Island Naturals' Hilo store, currently located in the Wal-Mart shopping center next to Borders bookstore, will cease operations at that location and will move the store to the Hilo Shopping Center (corner of Kilauea Ave. and Kekuanaoa St.).

This is great news for the Hilo Shopping Center; the health food store will provide a sorely needed "anchor" tenant, and will undoubtedly benefit all businesses in the center. In addition, many of us who work in downtown will be able to take advantage of their lunch offerings (without having to battle the traffic near the Prince Kuhio Mall).

Remodeling has already begun on the space formerly occupied by Unique Boutique & Beads. Island Naturals plans to complete the renovation and open in the new space in August 2009. 

Old-timers will remember when the Hilo Shopping center was "the only mall" in Hilo. For those that have never been there, there's actually an indoor section as well. Most likely Island Naturals will put some kind of seating in that area for customers to eat & hang out --- without getting wet!