Fighting Eel

Let me start by saying that even though the Kailua store is closer to me, I drive all the way from the Windward side to the Kahala location because it's *that* much better.Unfortunately, I had multiple unpleasant experiences at the Kailua location so much so that I wanted to stop shopping at FE altogether. However, every single time I've been to the Kahala store, the staff has been top notch and they are what kept me wanting to shop at Fighting Eel time and again.They are super helpful whenever I need to pick up an online order, and they allow me to shop without being pushy. The nice lady who worked tonight even moved some of the racks out of the way so I could push my stroller through even though I just wanted to look at some small inexpensive gift items. Thank you to everyone at the Kahala store for making my shopping trips a five-star experience. Also, whoever wrapped the socks I ordered did so beautifully and I'm excited to gift them. You're all the best!

Yesterday I shopped at Fighting Eel Kahala during the Very Merry event and bought two items. One the way out I looked at my receipt and noticed that they had charged me full price for an item that was on sale. I went back to the cashier and showed her the receipt and told her that one item was charged incorrectly. She agreed, but gave me a credit on a gift card for the difference. I told her that I didn't want the gift card, I wanted my credit card to be charged correctly. She said she can't do that, it has to be store credit because they don't give refunds. I commented (calmly) that it's not a refund, it's a correction of an error that she made in overcharging me. She then looked annoyed and said that she can make the change but I have to go to the back of the line and wait. At this point I was stunned that she seemed to be punishing me for making a reasonable request. She said it a couple of times in an annoyed tone while I decided whether to accept the store credit or wait in a long line again so that she would adjust the credit card charge to the correct amount. I don't shop there often so did not want a gift card with a small amount on it that I could only use in that store, especially after being treated this way.I decided to wait in line. There were about five people ahead of me so it took a while. When it was my turn, the cashier tried to fix it but was unable to so she had to call someone on the phone to walk her through it. The whole time she did it, she looked upset and never looked in my direction. A different sales person apologized for the wait but was unable to help her at the cash register. It seemed that there was only one person of the three working there who knew how to use the cash register, and she did not know how to do the transaction. She was finally able to fix it but it took a while. I waited an extra 30 minutes total, in line and waiting for her to fix it. It really turned into an ordeal. I felt hostility from the cashier. Maybe she was mad at me because she didn't know how to do the transaction and she had to ask for help, which embarrassed her? I don't know but for sure she was totally lacking in customer service skills as well as job skills. In a way I felt sorry for her because she was clearly poorly trained. I noticed a number of bad reviews of the Kahala location that are similar about poor customer service, and the staff making people feel unwelcome. The responses are the same, saying that they value people's comments and will make changes. But they obviously have not made the changes.What's sad is that I was trying to shop there to support a local business. Maybe they think their products are so popular that it doesn't matter how they treat people. I'm posting this review to let people know that they need to check their receipts when you shop at this store, and you may be treated badly if you have the audacity to ask them to fix their error.

I want to add a disclaimer because this is my first review so oh boy! I hope you bear with me. I have been a long time yelp lurker so I am excited for my first review. I do not usually shop at Fighting Eel but stopped by because my daughter wanted something from the pop-up outside. We got a pair of checkered gingham shorts and earrings from the two tables outside that day and were unsure about going in to the store itself since the line to check out was so long. Once I got inside I couldn't resist all the cute accessories and prints! The store is a little cramped because when I came the line wrapped around the cashier and almost out of the door and it is a smaller store. The girls walking around were helpful, checked in on us as we were looking around, and answered my questions, but I am writing this review mainly for the cashier. With the line out the door; and because I was getting something not sold in the store, I was expecting her to be very curt, especially since it was moving quickly. As I came closer to the front of the line I was surprised to see she was engaging with every customer in front of us. Finally, when it was my turn and nobody was blocking me, I saw that she was wrapping our orders (in the most darling paper by the way! I wish I could have taken it home!), making conversation with us not only about the shorts but also about our day. She looked a little overwhelmed with the line since it was only her and two others and she was the only one up there but I was so pleased that she took the time to ask about us and apologized for the wait and even cracked jokes. I came back recently just to look around and the same cashier girl was there again and helped me. So far my experiences have been quite good at this store and I came back to buy lunch bags and again to get some clothes. I looked at my receipt and saw that the employee is listed as a Vivian. I hope this is correct, she is a petite mixed asian girl. I believe in giving credit where credit is due and this store and its customer service NAILED IT for me. I don't like all of the prints but I always find something when I go. With all of my purchases so far, I have loved incredibley!! I cannot wait to go back and purchase more things from their new releases. It is more expensive but I am very happy with what I received and they have worn up in the wash pretty well so far. I understand why it is so beloved by so many local customers and it is a new store I will be visiting now that I am in this area.

Businesses love to receive good review right? Well, fighting eel was advertising a special collaboration with the pineapple collection and so I went to the store to check out the products. I was really amazed at how busy fighting eel was, and all the pretty things, and colors were in the store! Sadly I left empty handed as the product I was looking for was all sold out! fortunately I was assisted by a sales clerk upon entering the store, but it didn't seem like anything in the store was on sale although by the way of people shopping, it looked like the fighting eel was having a huge sale! the products are a little pricey so I would wait for a sale, but support this local business too.

I have been spending a lot more time shopping at Fighting Eel than I like to admit. I blame my husband who always buys me gift cards and outfits from here. He is just feeding my need to buy clothes. Their items are very pricey, so I usually only splurge on prints that I like. I frequent this location often, but sometimes feel that the staff aren't as friendly as other locations. I would say that it is a hit or miss dependent on who is working that day. They get very crowded here, especially when there's sales. There's only a couple dressing rooms, so it sometimes takes long to get in to try something on. Luckily the sizing runs pretty similar across the board. Looking forward to the prints that come out in 2025.

Shopping in Honolulu, Hawaii...The Very Merry Event at Kahala Mall is from December 8 to 10, 2023, this year. For $5, participants get discounts at certain stores, and the proceeds go to local charities. I thought that this was my chance to get something from Fighting Eel, a very popular boutique. This shop was offering 10% off regularly priced merchandise. Side note: I have seen families with matching outfits from this shop - they look very well-put-together!I searched the store for something reasonable, but I just couldn't get myself to spend so much on one item. Even though the quality is very good and the prints are attractive, I kept telling myself that I don't NEED it. Examples: a customer asked a sales associate about a piece of jewelry... it was over $1000. A t-shirt was over $50. Dresses were over $100.I think I'll maybe get something from the Clearance rack when there's a Hawaiian Airlines miles promotion later on... A dress that I considered getting was $111 on sale.

Amazing service, although they were super busy, they were so helpful and patient. Got to try on many different styles and sizes!! Love how the clothes fit and make you look great!! Love the quality of the material and how it fits. It's so worth the price, I was so happy with what I got!! Definitely will be back. Thank you

My sister gifted me a beautiful Ava Sky shirt for my birthday, and upon trying on the shirt, I couldn't even button it up because I was too fat! Buwahahahahahahaha!!!!Okay, so I admit I eat too much Frrrrrrried Chicken, Rice Cakes, Custard Pies, Cracked Seed, & Pistachio Pudding Cakes! Ai-yai-yai!!!Or perhaps this beautiful Ava Sky shirt that my sister gave me runs more fitted???? Hummmmm???? After all, Bruddah Fran normally wears a Men's Large when he wears his Reyn Spooner shirts, but this Ava Sky shirt I received already was a Men's Extra Large.Truthfully, I've never heard of this brand of shirt, and when I Googled it, I came across a store called Fighting Eel.I didn't even know where the Fighting Eel store was, so I quickly "Yelped it", and came across four great reviews from my Yelp buddies - Tracy K., Emi H., Victoria A., & of course da FAMOUS Auntie - Nadine C..Shoots den', I jumped into my rod and headed on down to Kahala Mall, as there was a Fighting Eel store just next door from the Town & County Surf Shop.Walked into the beautiful Fighting Eel store, and originally, I thought I was in the wrong place as I was the only dude inside of da shop, as it appears that the Fighting Eel shopis a women's store.Luckily, I did go to the right store, as Fighting Eel does sell some men's shirts. I was greeted by a friendly clerk, and I explained to her that I had received a beautiful shirt as a gift, but the shirt did not fit me. She was very helpful in finding me a 2XL shirt with the same design. I went into the fitting room & tried on the 2XL shirt to make sure it fits. Shoots den', it was perfect!After letting the clerk know that the shirt she picked up for me fit, she packed up my 2XL shirt, and I was out da door.What OUTSTANDING service!!!Darn.......I wished I hard gotten the girls name who helped me, as good service should always be recognized. If you're looking for great quality island wear, you way wanna check out Fighting Eel.

I am an FE "Late Bloomer". A fashion fry in a lagoon of loyal fishies. Although my obsession began a couple of years ago, FE is well into celebrating their momentous 20th anniversary this year. That's two decades of evolving their craft with fashion, travel, baby goods, essentials... the list goes on.Their savvy business model hinges on their "limited edition" colorway drops, motivating the consumer to purchase early before it's sold out. Once it's gone, they may never make it again. FOMO is the true driver in this example of Consumer Psychology. Retail fish frenzy at its best.Their classic fish print is iconic. Total strangers (men and women) will compliment my wardrobe- at the mall, beach, and abroad-- who doesn't appreciate a little ego-stroke to get through the weekly grind? This momager is not above it.My go-to store is the Kahala location, and I'm usually by myself or with my husband and young sons in tow. Most times than not, the staff greet me by name and see how my week is going. How thoughtful! I appreciate the customer service they provide despite how busy they must be with constant orders and questions. It's not easy and I'm sure they get flack for their strict return policies (Word of caution: purchasing online, in-store, and phone orders each have unique terms and conditions, especially returns and exchanges. Ask first BEFORE purchasing to avoid headaches for both parties). I admire Fighting Eel for breaking barriers on so many levels- as a local business, as a woman-owned business, attaining global success including Hollywood's greatest, and keeping the styles relevant for ALL ages. It's not uncommon to stroll into any FE location and see moms and daughters shopping together.My justification in cost is two-fold: Quality and Practicality. The fabric is ridiculously comfortable, yet made well (Drawback: most garments require hand washing, but I just throw my FE clothes in the "quick wash" on cold, then hang dry). The style lines accomplish the visual presentation that I humorously tell my friends, "It looks like I'm put together without actually trying". And the compliments received only positively reinforce my buying habits. The fish cycle continues...**Congrats to Lan and the amazing FE team on their Big 20! From the seamstresses to the managers, the marketing and the CSRs: your hard work, sacrifices, and dedication are truly appreciated!**

Love love love kahala Fighting Eel The girls are all so friendly and super helpful. My fave store to go to for cute and comfy clothes and the best accessories/housewares.