Hungry Ear Records — Local services in Honolulu

At the tender age of sixteen, I wandered in Hungry Ear Records in downtown Kailua. With a few albums in mind, I began my search in the Hawaiian culture/folk sub-genre. Local musicians /artists such as, the Stonewall Surfers;, Rosalani Netane;, Hiram B K Anahu; the Kuhina Serenaders; & another were of special importance to me. Pleastly surprised, I picked up my first record album that day! The Kuhina Serenaders had a few editions. Since my family already had the others, my heart was set on the "Hale ali a ke Aloha" copy. I especially adored the cover, finding it most soothing and comforting. Embracing the bag in my arms, I began my journey home. After exiting 'Da Bus' I walked a short distance to our tropical style abode. I couldn't wait to share my new found treasure with my Tutu/Grandma Pearl (or Poochy as I fondly called her). Sadly, one week later, I would lose that copy to a family relative. My grandma's cousin, Dawn came to visit that weekend. In her giving nature, she gifted it to Dawn, letting me know a replacement would be returned. Begrudgingly, I nodded to her,; but inside, I felt my heart sink. Nonetheless, it was the perfect sentiment for a beloved family member on a very...

Every time I travel, I visit record shops. I have seen everything from bargain basement to the finest collections. If you are on Oahu this is the record store to visit. They have a very large collection, which is sorted by new / Record Store Day, used, and then bargain bin. The $5/under bargain bin is what you would expect. The used, however - I found that every single thing I purchased was in excellent condition - practically mint. Considering that the prices were, well, excellent as well. They also have 45's, CD's, and many other things. The employees are very helpful and knowledgeable - helpful when you want it, stay out of your way while you are shopping. Nice selection of metal, jazz, pop/rock, soul, pop/rock, and more. If I'm on the island again - I will be going back. I paid nearly the same prices across the street for used records that did not appear to be cleaned at all and slightly scratched. This place is on the second story of this complex, and we found parking on the street in front. There are parking meters, but they don't appear to be working or used (we put money in but it didn't...

I have been treated awfully here on two different occasions for literally no reason.

One time I approached the older Asian man who works there and asked him if they had a listening booth and he literally said nothing and pointed for me to ask the people at the front desk.

And just today I asked the man with dreads about the condition of a record they marked as having “scuffs” and he very grumpily informed me that “we don’t sell anything that skips.” So, I asked him more specifically: do the scuffs create pops or cracks and he said with just about as much disdain as he could muster: “like I said, we don’t carry anything that doesn’t play.” So he essentially tried to gaslight me and not answer my question.

Oh yea- and their Hawaiian records are often marked anywhere from 30-50% over Discogs prices.

But other than all of that, good record shop. At least it is the “oldest record...