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With its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and luxury shopping, Hawaii is a top travel destination for many.
If you’re planning a trip to the Aloha State, you may be wondering: why are iconic luxury brands like Louis Vuitton cheaper in Hawaii than in most other places?
If you don’t have time to read our full, detailed article, here’s the quick answer: Louis Vuitton and other luxury retailers can offer discounted prices in Hawaii because the state does not charge a sales tax. This tax exemption allows retailers to pass significant savings along to shoppers.
Hawaii’s Unique Tax Laws Enable Discounted Luxury Shopping
General Excise TAX (GET) In Hawaii
Hawaii does, in fact, have a General Excise Tax (GET), which is similar to a sales tax but is applied to the gross income of businesses. The tax is imposed at various levels of business transactions, and businesses may pass some of the costs to consumers through higher prices.
For luxury retailers like Louis Vuitton that sell high-priced handbags, shoes, accessories and more, not charging sales tax makes a significant difference.
A $5,000 Louis Vuitton handbag would cost up to $5,250 after a typical 5% sales tax rate.
Tax savings get passed to consumers
Retail industry analysts have noted that Hawaii’s lack of sales tax gets “passed along to the customer in terms of lower prices.” This tax advantage allows national retailers to discount select goods in Hawaii locations while maintaining profit margins.
Luxury brands in particular take advantage of tax savings to offer special Hawaii deals.
For example, Louis Vuitton Hawaii offers certain handbags, wallets and other items priced 10-20% lower than the same items sold in Louis Vuitton stores on the mainland.
By exporting tax savings directly into discounts for Hawaii shoppers, luxury retailers create unique local appeal.
In addition to sale prices, Hawaii consumers also save significantly when making full-price purchases at Louis Vuitton and similar luxury stores. Over 20% combined savings is not uncommon for a $5,000 designer handbag purchased in high-tax locations on the mainland versus tax-free Hawaii.
How Much Can You Save on Louis Vuitton in Hawaii?
Handbags discounted 8-12%
When shopping for Louis Vuitton in Hawaii, you can expect to save around 8-12% on handbags compared to US mainland prices. This discount comes from Hawaii’s lack of a luxury tax on high-end designer goods.
For example, the classic Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM bag costs $1,500 on the mainland, but is typically priced around $1,320 in Hawaii – a savings of $180.
Larger price differences on higher-priced items
The more expensive the Louis Vuitton item, the bigger the price difference you’ll see in Hawaii. On higher-priced products like luggage or leather goods, discounts can reach up to 20%.
For instance, the Keepall 45 luggage in the iconic Louis Vuitton monogram canvas retails for $1,900 on the mainland, but can be purchased in Hawaii for around $1,520 – a mega $380 discount!
| Louis Vuitton Item | Mainland US Price | Hawaii Price |
|---|---|---|
| Neverfull MM | $1,500 | $1,320 (12% off) |
| Keepall 45 | $1,900 | $1,520 (20% off) |
As you can see, Hawaii offers excellent savings opportunities for Louis Vuitton enthusiasts. By shopping in the Aloha State, handbags, luggage, wallets, and more can all be purchased for significantly under mainland prices. For the latest deals and incentives, check the official Hawaii Travel Guide.
Where to Shop for Discounted Louis Vuitton in Hawaii
Louis Vuitton store at Ala Moana Center
The Louis Vuitton store at the Ala Moana Center in Honolulu is a great place to shop for luxury items in Hawaii. As one of the largest open-air shopping centers in the world, Ala Moana Center offers an extensive selection of high-end brands.
The Louis Vuitton store here carries the full range of Louis Vuitton products including leather goods, ready-to-wear, shoes, accessories, and more.
As a travel destination, Hawaii does not have a sales tax on luxury goods. This means shopping at the Ala Moana Louis Vuitton can result in significant savings compared to Louis Vuitton stores on the U.S. mainland. You can expect to save upwards of 10% on regular-priced Louis Vuitton items.
DFS Galleria Waikiki
Another excellent place to shop for luxury items is the DFS Galleria Waikiki, located on Kalakaua Ave in the heart of Waikiki.
This high-end retail center offers an outstanding collection of designer boutiques, including Louis Vuitton, Prada, Celine, Bottega Veneta, and more.
As a duty-free luxury retailer, DFS is able to offer additional savings to visitors. When you show your passport and outbound travel information at the time of purchase, you can qualify for duty-free savings up to 30% off regular prices.
Luxury boutiques in luxury hotels
Several luxury hotels in Hawaii also house designer boutiques that carry Louis Vuitton products.
For example, the Moana Surfrider Westin Resort on Waikiki Beach features a high-end shopping arcade with a Louis Vuitton boutique as well as boutiques for other luxury brands like Bulgari, Cartier and more.
As with other retailers in Hawaii, shopping at hotel boutiques allows you to take advantage of not having to pay a sales tax on qualified purchases.
Other luxury hotels like the Royal Hawaiian also offer designer shopping in an elegant setting. While the savings may not be as great as at duty-free retailers like DFS, the availability of certain limited edition Louis Vuitton items can make shopping at hotel boutiques worthwhile.
Expert Tips: How to Make the Most of Louis Vuitton Shopping in Hawaii
Compare Hawaii prices online before your trip
Before booking your Hawaii vacation, research Louis Vuitton prices online to get a baseline. Prices in Hawaii can be 25-65% lower compared to mainland US due to lower operational costs and tourism discounts.
Set a budget and make a shopping list to stay focused once you arrive.
Time your visit to catch seasonal sales
Like most tourist destinations, Hawaii sees peak tourism from June through August. Visit during shoulder seasons like September-November or March-May to catch specials.
For example, Luxury Stores at the Royal Hawaiian Center and Waikiki Luxury Walk offer 30% special sales during these intervals to attract visitors.
Also read: When Is The Best Time To Visit Hawaii? A Local’S Guide
Sign up early for tour operator VIP shopping programs
Reputable tour companies like My Hawaii Shopper offer personalized shopping services, free guide transportation, and exclusive after-hours store access for serious LV fans. Spots fill up fast so book 4-6 months in advance.
Know the import restrictions before you shop
| Louis Vuitton Handbags | Max 5 |
| Small Leather Goods | Max 20 |
| Wallet, Jewelry | No restrictions |
Hawaii allows visitors to import most LV goods duty-free but quantities are restricted. Consult U.S. Customs & Border Protection guidelines before overindulging to avoid surrendering items at your flight home.
Also read: How To Live In Hawaii On The Cheap
Conclusion
With its unique tax structure, beautiful shopping centers, and abundance of luxury retailers, Hawaii offers unparalleled opportunities for discounted Louis Vuitton and other luxury goods.
By timing your trip right and arming yourself with insider knowledge, you can save even more.
Enjoy exploring the Aloha State – with plenty of shopping and savings to excite any traveler or handbag enthusiast!
