Hardware Hawaii Shopping Guide

Hardware Hawaii: A Shopper’s Perspective

Why You Should Visit

Extensive Inventory: You’ll find a wide range of items, from paint and power tools to propane and building supplies. They even carry a selection of wooden doors. The store seems to have “just about anything you’d need.”
Knowledgeable Staff: The staff is generally helpful and will assist you in locating items. They’re particularly skilled in paint mixing, able to perfectly match colors even after a year. In some cases, they even go the extra mile; I heard of one instance where they lent a ladder to a customer.
Local Expertise: The store carries genuine building supplies suitable for local needs, ensuring quality and appropriate materials. They appear to have a good understanding of their local inventory.
Convenient Sunday Hours: The store offers Sunday hours, providing additional convenience.
Local Ownership: It’s a small, locally owned business, supporting the community.

Limited Selection: While they stock a variety of items, the lumber selection, particularly untreated and prime lumber, is reported to be significantly reduced compared to the past.
Potential for Long Waits/Inconsistent Service: Be aware that staffing levels can impact service. I’ve heard of instances where staff was unavailable or unhelpful, leading to frustrating customer experiences. Some shoppers encountered issues with staff knowledge and responsiveness, particularly concerning item location.
Pricing: Prices are reported to be higher than at larger stores. You might save 20% or more by shopping elsewhere.
Inconsistent Closing Practices: The store’s adherence to closing time appears inconsistent; one shopper was refused entry five minutes before closing, despite the store’s advertised hours.
Return Policy Issues: I’ve heard of a particularly negative experience involving a return. A customer reported significant difficulty processing a $5 return, resulting in a substantial and erroneous charge. This suggests potential issues with their return procedures.