Other Hawaii posts: Kauai, Kauai Quilting, Kauai Food, Kauai Sightseeing, Oahu Fireworks, Oahu Food, Pearl Harbor.

There are about 5 zillion quilt shops in Oahu, most of which are in Honolulu. While most of them have Hawaiian quilts like the ones I saw in Kauai, most of them are just fabric stores and quilt shops like you’d find anywhere else. EXCEPT for the fact that they have some amazing Japanese imports for cheap, lots of Hawaiian florals, and even some bootleg cartoon prints (unfortunately).

The Calico Cat in Honolulu is a hole in the wall shop in a bright turquoise building. The owner, Carol, is really friendly and the best part of the shop. I did finally break down and buy some licensed Hello Kitty fabric after seeing it all over the state. There are tons of Japanese tourists in Hawaii, and they really are wild for all things Hello Kitty–I saw endless accessories and shops dedicated to that cat, so it seemed fitting to buy it here at the cat shop. It’s closed several days during the week, though, so check before you go.

Kaimuki Dry Goods is also in Honolulu, and they have everything. The store is giant, with quilting fabrics to suiting fabrics. They had some j’adorable imports here from all over Asia at great prices. I’ve actually shipped all my fabric purchases home to me, and they haven’t arrived yet. I’ll have to post photos when the boxes come, this store had some great stuff.

Fabric Mart in Aiea was also awesome. I’d actually set out to find The Quilt Hut but it had closed down. Fabric Mart was just down the street in the same industrial complex, so glad I found it. You’ve got to get brave for some of the shops on Oahu, they are off the beaten path. But this one was so worth it, and it’s not that far from Pearl Harbor. Hawaiian florals in 100% cotton for $4.99/yd. I stocked up here with some fabulous stuff. They also have tons of cartoon fabrics, faux leathers, everything. Several clothing design students were in the shop stocking up on supplies for projects.

I can’t wait for these boxes to arrive.