Nomads Hawaii

So, here’s a little story that is really unnecessary to this review, but I think it’s cool and in case it wasn’t abundantly clear, serves as a further proof that I’m a weirdo. Last night, I had a dream that I ended up in a store with all kinds of knick knacks that looked like things kids would want to play with but were actually meant for adults. I even went so far as to scold all the children in this imaginary store, because they were making a huge mess, and dream-​me is just as grouchy as the real-​life Aunty Kristen. I saw cute goods shaped like whales and other animals and began looking for owl items for my mom.
And then I woke up and got ready for a day wandering around Kailua!
As soon as I stumbled upon Nomads today, I knew I was in trouble. I love little shops like this. Nomads is filled with all kinds of fair trade merchandise and goods from around the world. Some items can easily be found in your everyday Urban Outfitters-​esque boutique, but quite a few of the things in Nomads have a unique personality.
I purchased several pairs of earrings and Chavez for Charity bracelets. One with an owl charm caught my eye, and I realized that yes, Nomads was the STORE OF MY DREAMS. Hardy har har. I also got a set of kokeshi dolls, because I am an adult and can be frivolous when I feel like it. Although the store owner is currently unavailable, the Australian lady who helped me was quite lovely. I felt the prices were extremely reasonable and would love to visit again soon. Highly recommended.

Really cool stuff — lots of fair trade goods and unique items. My wife picked out some great clothes, jewelry and other random gifts. Prices have definitely been reduced recently. Nice staff too!

Nomads has the coolest collection of stuff around. whoever does their purchasing has an incredibly good eye and fun eclectic tastes! There’s literally something for everyone here and the beautiful display cases, entry doors, and beautiful colors in the store make it an even better experience.
What’s cool about the items is that they’re certified fair trade meaning you aren’t getting goods made my children in some East Asian sweat shop… skilled craftsman and artisans are paid a fair price for their goods and no one is being taken advantage of… pretty cool socially responsible stuff!
This is a great place to find a gift for someone who ‘has everything’ because I guarantee they don’t have cool stuffs from Nomads yet!

I have never written an online review despite making nearly every purchase decision based on others’ reviews. Well the time has come for me to contribute! Yesterday, after purchasing an awesome green maxidress in this cute shop, I left my driver’s license behind the checkout counter. I drove my rental car 40 minutes to the airport to catch a flight to the East Coast. While awaiting the shuttle, I got an email from Cindy at the shop that she had my license and did I want to come back and get it. I just immediately got this horrible sinking feeling — I would surely miss my flight with no ID. There was no way I could get to Kailua and back to the airport before my flight departed. I called Cindy. She could not believe I was supposed to fly out right then. She immediately closed the shop and drove my license to me at the airport. For a complete stranger! Amazing! Who does that?! I made my flight with time to spare. The Aloha Spirit is alive and well in this place. They deserve your business!

SHOPPING SPREE!
Wandered in here on a Sunday before flying home. 3 hours later– I was buying a new suitcase at Long Drugs store to pack all my purchases in.
I don’t shop for fun. I loath shopping as I find most stores full of common, mass-​produced items made poorly and that I don’t need. Rarely, I find a store that carries unique items that are well designed and well made. Even more rarely, do I find such items priced at what I would consider well priced.
So it seemed unlikely in the final hours of my Hawaiian vacation that I would hit on a shopping spree– but that is what I did. I bought textiles, sculptures, a wooden Buddha and more. There was alot more I didn’t buy which I wanted to.
The store has some 1 year anniversary sale on now. If you go soon, you’ll be pleasantly rewarded. If you go later, I might have bought up all their inventory!

Since I’ve started blogging the most impressive thing, I’ve discovered is the sense of community between Hawaii business owners. I always imagined there would be cut-​throat competition between businesses, however, I’ve witnessed a large percentage of owners who openly support their neighbors. And this incredible generosity has been an influential factor in checking out local businesses within the area; thanks to Max Anton of Paradise Soccer Club for introducing me to one of your neighbors: Nomads Hawaii.
Nomads Hawaii is a global import gift boutique that carries a variety of cultural items and at least a third of their merchandise is fair trade. Nomads Hawaii is located in Kailua (along Hekili Street) & consists of Nandini Bhattacharjee (Owner /​Buyer /​Manager) & Scott Viola (Owner /​Contractor).
This husband & wife duo used to live a nomadic lifestyle before settling & developing roots in Hawaii. The opportunity to open Nomads Hawaii happened with luck & through a series of events. After Nandini graduated with her Masters Degree from HPU, she traveled back & forth to India to visit her ill father. It was also during this time, Nandini worked at a similar store & her experiences working in retail, inspired the foundation to open her own cultural gift boutique.
Since Nomads Hawaii’s soft opening in April 2013, the business has streamlined their merchandise based on their customers’ taste & continues to raise awareness about the high quality of fair trade, vegan products. Nandini is passionate & proud to support non-​profit organizations like SERRV whose mission involves eliminating poverty while investing in artisans and farmers.
One of Nomads Hawaii’s long-​term goals is being recognized as Hawaii’s ethically sourced, fair trade destination. Nomads Hawaii strives to achieve this goal by purchasing from brands & companies that positively contribute to creating a sustainable lifestyle for their workers in developing countries.
Please show your support & spread the word about this locally-​owned, family boutique. Don’t forget to connect with Nomads Hawaii on your social networks to see photos of their newest products & view behind-​the-​scenes photos of the owners.

Nomads is the most amazing store in all of Oahu, they have incredible knick-​knacks and gorgeous pieces from India, Bali etc. The place is really fun to look around in, and a must see! I first discovered this place about 5 months ago, and saw the most incredible piece. My home wasn’t big enough, and it was quite pricey so I let it simmer… I kept going back every couple of weeks, since it was right by my favorite breakfast place, to check in on my favorite piece. About a month ago we finally purchased it, and I couldn’t be happier with my decision. The place is pretty pricey, but you won’t find stuff like this anywhere else on the island and the quality far surpasses the price. If you haven’t gone already, you MUST! And Nandini, the owner, is amazing. I want to decorate my entire house from this store!!!

Really nice things can be found in the store but at a ridiculous price. Everything was just so expensive and left the store empty-​handed. If the owner reduced the rate by ¹⁄₃ it wouldn’t be so empty.

«NOHI» is a fabulous new arts and crafts gallery that strives to carry Fair Trade products at accessible prices. Nandini, the proprietor, is interesting and fun to talk to, but I had a a hard time maintaining eye contact with her because of all of the beautiful textiles, home wares, jewelry, and crafts on display. It’s enjoyable to buy direct from someone who personally selected every item in the shop and can you tell its provenance and why it’s special.
Bought a unique, handmade necklace for $ 22 and a fabulous accent lamp that sends sparkling prismatic shadows against the walls for $ 33. NOHI also carries a line of vegan soaps and lotions with subtle, wonderful scents! Can’t wait to go back when I have more time to browse, there is a lot going on in this little shop!