Ocean Queen

Authentically, super nice people working here! I’ve loved Ocean Queen since their sole shop existed in Haleiwa and continue to love Ocean Queen at the Ward location. They’ve been having a closing sale for the longest time now. Turns out their lease is month to month now and they may get the notice any time now to terminate their lease. It’s KARMA they say because once they were initially notified that their lease would be terminated they set in motion to liquidate their inventory and SLASHED their prices in half. Their good deed has become fruitful and their lease extended.
Go before they close and if they do, you’ll have to trek to Haleiwa to get their good. Authentic Tibetan jewelry, clothing, accessories, bedding and such. I was able to purchase a few queen sized mandala throws at the sale price of $ 35.00 each (check the price of the same/​similar throws on Urban Outfitters and you will appreciate this price). Their silver pieces of jewelry are pretty awesome as well and all are on sale now (until further notice). I purchased a few rings here and was so pleased with my finds — they even took the time to buff and shine your jewelry before you leave. The owner (I forgot his name) and staff have all been so helpful in giving out the history or meaning of their pieces of jewelry.

I love this store, i always go to one in Haleiwa. Love products and everyone that works there have been great, i spend forever in there trying to figure out what to buy.

The smell of the incense is what got me into this store. A lot of neat stuff in here like clothing, jewelry and choke knick knacks. its hard not to get a zen like feeling in here reading these quotes.
All the incense smells so good I wanted to buy them all. I just stuck to three for now. patchouli, indra sandal (its what the whole freaking store smelled like) and opium. With a name like opium, I had to get it. it smells really good too.
The wife got a couple head scarves and when we checked out, the guy individually wrapped each one in this homemade paper and put it in a nice little free hand bag. Really nice of him to do that.
Its too bad this place is closing down and everything in here is 50% off. But no worries. The guy said they still have their other store in Haleiwa which is a good excuse to head out to the country among other things to do.

This store just makes you feel so good inside; the incense, music, the Tibetan décor, give all your senses a warm and peaceful feeling.
The Tibetan singing bowl selection is my favorite. We bought an original design with the double thunderbolt inscribed on it — it’s cast from seven metals. The store staff was extremely helpful with the significance of the symbols on it.
Only bummer is that this store only carries women’s clothing, nothing for men (except some t-​shirts). But that’s okay, we always spend about an hour just admiring the various statues, prayer beads, music selection, bags and jewelry.
We’ve actually been to both of their stores, one at the Ward Center and the other in Haleiwa on the North Shore and they pretty much carry the same merchandise. I like the way the staff just let’s you browse and enjoy without bothering you.
Hey, you don’t have to be Buddhist to enjoy this merchandise. Namaste.

I happened to walk around the swap meet last week during my visit to Honolulu and as I was about to turn around I noticed a large cloth or I guess beach towels that had Tibetan/​Indian symbols. I quickly walked over and peeked in and first thing I noticed was an amazing peacock bag! (and everyone who knows me well enough knows i love anything with a peacock design!)
The guy told me he doesn’t have anymore of it, so I ended up buying that and one of those multi-​wear wrap dress.
Lots of Buddha, Tibetan, Hindu artifacts and clothing.
The owner and I started talking for a bit, and turns out he’s from Nepal and goes to India every year. He is super friendly and loves talking about his business. He is extremely fair with prices as well. Sweet guy.
I’ll make sure to stop by again if I’m ever in Oahu!

This isnt the type of store I would usually peruse however this particular evening I was feeling inquisitively namaste-​ish. Im not spiritual or religious, but I do respect certain faiths. I’ll just leave it at that. I do however absolutely love to read and research about different religions, for some reason it fascinates me to no end.
I was in the store for about fourty-​five minutes, I wasn’t pestered, just got a sincere hello and a smile. As I walked around, I started noticing small things about the different Hindu deities such as hand placement and symbolism. From the little knowledge about Hinduism that I retained from high school I asked a few questions. Vishnu, Ganesh, the Shatkona (which everyone always mistakes for a pentagram) and the original swastika pre-​Hilter is all I could remember but Lama the owner? was more than happy to «enlighten» me. oh the pun.
I thought it was funny his name was Lama, as in the Dali. for real? That’s like Gouvea Portuguese Sausage.
I ended up buying a few items to support the store after Lama helped pick some out for me. Its not often you walk into a store and leave with a little knowledge that helps inspire billions upon billions. Not to say that it will do the same for me but I did leave with a deeper respect for the culture.
I cant put my finger on it, it’s either the store’s concept or Lama’s quiet pleasantness that was a breath of fresh air, perhaps both? or perhaps one breeds the other.

I found the cutest animal beanies. One was a red boar which happens to be the mascot of my cousin’s best friend’s new college. Went to the cash register to buy it for her to give to her best friend and ended up talking with the store owner for fifteen minutes. He’s actually Tibetan, and has visited Nepal and India. He’s incredibly informed so I got to discuss vajrayana buddhism with him. Not every day you walk into what you think is a novelty shop only to find out it’s the real deal and that the owner is incredibly informed.
Also, the scarves were incredibly pretty. Almost bought some for myself but had just spent plenty at the farmer’s market. Will definitely be back the next time I need a gorgeous or unique gift.

Yay Ocean Queen! I was excited to find this store in Ward since Artlines in Ala Moana is closing soon. Their original store is located in Haleiwa. This store sells Himalayan/​Tibetan clothing, jewelry, bags, and other small items. They also sell incense, singing bowls, CDs, and cool hats! The clothes is a bit expensive for my budget (around $ 50 or skirts) but I saw a 50% off sale rack. Some of the jewelry seemed reasonably priced (around $ 15 for a little om pendant). The man working there was very helpful and friendly. Happy shopping! :)