Best things to buy in September (hawaiionthecheap.com)

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 September in Hawai’i stores. 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 include Labor Day (always the first Monday in September). Expect sales throughout the weekend.

piggy bank and stack of coins with someone using a computer in the background

Check out our shopping advice for September – image by Khanisorn Chaokla via iStock by Getty Images

Discounted seasonal items to buy in September

Summer gear and accessories

After Labor Day sales are done, the rest of September you will find the last holdouts on all kinds of outdoor items and summer-related goods such as barbecues, garden and camping gear, bicycles and accessories, patio furniture, and more. The pickings get slim after Labor Day sales have ravaged the seasonal stock. But you can find screaming deals on outgoing goods. So, check out your current gear and think ahead to what you might need to replace for next year.

Home goods

Several types of home goods are also good buys, especially at Labor Day sales, including mattresses, indoor furniture, and home appliances. In addition, leftover stock from items typically found on wedding registries are also a good buy. Think dishware, housewares, décor items, and small appliances.

New products to buy in September

Laptop computers

The four best months to buy computers are August, September, November, and December. Which month is best will depend on your goals: price or features. In August and September, the best deals are on the outgoing models. You don’t get the latest and greatest features, but you will find outgoing models more than adequate for most students and anyone with average computing and internet surfing tasks. Which is most of us. However, if you are into gaming or programming, then you usually want the latest, greatest computer with the highest speed, maximum storage capability, and latest cutting-edge features. If you can wait just a bit, prices will drop for November Black Friday and December Christmas gift shopping deals.

You might also like: When is the right time to upgrade your laptop? and Can a Chromebook replace your laptop?

Back-to-school supplies

It’s a very good idea not to buy all the back-to-school supplies for the year before school starts. Buy the minimal needs to get the keiki started, and then buy again when prices drop after school starts.

You might also like: Simplify Back to School with Freezer Meal Planning and 7 free education resources to help students get ahead

New & used car shopping

Now through December is one of the best times of the year to get a deal on a brand-new car, though it’s not necessarily the lowest price.

If the latest new model is your goal, then fall is the best time to buy. Prices are lowest at the end of the month and the end of the year (October-December). So, start shopping in September, but hold off on your purchase for a month or so.
If the lowest price new car (regardless of model) is your goal, then late summer you’ll find discount prices on outgoing models, and September with the lowest prices.
If a good used car is your goal, the best time to buy tends to be later summer to late fall, when buyers of new cars will want to trade in or sell their older car.

You might also like: Used car shopping? Do your homework and avoid problems and How to decide whether to buy or lease your next car

Holiday airfare and travel luggage

Historically, September is the time to peruse tickets for flights over the upcoming Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s holidays. After September, prices tend to increase every month. The highest airfares are always those within 30 days of your trip.

You might also like: 7 money-saving tips for buying (and not losing) new luggage

Seasonal produce

September is peak season for:

Fruits: mountain apple (ohi’a ’ai [oh-hee AH eye]), apple banana, dragon fruit, guava, jackfruit, lime, lychee, mango, melons (honeydew, watermelon), orange, persimmon, starfruit
Vegetables: daikon, ginger root, lettuces, onion, pumpkin (kabocha, winter squash), Chinese squash (aka bottle gourd, opo or long squash), tomato, watercress, zucchini

Available year-round:

Fruits: coconuts, longan, papaya, pineapple, ‘ulu (aka breadfruit)
Vegetables: cabbage, herbs, lettuces and greens, mushrooms, sprouts

Season tickets for live performances

There’s really nothing like live performance. Hawaii has some unique theatre experiences from original Hawaiian plays to Broadway musicals and classic opera. Most company’s seasons run September to May, making this a good month to plan some entertainment options for the next year. Season tickets can be a great buy, even for those on a budget. They offer great entertainment value as well as supports the local art community. Season tickets offer substantial savings over single ticket purchase and often include other benefits. Here are our suggestions:

Hawaiʻi Island live theater

Kauaʻi live theater

Maui live theater

ProArts Playhouse in Kihei
Theatre Theatre Maui in Lāhainā (we could not find an updated status for TTM)

Oʻahu live theater

Upcoming shopping and sales events

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