real close-up and you look at these pieces, you can see it’s not stamped out; it’s not machined,” the owner emphasized.

In conclusion, Havaiki Oceanic and Tribal Art offers visitors a glimpse into the rich and diverse art and culture of the Oceania region. With its vast collection, knowledgeable staff, and commitment to authenticity, the gallery stands as a testament to the beauty and depth of Oceanic art.

Havaiki

Secret Shopper – Hanalei Boutique

In the heart of Kaua’i, nestled in the Hanalei Center, lies the Hanalei Boutique, a shop that offers a diverse range of products from beachwear to jewelry. Eden Hazelip, the host of the video series “Secret Shopper,” recently took viewers on a tour of this establishment.

Upon entering the boutique, visitors are greeted with a warm welcome. The store boasts a vast collection of beachwear, including dresses, halter tops, surf shorts, and more. One of the standout items is a sarong, which can be styled in various ways, making it a versatile addition to any wardrobe.

Beyond clothing, the boutique offers an array of accessories. Beach blankets, which the host admits to being fond of, are prominently displayed. The store also carries natural soaps, adding to its diverse product range.

Jewelry is another highlight of Hanalei Boutique. The collection includes bracelets and earrings, with a notable mention of black pearls. The boutique hosts trunk shows monthly, showcasing different jewelry pieces.

The dresses at Hanalei Boutique cater to various occasions. From gala nights to casual brunches, the selection is vast. Some dresses, described as bohemian, are hand-crocheted, emphasizing the attention to detail and craftsmanship.

The Hanalei Boutique is open from Monday to Saturday, from 10 am to 2:45 pm. Located a short distance from Bar Acuda in the Hanalei Center, the store is known for its quality products, extensive selection, reasonable prices, and friendly staff.

In conclusion, the Hanalei Boutique offers a unique shopping experience for those visiting Kaua’i, with a wide range of products that cater to different tastes and preferences.

Hanalei Boutique