Wandering around Hilo a decade ago, I walked into this hippy-dippy, cozy little shop right on the main shopping drag fronting Hilo Bay. I was entranced by the bright bolts of colorful Japanese and Chinese fabrics and the exqisitely basic Japanese furniture. Locals all love this shop, as do most Hawaii residents who have been to Hilo. The fabrics are for sale by the yard for sewing (prices from $6 to $40 per yard) or the store will make you a futon cover or comforter cover for an extra charge. Their fabric collections are fairly extensive, with dozens from Japan and China. Alas, they discountinued their Hawaiian print fabric collection.

Dragon Mama
266 Kamehameha Ave. / 808-934-9081 (Map)

—Alex, 10/15/06