Hilo Hattie Prince Kuhio Plaza Store Closes Up Shop

Hilo Hattie in the Price Kuhio Plaza has closed its doors.

This is the latest in the iconic company’s attempts to take the business into a new direction. That direction, officials say, will be announced in the coming weeks and months.

“Change is not without cost and in order to fully focus its attention on its new direction, Hilo Hattie will be closing its Hilo location. Hilo Hattie cannot adequately express its incredible gratitude to the employees of this store, and to the communities and shoppers who have long supported it,” said Mark Storfer, Chief Operating Officer.

Hilo Hattie, over the past 50 years, has established itself as a premier brand that provides customers, visitors and residents alike, with a unique experience.

“From its complimentary lei greeting and live music, hula performances to lei-making, and cultural activities to food tasting in its flagship Nimitz location, Hilo Hattie has long set itself apart from other retailers by a commitment to sharing local culture with its guests,” Storfer said. “No other store offers more made in Hawai’i products.”

The company, which plans to expand and broaden, says plans are in the works to change to better serve the needs of its diverse group of shoppers. In the development is a hands-on, interactive, and immersive shopping experience that will bring new concepts and new products to its guests.

“2015 will mark a key milestone in Hilo Hattie’s long history- one the company will look back on as an important step in its growth and evolution. What will not change is Hilo Hattie’s commitment and mission of sharing aloha with the world,” Stofer explained. “The store invites its guests, its partners, and the communities it serves to take that step with them as it introduces its exciting new plans over the coming weeks and months.”

Hilo Hattie’s Kona location on Palani Road closed three weeks prior on Jan. 18.