What it is
Big Save Market in Kapaʻa is a full-service supermarket and a long-standing Kauai grocery brand. It is one of five Big Save locations on the island, all of which are owned and operated by the Hawaii-based Times Supermarkets chain. The store functions as a practical, community-focused hub, serving both local residents and visitors with groceries, a full-service deli, a pharmacy, and other services like ATM access and bus pass sales. It is known for carrying a range of local Kauai products and a notable selection of Asian and Filipino goods.
Visitor experience
For visitors, the experience is that of a conventional but locally-focused grocery store rather than a tourist-oriented market. It's a prime stop for those staying in vacation rentals or condos to stock up on provisions. The main draws are the "Taste of Times" deli counter, which offers hot plate lunches with daily specials, fresh poke, and sushi, and the availability of authentic local products. Shoppers can find items like Kauai Shrimp, Kaneshiro Farms pork, Hanalei Poi, and Kapaʻa bananas. The store also features a distinct aisle with a wide variety of Asian, Polynesian, and hard-to-find Filipino groceries. The overall atmosphere is practical and reflects the daily life of the Kapaʻa community.
Logistics
Location: The store is located at 1105 F Kuhio Highway in the Kapaʻa Shopping Center on Kauai's east side.
Hours: Open daily from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Holiday hours are reduced for Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day, and the store is closed on Christmas Day.
Parking: Ample free parking is available in the large, shared lot of the Kapaʻa Shopping Center.
Access: No reservations or permits are needed. The store is a standard retail establishment.
Services: In-store services relevant to visitors include a Bank of Hawaii ATM, the sale of Kauai Bus passes, and a pharmacy.
Duration: A visit can be a quick stop for a plate lunch (15 minutes) or a full provisioning run (45-60 minutes).
Timing: To avoid crowds, early mornings are best. The deli's prepared foods are a popular draw during the midday lunch rush.
Safety and cautions
Pricing: As with most goods in Hawaii, grocery prices are generally higher than on the US mainland. Weekly ads are available for specials.
Bag Policy: Visitors should be prepared to pay a fee for single-use bags or bring their own reusable totes, in accordance with local ordinances aimed at reducing plastic waste.
Editorial take
Who should prioritize it: Big Save is ideal for travelers staying in accommodations with kitchens, such as condos or vacation rentals, who want to cook with local ingredients. It's also a great fit for budget-conscious visitors looking for affordable, authentic local meals like plate lunches and poke bowls. Foodies interested in exploring regional snacks and Asian pantry items will find the selection worthwhile.
Who should skip it: Travelers seeking a curated, high-end gourmet market or a polished souvenir shopping experience should look elsewhere. This is a functional community supermarket, not a boutique grocer like Living Foods Market or a specialty health food store like Papaya's Natural Foods. Visitors staying in resorts with no cooking facilities may find it less essential, though the deli is still a valid stop for a quick meal.
Distinctions: Big Save should not be confused with farmers' markets, which offer a more direct-from-the-farm experience on specific days. Compared to other island-wide chains like Foodland or Safeway, Big Save offers a similar full-service experience but with a distinctly local Kauai flavor, particularly in its prepared foods and support of local producers.
Source notes
- Times Supermarket (Official): The official store page for the Kapaʻa Big Save location, with current hours, address, and listed services.
- Times Supermarket (Big Save Brand Page): Provides an overview of the Big Save brand on Kauai and lists specific local products they carry.
- Kauai Grown: An official listing identifying Times/Big Save as a retailer of "Kauai Grown" products, specifying the local farms they partner with.
- Kapaʻa Shopping Center: The shopping center's official directory, confirming Big Save as an anchor tenant and listing other nearby businesses.
- Times Supermarket (Deli Menu Examples): The official site provides daily plate lunch menus, offering a concrete look at the deli's offerings.
- Wanderlog: A travel planning site that provides a concise summary and user reviews highlighting key visitor-relevant features like the meat selection and Filipino products.
