Kauai Ace Hardware & Crafts

Ace is the place you go if you wanna get in touch with your crafty side. And if you can’t find the other stuff at Walmart. Yes, they have so much more to offer, but they are definitely pricier.
They have lots of variety in beads, stamps, silk flowers, boxes, paints, etc. They sell also stuff for home improvement like shelves, DIY book shelves, screws, tapes, glues, etc.
The stuff that is on clearance is all the way to the left in the back. They don’t have some good sales as well.
There is also glass lockers in front of the store with hand made local items like flower clips for you hair, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, etc.

Really enjoyed shopping here today. Super helpful and friendly staff. Although the checkout lines need to move faster. Too many price checks.

This place has been here for years and hasn’t changed since I left. I mean I can pretty much find what I need because I know that it’ll be there. There are actual employees on the floor that are available to assist you if needed so that’s nice. My only complaint is that some things are a little on the pricier side but that’s just that way it goes on an island where everything needs to be imported.

I like to watercolor when I’m on vacation. I pack a watercolor travel kit — but, I have been painting more on this trip than in the past; and started to run low on my watercolor paper. A quick search online, discovered that Ace Hardware in Lihue was a ‘deluxe’ Ace and had a good crafts section.
Got my husband to stop by (what a guy), and he patiently waited while I cruised the craft aisles. I thought at the end, yes, it could be possible for me to stay longer on Kauai (he wants to eventually stay a month @ visit). :)

One of the few places on-​island that sells (what we’re hoping are) MSR-​compatible stove canisters*. Super helpful and friendly staff. Added bonus of being both a hardware and craft supply store. Reminds me of Fredericksen’s in San Francisco.
* Technically, I’m not sure if the canisters sold are MSR: «MSR IsoPro is a performance-​boosting, ⁸⁰⁄₂₀ blend of isobutane and propane, with the purest isobutane (5% or less n-​butane) of any canister fuel. This clean-​burning formulation maintains higher internal pressure at lower temperatures than standard butane/​propane mixtures, delivering superior cold weather performance and more consistent output over the life of the canister.»
However, they are the correct size for a MSR stove, and Ace is one of two places on island that sell such canisters. The other being Pedal ‘N Paddle in Hanalei:

I don’t usually get a big thrill out of hardware stores, but I have to say, the Lihue Ace is pretty fabulous… I am impressed with the customer service at this location. Not only did the staff help us find what we needed (and with a great attitude), but multiple employees checked to see if we needed help. This store also has a small selection of pretty nice wooden furniture (futons, tv. stands, night stands, etc) and their craft section is great! I’m a big fan!

This is your run of the mills Ace hardware store… BUT they also sell craft supplies and home decorations too. First time I came into the store was last november to make a quick stop to buy a bucket and a mop. Little did I know I ended up spending almost 2 hours here! I have never seen an Ace that sells beads, yarn, stickers, floral arrangement supplies and best of all Hello Kitty, ever before. I spent the first hour just browsing through those aisles and then another hour looking for christmas decorations and ideas because the christmas displays in the middle of the store was just amazing. This may possibly be the best place to look for christmas ornaments, ribbons, wraps and anything else your crafty little mind can come up with. My only gripe is that what should have been a $ 30 dollar trip ended up being a $ 300 dollar trip so beware folks! I am giving you a fair warning. Prices for craft supplies are fair since I don’t know any other place that sells this kind of stuff however prices on regular hardware and paint is a little bit expensive. You can definitely find it cheaper at Walmart if they carry it.
Overall I feel that this Ace may actually carry more items geared towards women and family rather than men looking to do a hands on building project or renovation. For that I would go to Home Depot.