Overview
- Store type and parent company
Big Save Market in Kapaa is a full-service, locally operated grocery store in the Big Save chain on Kauai. It’s owned and operated under Times Supermarkets, a larger Hawaii-based chain. Times acquired Big Save in 2011 and now runs five Big Save locations—all on Kauai—alongside its other island-wide brands (Wikipedia, Times Supermarket). - Role in the local community
As the most populous town on Kauai, Kapaa relies on this store for essential grocery, deli, and local services. It offers bus passes, fishing supplies, Western Union/bill-pay, and even an ATM and money transfer, anchoring it as a practical lifeline for both locals and visitors (HawaiianIslands.com). - Why tourists might need to visit
Tourists may stop by to stock up on essentials, grab freshly made deli or plate lunches, pick up fishing gear, or find regional products. It’s also conveniently located in the Kapaa Shopping Center, alongside gas, post office, and hardware—great for one-stop provisioning before hitting the beach or road (HawaiianIslands.com). - What distinguishes this location
Beyond grocery basics, Big Save in Kapaa stands out for its wide selection of Asian & Polynesian dry goods, locally sourced produce and meats, and a deli offering hot/cold plate lunches, poke, and sushi. Outdoor shoppers have noted its catering to local tastes and visitor needs alike (HawaiianIslands.com, Wanderlog).
Products and Departments
- Key departments relevant to visitors
The store includes typical grocery sections: produce, meats, seafood, general grocery, bakery, deli (“Taste of Times”), and pharmacy, as well as ATM, bus passes, fishing supplies, and gift cards (Times Supermarket). - Local and Hawaiian products
They stock Kauai-grown produce, Hanalei poi, Kapaa bananas, fresh pork from Kaneshiro Farms, and Kauai shrimp (Times Supermarket). - Unique items specific to this store/location
A dedicated aisle of Asian and Polynesian dry goods, plus Philippine specialty products that are hard to find elsewhere. The meat and hot food selections are also notably strong (HawaiianIslands.com, Wanderlog). - Pharmacy services
A pharmacy section is available, consistent with other Big Save locations (Times Supermarket). - Alcohol selection
While not detailed specifically for Kapaa, Times and Big Save chains typically carry liquor and snacks. The weekly ads include liquor items in some markets (Wikipedia).
Tourist-Relevant Services
- Deli/prepared foods section
The "Taste of Times" deli serves plate lunches, party platters, and ready-made meals. On some days, staff grill outdoors with a scenic backdrop. Prices drop on pre-packaged lunches after peak lunch times (~1–2 pm) (HawaiianIslands.com, Yelp). - Bakery items (including local specialties)
Bakery department is present; local reviews highlight fresh baked goods, though no specific local bakery items are listed publicly (Times Supermarket, MapQuest). - Poke bar or local food offerings
They consistently offer fresh sushi and poke, plus hot food deli options, plate lunches, and possibly daily specials (HawaiianIslands.com, Wanderlog). - Beach and outdoor supplies
Not explicit, but they do stock fishing supplies and potentially other practical items needed for outdoor activities (HawaiianIslands.com). - Souvenir selection
Souvenir goods aren’t prominently advertised; however the Asian/Polynesian aisle includes culturally specific groceries—useful for food-related gifts (HawaiianIslands.com, Wanderlog). - Photo printing or other visitor services
They offer copy machine, Western Union money transfer/bill pay, bus passes, but no mention of photo printing (HawaiianIslands.com).
Practical Shopping Information
- Store hours (including holiday variations)
Regular hours: daily 6 am–11 pm (some sources mention 5 am start, but most listings say 6 am) (Times Supermarket, Wanderlog). Holiday exceptions:- Thanksgiving: 5 am–7 pm
- Christmas Eve: 5 am–10 pm
- Christmas Day: Closed
- New Year’s Eve: 5 am–10 pm
- New Year’s Day: 5 am–9 pm (Times Supermarket).
- Membership requirements
None—this is a standard grocery, no membership needed. - Payment methods accepted
Accepts regular forms and SNAP benefits; ATM inside the store for cash access (Times Supermarket). - Parking availability
Located in Kapaa Shopping Center with a large parking lot, shared with multiple businesses (HawaiianIslands.com, Yelp). - Bag policies (Hawaii bag fees)
Not specified, but Hawaii laws require charges for single-use plastic bags. Big Save likely charges accordingly (common practice statewide). - Return policies for visitors
No details found in public sources; typical grocery store return policies likely apply.
Local Specialties
- Hawaiian products and brands to look for
- Kapaa Bananas
- Hanalei Poi
- Fresh pork from Kaneshiro Farms
- Kauai Shrimp (Times Supermarket).
- Local produce and seasonal items
Strong seasonal produce selection—melons, local vegetables; emphasis on freshness and locally sourced (HawaiianIslands.com). - Regional snacks and treats
Asian/Polynesian snack foods; Filipino groceries. Specific brand examples aren’t enumerated in sources. - Items that make good gifts to take home
Poi, local bananas, shrimp, specialty Filipino or Polynesian pantry goods—foodie gifts that travel well.
Budget and Value
- Price comparison to mainland
Prices are higher than mainland, as expected in Hawaii. Still, Big Save offers fair prices and weekly ads/coupons to maximize value (HawaiianIslands.com, Wanderlog). - Best deals for visitors
- Watch for deli pricing cuts after lunch (1–2 pm) (HawaiianIslands.com).
- Keep an eye on weekly ads for island-wide deals (Times Supermarket).
- Items worth stocking up on for condo/vacation rentals
Prepared lunches, poke/sushi, produce, pantry staples (rice, noodles), local snacks, beverages. - Any special discounts or programs
Regular weekly ads and SNAP acceptance, no unique visitor discount noted.
Visitor Tips
- Best times to shop (avoiding crowds)
Early morning (6–8 am) or after lull post-lunch when deli deals kick in (~1–2 pm). - How to navigate the store efficiently
Hit produce and deli first if stocking perishables; grab local snacks in ethnic aisle; head to register vicinity for drinks/basic staples last. - Must-try local items
Plate lunches, fresh poke or sushi, Hawaiian produce (banana, melon), poi, local meats. - What visitors typically need for their stay
Groceries, quick meals, outdoor supplies (e.g. fishing gear), bus passes, money transfer services. - Any cultural considerations or local shopping etiquette
No specific etiquette—just aloha spirit. Be respectful in deli line, don’t dawdle, pack items neatly for travel. Single-use bag fees are expected—bring reusable bags to reduce cost and waste.
