SoHa Living Kailua

EDIT in response to owner: when we were checking out we were told by the two females at the counter that everyone purchasing items gets their choice between a bottle of sand or a starfish. The cashier listed on my receipt was Alina V and the purchase date was Sunday September 10. Very cute shop but was told every customer gets a free gift (starfish) That I was actually charged for on my receipt ($5.80 but I didn’t want it). I wouldn’t have accepted, this is so frustrating. Cashier was Alina V.

Very poor customer service. I asked to do an exchange for something more expensive and without even looking at my item the owner refused me without a receipt. Aren’t they in the business of selling mostly gifts? She could have at least looked at the item and pretended to care about providing customer service. I will never shop here again and instead purchased the item I want online for 1/2 the price. Business owners like this make it difficult to want to support/shop local. **There was a Soha Living tag on my item. Per the review, it wasn’t even looked at before I was turned away.

I had a very unpleasant experience at the SoHa Living Kailua store in the afternoon/early evening of August 21, 2016. The store itself was nice the but there was absolutely no customer service. I have lived in Hawaii for 5 years and my family came to visit me and my husband so I wanted to show them around different parts of the island. On this particular day I decided to take my mom and two younger sisters (10 & 11years old) to the Kailua. We went to the SoHa and were not greeted, we were not asked if we needed help, we simply were not acknowledged by the young ladies working at the front counter. They pretended as though we were not even in the store. My mom went up to the front counter twice, she even sat some items on the counter and they didn't even acknowledge her to ask her if she wanted to check out. We were the only customers in the store and they never even asked if we had questions or if we needed help in finding anything, this went on for at least 15 minutes. At one point my mom and I watched the one of sales associate at the front counter mess around on her phone, she was so engulfed in whatever she was doing on her phone that she didn't even noticed we were looking dead at her. While she did that, the other associate just wrote in a notebook or possibly some sort of store log. Time passes and still nothing from either of the associates. Both of the women looked at least college age, more than likely over 21years of age, anywhere from 22-26, so they were definitely were not teenage girls. By the time I was ready to leave, I began to look at items that were closer to the door and the same associate that was scrolling through her phone, literally came and stood right next to me as she was talking to the other associate and we were both standing near merchandise on the built shelves that they have towards the front of the store. So I thought, ok maybe she'll say something, nope--nothing. By then I had pretty much made up my mind that I wasn't going to buy anything from that store especially after receiving 0.00% customer service. After that, I called my family and said that it was time to go. My mom stated that she was trying to stick around a little longer to see how they would treat other customers if they entered the store. Other customers never came in whole we were there so we just agreed to leave without buying a single thing. The reason I moved to Hawaii is because I was stationed here in the Navy for three years and because of my military obligation I hadn't been able to see my familyou. I had my family come out here on vacation to spend sometime with them to show them the beautiful island but what we encountered at that store was much less than Aloha. This is not the first time this has happened to me in a store but it has been awhile, but it doesn't hurt any less. I really don't want to think that it had to do with my ethnicity because that's usually not the case here, in Hawaii, especially if you're already a minority but it's really hard not to think that that it wasn't associated with the poor quality service that my family received. I was really happy to go to this store in order to get some nice gifts and souvenirs for my mom, sisters and extended family back on the mainland, but instead I left feeling humiliated, disgusted and ashamed to have even brought my family to this store. Like I said, the store itself was very beautiful and well kept however the non-existent customer service definitely made the store lose out on a very large purchase that we were surely planning on making. After I left, my mom and I talked about how we would've rather spent our money at Pier 1 Imports,(which is a much more expensive and well-known retailer) which is the store we visited in the same shopling plaza, before entering SoHa Kailua. Employees at this store could definitely use customer service refresher training. I advise the owner of this store, if you have a security camera, please take a look at the footage from that day and you will be able to see with your own eyes.

Sand People and SoHa seem to have the BEACH feel for decorations. You just have to want that type of stuff. If you do, THIS is the place. Its one of the few places I don't mind wandering around to waste time as my girlfriend loves this place. No local discount and no real sales.

This is THE cutest little shop for anything beachy/coastal! I'm always drawn into the store because they have such a cute assortment of items.

Love love love! This is my favorite store for cute beachy stuff. Not outrageously expensive and very nice stuff.

Really sweet and welcoming girls working here !!

Cute little shop. More appropriate for mainstream styles.

So many lovely island fabrics and gifts! I always want to stop in here when I am in Kailua. Lots of shells, puzzles, beach bags. Also kitchen and bar items. One of my favorite gifts -the lovely floral aprons. Also some pretty island fabric couch or bed cushions -to cheer up a room. Jewelry is pretty and is less expensive than in some other touristy shops. Cook books and island books. Great place to shop!

SoHa Living has a few locations around the state. I've never been to any of them before coming to this location. I wasn't sure what they even sold. I stepped into the store and there was a whole rack of shells available for purchase to the right. By the door they had straw hats and straw bags. Taking the whole picture into account I would say they sell a majority of Hawaiian items. There was also Hawaiian print clothing and bags. I also saw candles, books, pillows, picture frames and cups. They even had Hawaiian seasoning salts. If you're looking for anything local for gift giving this would be your spot.

Eight years I've shopped at SOHA. Eight years I've subjected myself and friends to the dour, menene, occasionally abusive employees at the Kailua location. Never a kind Hi! Unless my handsome husband is with me. Then they fall all over themselves with greetings. No Kamaaina, no honouring their online sales, no gift or in store credit policy, even for Christmas. NO, NO, NO. That word, they say with much Joy and deliver with a smile. At least I know Soha employees can smile.......

Cute store and sweet employees. However I am appalled that a business that sells Hawaiian items and capitalizes on Hawaiian designs only honors military discount but does not honor kamaaina discount. Do both, or do neither. Do better as a local business selling Hawaiian goods.

I have never been inside this store! I usually go to Global Village and get a t-shirt but their supply was really limited and I didn't see anything I liked. So my friend Tracy said let's go in and check this place out. Friendly greeting when we walked in. Lots of really cool things for the home! As I walked around I spotted this great wine bottle gift bags! So I bought three! If you're looking for something unique, this is the place to come to! Mahalo Soha!

Love, Love, Love SOHA! I frequent ALL of them on island as each of them have something different in terms of exploring... Most of the time I find great deals especially their summer and Black Friday sales! Favorites are specially made island pillow cases, island kitchen and serving, novelties, and diffusers that last a VERY long time! This was maybe my second time at this location, however. While everything was clean and organized, I had to really hunt down the items I was looking for and I thought there was an agreement from the Kahala location to hold my items (I was willing to "prepay" them until I go to that location to pick it all up). I had no problem when Kapolei location called into the Kahala location with a previous hold of items because they weren't able to locate the inventory. So miscommunication aside and paid full price instead of the sale price (had I known it was only for the weekend), it was excusable for this time. It really does matter who works the counter/store and knows their inventory plus is willing to go the extra mile for you that makes it a perfect score.

This store is so cute, full of fun contemporary Hawaiian things for the home plus unique beautiful cards. The shop assistant was also very friendly and helpful. We found perfect birthday gifts and valentines cards. There is something for everyone on your gift list here.

Cute little store that comes right out of a Coastal Living Magazine. Located next to Starbucks and Mahina in Kailua , it has tons of seashells for gift giving or putting in gifts, lots of comfy pillows, kitchen towels, knick knacks, mermaids, seashells and beachy decor. They also have a section for cute and quirky kids and adult games in the back, and a sale section that can range from 20%-90% off if you catch it at the right time. They make custom made signs as well if you want something more specific. Perfect store for finding that right gift, and the staff are always helpful. I just love just going in and day dream decorating my dream beach house. If I could buy everything in the store I would! P.S.They plenty of free parking, although right in front could be busy.

SoHa is a super cute gift shop with a nicely curated selection of home items. I visited when they were marking down the Christmas decorations. we were only a few minutes before closing, so the sales associate informed us of this, but didn't pressure us to hurry with our selections and was very polite. We each found a few cute items to go home!

I never fail to find the cutest and coolest gifts for people from SoHa Living! I love coming here, and if I could, I'd probably buy everything for myself! This location so far is my favorite, although I've only been to this one in Kailua and the one in Ka Makana Ali'i. The Kailua one is just a little more convenient for me. But I also really love that there's a SoHa Kids right across the street too! It's like double the SoHa Living goodness in walking distance from each other! Anyway, this is one of the best stores in my opinion for most gift giving needs!

Cute shop filled to the brim with all things beach and Aloha! Since I am all about the colors of the sea, this shop speaks to me! Lots of beachy home decor - pillows, throw, coasters, picture frames, dish towels, carved wooden seeing pieces - plus greeting cards, jewelry, and lots more! Easy to find gifts, souvenirs and home accessories. It's fun to wonder through and I get lost in all that is there. I actually like that those working there allow me to do just that! I'm not looking for anything in particular, I am just looking! And when you come upon something you must have, you just know it! There is a SoHa store in many locations across the islands and if I come across one, I must go in! SoHa draws me in the same way I am drawn to the sea.

Such a great selection of unique, island / beach-inspired gifts that I was in the store for almost an hour, and came out with 2 bags full ! That's a whole lotta shopping for a man :) The sales staff was friendly and more than helpful, even venturing into the back to look for a particular item I saw on their website. Malihini lesson of the day - Always listen when the locals talk story ! Mahalo

I did not realize this was a store that was opened by two sisters in 2002 bringing a California/Hawaii aesthetic to home goods and accessories. This particular store is conveniently located right next Mahina, one of my favorite stores, so when we decided to drive to Mahina and saw SoHa we had to stop in! My friend and I were immediately enamored with the place - from tea towels and aprons to baby/kids accessories and cute cards, there was literally something for everyone on our shopping lists. We had to show some restraint as the main purpose of our journey to this shopping center area was for the shop next door and Target. My friend found the perfect apron she had been looking for and we both found perfect gifts for friends and family, and their kids. The girls working here were nice and helped my friend find exactly the items she was looking for. They certainly have a lot of cute pineapple themed items (just what my friend is obsessed with!) They even have an online store in case you didn't bring a suitcase big enough for everything you wanted to bring home with you (read pillows!) Free shipping on orders over $75.

Nice selection, but much of the merchandise is not American made. Pricey, too. Best to buy from local creators off of etsy.

Angela was super fabulous and cheerful during Black Friday shopping today!! Unlike the others working there

Love their beach home decor! Slowly adding more items to my home! Picture frames, dish towels, pillows, signs, etc!

They have such cute coastal/beach home decor. Most of the items they sell are more sophisticated rather than kitchy. It's a little pricey but still affordable relative to HI pricing. The only negative thing is that the employees aren't always super friendly. I've walked in here many times without being greeted or spoken to at all during my entire time in the store. But then other times I've encountered friendly staff members. So that part can be hit or miss. But I suggest checking out this place regardless. It's great for locals and tourists!

I absolutely love this store. Anytime I need decor for the house or a gift for someone, SoHa is where I go. The staff is super friendly, the atmosphere is relaxed and inviting. Whenever I'm looking for something specific, the staff will go out of their way to help. Cute, beachy decor at a reasonable price.

I love this place! A great little store for beach themed items for your home, including throw pillows, jewelry, pictures, lotions & much more! The customer service is outstanding! I was looking for a throw pillow they were currently out of stock on & a lovely employee named Kolee (I know I spelled that wrong,sorry) said she would take my info & call when it came in stock. She called once it came in & held it for me until I could get there. I couldn't be more happy! Thank you for the great customer service that will keep me coming back for years!

I love SoHa and I would always go to the Kahala Store but I will now drive to the Kailua store from now on. I was killing time while I waited for my son to finish football practice in Waimanalo and ended up purchasing a few things for my living room, and a gift for my sister with the help of one of the sales girls. I didn't feel pressured while I was shopping and I didn't feel ignored like I have at other stores.

As pricy as SoHa is, I absolutely love it. It's quickly become mine and my husband's favorite place to window shop. Walking in makes you feel so relaxed and happy at the same time. All the beach colors give the store such a good vibe. It helps that the employees are very friendly as well! We may be back to get little decor pieces here and there but if you come here be prepared to spend spend spend!! The quality of everything you see should be well worth the investment though. Happy shopping!!!

In love with this store and the gals who help me every time! Such a calm and relaxing store to be in, especially if you feel like getting ideas for decorating your house. Customer service is a 10/10, I get greeted with a smile every time I go in :) the girls know their product really well and have good taste in interior designing. This is also a kid-friendly store! Their baby and kids section is filled with fun novelty toys and essentials to keep your kids occupied while you shop around hahaha!

Good place to buy gifts, but a little pricey! I like shopping the sale section!

I used to love to wander in to SoHa when I am shopping in Kailua....I love the relaxing atmosphere and the lovely items of decor.....just my style. However, I was completely shocked and VERY offended when I got to the register recently and there, on the counter, was a display of those mint boxes with crude sayings on them. Right on the top, I could not avoid it, was one that said "F****** S********"..... VERY VERY POOR TASTE AND OFFENSIVE FOR SUCH A LOVELY STORE!!!!!!!!!!!