What it is
Big Save Market in Eleʻele is a full-service supermarket and part of the Times Supermarkets chain, which operates stores across Hawaiʻi. While owned by Times, it retains the local "Big Save" branding, familiar on Kauaʻi. It serves as a primary grocery store for the Eleʻele community and is strategically located for travelers heading to Kauaʻi's West Side destinations. The store includes a grocery, produce section, meat and seafood counters, a bakery, a deli with prepared foods, and a pharmacy.
Visitor experience
Travelers primarily use this market as a convenient and comprehensive stop to stock up on supplies for vacation rentals or for day trips to Waimea Canyon, Kōkeʻe State Park, and Port Allen. The store is well-known for its "Taste of Times" deli section, which offers local-style plate lunches and fresh poke, making it a popular choice for assembling a picnic.
The experience is that of a standard American supermarket but with a distinct local flavor. In addition to national brands, shelves are stocked with Hawaiʻi-specific products, including locally sourced produce, meats, and snacks. The store also offers practical visitor-oriented items like fresh flower lei and fishing supplies. It is a functional, everyday market, not a curated gourmet store or a souvenir shop.
Logistics
Area and Access: The market is located in the Eleʻele Shopping Center, just off Kaumualiʻi Highway (HI-50). It is highly visible and easily accessible from the main road. For visitors, it serves as the last large, full-service supermarket before Waimea town and the road up to Waimea Canyon.
Hours: Open daily from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Holiday hours are reduced; the store is typically closed on Christmas Day and has shorter hours on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and New Year's Day. These specific hours should be verified closer to the date.
Parking: Ample free parking is available in the shopping center's surface lot directly in front of the store.
Reservations and Permits: No reservations or permits are required.
Likely Duration: A quick stop for grab-and-go lunch or snacks can take 15-20 minutes. A full grocery run for a vacation rental could take 30-60 minutes.
Activity Pacing: It functions as a quick, practical stop or a more substantial provisioning run, but it is not a destination activity in itself. It is best integrated into the start of a day trip to the West Side or as a primary shopping trip for those lodging in the area.
Safety and cautions
Pricing: As is standard across Hawaiʻi, grocery prices are significantly higher than on the U.S. mainland. Visitors should budget accordingly. Weekly sales circulars are available and may offer savings.
Bag Policy: Kauaʻi County ordinance prohibits single-use plastic bags at checkout. Shoppers should bring reusable bags or expect to purchase them at the register.
Holiday Closures: The store is closed on Christmas Day, which is important for visitors to plan around. Hours on other major holidays are also limited.
Cultural Considerations: This is a community grocery store, not solely a tourist destination. Being respectful of local shoppers, especially during peak hours, is appropriate.
Editorial take
Who should prioritize it: This market is an essential stop for travelers staying in a vacation rental on the West Side (Eleʻele, Hanapēpē, Waimea, Kekaha). It is also highly recommended for anyone planning a day trip to Waimea Canyon or Kōkeʻe State Park, as it's the best place to get picnic supplies, water, and snacks before heading up the mountain.
Who should skip it: Visitors staying in resort areas like Poʻipū or the North Shore have closer, more convenient grocery options and no need to make a special trip. Travelers looking for a farmers' market experience, artisanal local foods, or a curated "shopping village" will find this to be a standard supermarket and should look elsewhere.
Not to be confused with: This is one of several Big Save markets on Kauaʻi; its key differentiator is its strategic location for West Side adventures. It should not be confused with the smaller, more limited grocery options available further west in Waimea town (e.g., Ishihara Market), which has its own unique character and famous poke but a smaller overall selection.
Source notes
- Times Supermarkets - Eleele Big Save (Official Store Page): Provides current hours, address, and a list of available departments and services.
- Times Supermarkets - Holiday Hours: Official page listing modified hours for all stores during major holidays.
- Eleele Shopping Center - Directory: Confirms Big Save as the anchor tenant and shows its location relative to other businesses.
