ABC Stores is Hawaii's hometown convenience chain, founded in 1964 by Sidney and Minnie Kosasa with a single shop on Kalakaua Avenue near Beachwalk. Originally branded "Mister K," the family-run company rebranded for memorability and grew alongside the Waikiki tourism boom. Today there are more than 40 ABC Stores packed into Waikiki's roughly 1.5 square miles — a density so famous it has become a local joke. Each store stocks an unbeatable mix of beach essentials, reef-safe sunscreen, cold drinks, Kona coffee, Maui Onion chips, mac-nut chocolates, aloha shirts, ukuleles, postcards, sundries, and grab-and-go bento and poke. Locations stay open late, accept every major card, and serve as the de facto pantry for hotel guests who don't want resort markups. The Lewers Street store is one of the largest and busiest.
"You can't walk a block in Waikiki without finding one, and that's a good thing. Sunscreen, cold drinks, snacks, souvenirs for the kids back home — it's all here and cheaper than the hotel gift shop."