Every month of the year, certain items are discounted due to overstock, holiday sales, or transitions from one season to the next. Here are the shopping highlights for July across Hawaiʻi. Of course, we think the best way to save money is not to spend it! But, when you need or want to, plan your spending to take advantage of the times of the year when what you buy is at the lowest possible price.
- Special events with shopping discounts and deals in July include Independence Day on July 4th and National Ice Cream Day (3rd Sunday).
Depositphotos_69619103_L piggy bank at the beach photo by AndreyPopov
Discounted seasonal items to buy in July
Sales for summer clothing & gear
You can find deals on national brand summer clothing, swimwear, and footwear (sandals and slippahs) as stores begin to clear the way for back-to-school merchandise. If shopping appeals to you, then head to Hawaiʻi shopping malls and outlet stores. However, there will be steeper discounts on summer-related clothing in August—but also less selection. So, if you want a special outfit for an upcoming event, shop now. If you are strictly after the cheapest prices you can find—perhaps on clothing a size or two up for the kiddos—wait a month.
Closeouts on Fourth of July merchandise
Red, white, and blue are the colors of the month, and you’ll find them on everything from clothing to party accessories. Wait until July 3rd to start seeing discounted items, and of course early on July 5th if you want the best possible prices. Red and white items can be used for other holidays, including Christmas and Valentine’s Day.
Discount on Outdoor furniture
You’ll start to see discounts on outdoor furniture, though the advice is the same as other seasonal purchases. Small discounts now with great selection, or steeper discounts later with less selection.
New products to buy in July
Back-to-School Supplies
Families with school-age kids (or those headed off to college) are thinking about clothes, footwear, and school supplies. Some locations are holding special drives for keiki. We’ll put them on our calendar when we find them.
- Plan your back-to-school shopping list with the kids, but don’t bring them along because you’ll tend to spend more on impulse items and major brands rather than the best buy.
- For older kids, take them along, but have them stick to a budget and let them make the hard choices. It’s a great opportunity for them to handle money and learn about needs versus wants. And that’s priceless!
- Band together with other moms—some who stay behind to sit, while the rest go shopping.
- More info: How to save on back-to-school supplies (hawaiionthecheap.com)
Indoor furniture
There are some deals to be had in mid-summer on a variety of furniture for your home, including sofas, tables, chairs, and bedroom sets.
Tools
Retailers may have an excess of tools left over from Father’s Day gift buying. So, if you’re in need of anything from pliers to pressure washers, you’ll want to check for sales on any kind of tool you might need.
July travel
Most holidays you can score low prices on airfare. The trick is to be flexible in your travel dates and your destination. Check airfare for travel on July 4th. Also check mid-week ticket prices (especially Tuesday and Wednesday), which are often discounted compared to other dates.
Hotels in unlikely places also offer discounts—for mid-summer this means the hottest locations or mountain resorts. The southeast is one possibility (especially Mississippi, Florida, or South Carolina). In the West, try New Mexico, Arizona, and of course, the Ninth Island!
At ski resorts, there is little or no snow. But there are plenty of things to do: hiking & running trails for all skill levels, chair lift and gondola rides, and many other activities such as biking, climbing, golfing, zip lining, beer & wine tasting, wildflower viewing, activities for keiki, and more. Some of the popular ski resorts in the West offering summer activities are California’s Mammoth Mountain, Oregon’s Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood, Washington’s Crystal Mountain, Colorado’s Winter Park, Utah’s Snowbird and Canadaʻs Whistler Blackcomb.
Seasonal produce
July is peak season for:
- Fruits: apple banana, dragon fruit, jackfruit, lime, lychee, mango, melons (cantaloupe, honeydew, watermelon), lilikoʻi (passionfruit)
- Vegetables: beans, celery, cucumber, daikon, ginger root, luau (taro) leaf, onion, green pepper, Chinese squash (aka bottle gourd, opo or long squash), taro, tomato, watercress
Available year-round:
- Fruits: coconuts, longan, papaya, pineapple, ‘ulu (aka breadfruit)
- Vegetables: cabbage, herbs, lettuces and greens, mushrooms, sprouts
Mangoes at KCC farmers market 2021 photo by Carole Cancler
Upcoming events on our calendar
Listed below are free and cheap events on our calendar for the next 30 days.
