City Mill Hawaii Kai: A Shopper’s Guide

Why You Should Visit

• Exceptional Customer Service: You’ll find incredibly helpful and knowledgeable staff members. Gary, Wayne, George, and Elizabeth are specifically mentioned for their outstanding assistance, going above and beyond to help customers find solutions and even assist with carts. They’re described as patient, friendly, and possess a deep understanding of their products, offering guidance like a teacher.
• Wide Selection for Home and Garden: The store offers a broad range of hardware, plumbing, gardening supplies, and even home furnishings. You can find basic items as well as more unique offerings like tropical design carpets and hard-to-find plants (including Princess Michiko hibiscus and native Hawaiian varieties). Plant deliveries occur on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
• Convenient Local Option: City Mill provides a convenient alternative to larger stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s, especially if you live in Hawaii Kai. It saves you the trip into town.
• Surprisingly Affordable Furniture: While some items are more expensive than competitors, the furniture selection offers surprisingly low prices and good quality compared to dedicated furniture stores. I even found a multi-holiday projector for 95¢ (originally $40) in their clearance section!
• Supporting Local Business: By shopping here, you’re supporting a locally-owned business.

Why You Might Consider Alternatives

• Higher Prices: Be aware that many items, including propane tanks, are more expensive than at larger chains like Home Depot, Lowe’s, Walmart, and Costco. Propane tank filling also incurs an additional fee and a lengthy wait (30 minutes or more).
• Store Condition: The store’s condition could use some improvement. The reviews mention outdated paint, poor lighting, and inadequate air conditioning, creating an unpleasant shopping experience for some.
• Inconsistent Customer Service: While many staff members are praised, some negative experiences with unhelpful or even rude employees have been reported. These negative experiences seem to be concentrated among some cashiers and associates on the floor, but not all employees. This inconsistency might lead to frustrating shopping trips.
• Limited Selection and Stock: Occasionally, the store may lack specific items, even common ones. I had trouble finding a high-psi water supply line. While some items are on order, it may be necessary to check availability beforehand or shop elsewhere for specialized items. Inventory appears to be impacted by recent supply chain issues.