What it is
Big Save Market in Hanalei is a full-service grocery store located in the Ching Young Village Shopping Center on Kauaʻi's North Shore. It is part of the Times Supermarkets chain, which operates five "Big Save" branded stores on the island. The market serves as a primary grocer for the local community and a key provisioning stop for visitors staying in the Hanalei area. It offers a range of departments including produce, meat, seafood, a bakery, a pharmacy, and a deli counter called "Taste of Times."
Visitor experience
Travelers visit Big Save Hanalei primarily for its convenience and to stock up on essentials for vacation rentals and condo stays. It is a popular spot to grab picnic supplies for the beach. The store is particularly well-regarded for its prepared foods, including plate lunches from the "Taste of Times" deli and a fresh poke selection that many visitors find to be a better value than at local restaurants.
The market emphasizes carrying local Kauaʻi products, such as Kauaʻi-grown produce, Kaneshiro Farms pork, and Hanalei Poi, though availability can vary. In addition to food, the store offers basic beach supplies, fresh flower leis, and fishing supplies. The overall experience is that of a functional, community-oriented supermarket rather than a curated visitor boutique.
Logistics
Location: Big Save is located at 5-5172 Kuhio Highway, within the Ching Young Village Shopping Center in the center of Hanalei town. Ample shared parking is available as part of the shopping center.
Hours: The store is open daily from 7:00 AM to 7:30 PM. Holiday hours are adjusted; the store is open 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Thanksgiving and is closed on Christmas Day.
Access and Duration: No membership is required. It can be a quick stop for prepared food or a longer trip for a full week's groceries. Visitors should aim to shop earlier in the day to avoid crowds and have the best selection of fresh items, particularly at the poke counter.
Services: The store accepts SNAP and has a Bank of Hawaii ATM inside. It also sells monthly and one-day Kauaʻi Bus passes.
Safety and cautions
Bag Policy: In accordance with Kauaʻi County ordinance, plastic checkout bags are banned. The store provides recyclable paper bags or reusable bags, and shoppers are encouraged to bring their own.
Closures: The store is closed on Christmas Day. Hours may be reduced on other major holidays.
General: As a community grocery store, it can be busy, particularly in the late afternoon as people finish their beach or work days. Staff may adhere strictly to closing times. Visitor reviews on pricing are mixed, with some finding it expensive while others consider it a better value than resort-area markets in Princeville.
Editorial take
Big Save Hanalei is an essential and practical stop for any self-catering visitor staying on the North Shore. It's the go-to for stocking a rental kitchen, grabbing a quality poke bowl for a beach picnic, or picking up a quick plate lunch. Its central location in Hanalei makes it far more convenient than driving to larger stores in Kapaʻa or Līhuʻe.
Who should prioritize it: Travelers staying in condos or vacation homes in the Hanalei, Princeville, or Hāʻena areas. It's also perfect for day-trippers who want to assemble a high-quality, affordable picnic lunch.
Who should skip it: Visitors looking for a farmers' market experience, gourmet specialty items, or extensive souvenir shopping will find better options elsewhere. It is a supermarket, not a tourist attraction. It should not be confused with the smaller, more boutique shops also located within the Ching Young Village Shopping Center.
Source notes
- Times Supermarket (Official): The official store page provides the most accurate hours, address, and list of services.
- Kauaʻi County (Official): Outlines the details of the plastic bag reduction ordinance, which is practical information for any shopper.
- Ching Young Village Shopping Center: The shopping center's official directory confirms Big Save as a key tenant and provides context on neighboring businesses.
- Kauaʻi Grown: This program page confirms Big Save's role as a retailer of locally sourced products from specific Kauaʻi farms.
- Wanderlog: Provides a good summary of recent visitor reviews and confirms current operating hours.
- HAWAIʻI Magazine: Article provides historical context on the Kauaʻi plastic bag ban.
