HIC Hawaiian Island Creations — Local services in Hawaii

Whenever I enter an HIC shop, I always compare it to the Ala Moana location which was my all-time favorite location back in the day when I was into the brand. So far, none of their locations come close in terms of variety, selection, or even the fun-factor of shopping. That surfboard conveyor belt was super cool!

This location is in the Kona Commons mall. It's a tiny shop, crammed with surf wear, tshirts, and shorts. Maybe their infamous customizable slippers are not as popular as before, but their slipper display was small and sad. The HIC-brand tshirts that are stored in closets behind the sales counter is only about 3 long, with a small selection of styles. My spouse loves long sleeved shirts but nothing was on hand. Overall the store was clean and organized.

Service is nothing like shopping at Oahu malls where most store employees greet you. Here, like it is on Maui, you get no greeting upon entering. I'm used to it already.

OVERALL: Okay selection. The Ala Moana location, though dated, still...

I purchased a softec board for my kids from this shop. It looked like a great board, but too our disappointment the track pad started pealing off after only 2 uses and only 2 weeks old. I brought it back to the shop to hopefully return it. They told me they would call the manufacturer and see what they would do. 2 days later, they called me and said the manufacturer wouldn't do anything about it. I asked them if they would return it for me and give me a refund. They said they would not give me a refund. I have owned a lot of surf boards and also made Sup's and have never had this problem. I told them I was extremely disappointed in their customer service. I encouraged them that good businesses understand that customers come first. I do not recommend shopping here. I am not one to be negative in reviews but was very disgusted with this shop,...

thought this was a very nice store; inventory was carefully stacked with sizes shown, lots of very cool t-shirt designs that you dont see elsewhere. Staff was friendly and greeted us as we walked in. Some good prices on board shorts too I was tempted but we were leaving the island that day. Since the store name was Hawaiian Island Creations I expected to see made in Hawaii on the labels, but the few shirts I checked were made in foreign countries. They didnt carry my shirt size - XLT so I couldnt buy anything (I'm 185lb 6'). XL shirts invariably shrink in the wrong direction despite claims of 'preshrunk' etc. I'll probably check in...