Native to the subtropical regions of Southeast Asia, kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a traditional herb extract with centuries of history. With many medicinal purposes, it has been gaining traction all over the United States and worldwide.
Here’s crucial information regarding this herb’s legal status, the different strains, and suppliers near you. By the end, you will know how to acquire kratom in Honolulu safely.
Is Kratom Legal in Honolulu?
Yes, kratom is entirely legal in Honolulu and across Hawaii.
Kratom is legal — technically unregulated — in all but six US states and a handful of countries that decided to ban it. Fortunately, Honolulu is not one of them.
However, there have been attempts to classify it as a Schedule V drug, but these ultimately failed. Lawmakers are now looking at the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) instead, which would be a perfect middle ground.
Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) recently reviewed kratom and stated it shouldn’t be considered a threat, despite the FDA’s attempt at prohibiting it. The WHO, however, will be keeping an eye on future research.
Top 8 Kratom Shops in Honolulu
There are plenty of smoke shops scattered across Honolulu. We’ve created a list of the best eight stores in the city or near it to save you time and trouble. Sadly, most of them don’t specialize in kratom, but you’ll find a decent selection.
1. Hawaiian Holy Smokes
First established in 2004, this vendor now has five stores across Hawaii. Their selection of kratom is small since they specialize in cigars, but the friendly owner is willing to answer every question.
Visit them personally at 2239 S King St. Unfortunately, they don’t have any personal website that we know of, but you can contact them on their Instagram page or by calling them directly at (808) 942-9393.
2. Brahddah’s Smoke Shop
This one is an all-purpose shop that specializes in CBD. Their kratom selection is limited, but anything they may lack, they’ll get it for you if you ask. Ran by a lifelong group of friends, their philosophy and knowledge extend towards their customers.
Visit them personally at 1232 Waimanu St Fl 2 Ste F, or give them a call at (808) 673-8946. Alternatively, find more about the shop on their website.
3. Discount Smoke Shop Hawaii
Located in Kailua, the shop offers a small variety of kratom, smoking accessories, and incense. Their prices are reasonable, and their store has the coziness of a family business.
You can visit them personally at 26 Hoolai St Kailua. They don’t have a website that we know of, but you may call them directly at (808) 261-1302 for further inquiries.
4. Hi Supply Smoke Shop
This small shop has everything for your smoking needs in Wahiawa. Employees are chill and always helpful. Clients usually value their honesty and care, making this an excellent place for those starting with kratom.
They don’t have a website yet, but you can visit them personally at 550 Olive Ave Wahiawa. Alternatively, contact them at (808) 626-5410.
5. Pipeline Smokeshop
Pipeline Smokeshop is a large shop with an even larger selection of products centered around their glasswork and accessories. Their prices are incredible, and their kratom is of lab-tested quality. The staff is very patient and knowledgeable as well.
You can visit 1019 University Ave Ste 208 or give them a call at (808) 942-4700. For further information, check out their website.
6. Smokey’s Waikiki
You can find more than kratom among the blend of products in this store, and a nice cup of coffee and snacks are no exceptions to what they provide. If you want a calm haven to spend your afternoon in, you don’t need to look further.
Find them at 159 Kaʻiulani Ave 101, or call them at (808) 926-9099. They can answer any further inquiries through their website.
7. Choke Smoke and Towns
Choke Smoke and Towns is one of the best shops to cover your herbal needs. Their store is small, but their selection of products is extensive. You can feel at ease at the hands of their professional employees and quality kratom.
Find them at 203 S King St, or give them a call at (808) 944-4200. Unfortunately, they do not have a personal website.
8. Hawaii THC & CBD Shop
As the name suggests, this shop focuses mainly on vaporizers and CBD. However, this does not prevent them from offering one of the best deals on kratom in the area, as their products are lab-tested and with competitive prices. Even the decoration shows the owner’s dedication to the field.
Visit them personally at 560 Pensacola St Unit 104. We could find no website for this store despite our efforts, but you can call them directly on (808) 773-7211, should you have any doubts.
Why It’s Better to Order Kratom Online
If you are looking for a sense of community, a local store is hard to beat. Despite that, the reality is that buying online has too many advantages to ignore.
Cost is not always the most significant issue, but it’s one of the most obvious and has broader implications. Online vendors are often the manufacturers or work closely with them, providing better quality control. Without the overhead costs of a physical store, the prices are lower, saving you money.
Overhead costs and logistics are not the only factors in play. One of the most relevant aspects of online shopping is safety. Buying online gives you access to customer reviews and lab test results, both important when looking for safe and potent kratom.
Last but not least, convenience is a treat. You can comfortably shop from your couch, knowing that you have access to most, if not every, strain in the market.
Kratom Vendors That Ship to Honolulu
We know how challenging it can be to find a reliable retailer. Here’s a list of the best online kratom vendors the market has to offer. All of them ship to Honolulu and all of Hawaii.
1. Kona Kratom
Kona Kratom
Kona Kratom leads the industry as an all-time favorite. Their prices might not be the cheapest but are competitive enough for the quality of their products. They sell over 20 different lab-tested strains in either capsule or powder form.
They source the herb directly from the subtropics of Southeast Asia. In addition, they offer free shipping and a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can buy without worry.
Top strains to pick at Kona Kratom:
- Green Malay
- Red Maeng Da
- Red Dragon
2. Star Kratom
Star Kratom
Star Kratom might be among the newest vendors in the market, but this rising star quickly built a reputation on the shoulders of its excellent products and shipping rates. They usually offer same or next-day shipping and deliver their products globally.
Their speedy and efficient logistics sets them apart from our other contenders.
Top strains to pick at Star Kratom:
- Green Maeng Da
- Red Bali
- Green Malay
3. VIP Kratom
VIP Kratom
VIP Kratom focuses on the higher end of the spectrum. Their premium philosophy made them providers of some of the best high-quality standards in the US and the industry as a whole.
Their selection might be conservative — although they offer some exciting varieties — and the prices are certainly not low, but they compensate with unparalleled quality and potency. In addition, every purchase is backed by a solid 30-day guarantee of satisfaction.
They also offer discounts when buying in bulk.
Top strains to pick at VIP Kratom:
- Green Bali
- Red Thai
- White Indo
- Green Hulu
4. Golden Monk
Golden Monk Kratom
Golden Monk’s trajectory is long, showing at the experienced hands of their business practices. Their kratom is sourced directly from Indonesia and delivered in very discrete packages.
Additionally, they are members of the AKA’s Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) program, ensuring a minimum quality standard. They offer a solid loyalty-point system, free samples, and frequent discounts.
Top strains to pick at Golden Monk:
- Green Maeng Da
- Green Malay
- Red Bali
5. Remarkable Herbs
Remarkable Herbs Kratom
Remarkable Herbs’ fast shipping and affordable prices are a part of their excellent online service.
They might not have the widest variety of kratom, but their earnest record at supplying thousands of vendors speaks for itself.
Top strains to pick at Remarkable Herbs:
- Green Thai
- Green Malay
- Red Bali
6. Kat’s Botanicals
Kats Botanicals
Kat’s Botanicals started with CBD and vaporizers but branched out to a good variety of other products. They have thousands of positive reviews online and a unique selection of pet-friendly products.
They provide free shipping and 30-day refunds if the products don’t meet your expectations.
Top strains to pick at Kat’s Botanicals:
- Green Maeng Da
- Green Brunei
- White Sunda
- White Maeng Da
7. Happy Hippo Herbals
Happy Hippo
Happy Hippo Herbals might have a wacky website, but their beginner-friendly approach on strains is certainly far from a joke. Their prices are a little steep compared to others on the list, with a kilo of kratom reaching about $290, but it is a good choice if you can hunt down their discounts.
Most of their strains are in powder, capsule, or extract from, and you can usually choose same-day shipping on their impressive variety of strains.
Top strains to pick at Happy Hippo Herbals:
- Green Maeng Da
- Red Maeng Da
- Red Malay
- White Horn
8. Chief Kratom
Chief Kratom
Chief Kratom is on the right track and gaining popularity almost as fast as they deliver their products. Their lab tests are certified by the AKA, and they offer incredibly pure 100% natural kratom extracts.
Their reviews are solid, mainly highlighting their reasonable prices, and the kratom is water-soluble for your convenience. The company only carries one kind of extract but is the place to go if that’s what you’re after.
Which Kratom Strain Should I Use?
Kratom is separated into strains, which are defined by the color of the leaf’s veins. Each one of them provides a different effect.
This section aims to cover the most commonly sought-after varieties.
Green Vein Kratom Powder
Green vein kratom powder is the most balanced of all the strains. Its effects lie in between relaxation and stimulation. The versatility of this jack-of-all-trades makes it an ideal choice for beginners.
However, there are always exceptions to the norm, like the very-stimulating Green Bali.
Here are the five top-rated green-vein kratom strains:
Green Malay
Green Malay’s effects offer intense feelings of euphoria paired with the soothing properties of an anxiolytic. The array of benefits often finds its way as a social lubricant, replacing alternatives like alcohol.
Green Borneo
Green Borneo can boost creativity and relax you while doing wonders against pain and anxiety in the correct dose. The balanced properties of the strain make this one of the most popular on the market.
Green Bali
Green Bali’s enhancement of mental acuity is hard to beat, putting it a step above the rest. This makes it a perfect replacement for your morning coffee. Just make sure your supplier can guarantee its quality.
Green Thai
Green Thai effects can be qualified as “meditation in a bottle” and, as such, will leave you with a deep sense of well-being and calmness. This mildly-stimulant variety is perfect for when you need a shift in your mood.
Green Sumatra
Green Sumatra’s euphoric effects last longer than other varieties, but its potency relies heavily on quality.
Red Vein Kratom Powder
Red vein kratom powders are exceptionally high in the alkaloid 7-hydroxymitragynine, making them unparalleled painkillers and excelling at fighting insomnia.
However, given the potency, we recommend being conservative with the dosage initially and slowly working your way up. The most potent painkiller to date is Red Maeng Da.
Here are the five top-rated red-vein kratom strains:
Red Bali
Red Bali is ideal as an analgesic, given that its pain-killing effects are not riddled with the usual drowsiness that plagues more conventional alternatives. For this reason, it is used to alleviate muscle pain while not impeding the completion of other light tasks.
Red Thai
Red Thai serenades the mind into a feeling of solid inner peace. However, it is recommended to take it at the end of the day, given its intensity. In precise doses, it’s also utilized in opiate withdrawal.
Red Horn
Red Horn’s analgesic and anxiolytic effects are strong enough to be the go-to strain for many. Some also reported energizing effects.
Red Sumatra
Red Sumatra’s relaxing effects bring a characteristic state of mental harmony. That reason alone makes it one of the most popular strains to take before sleeping.
Red Borneo
Red Borneo‘s analgesic and sedative properties make it ideal for counteracting chronic pain. Additionally, it has very few side effects.
White Vein Kratom Powder
In contrast with the average red strain variety, white vein kratom powder offers only mild analgesic and sedative properties but is a highly effective mental and physical stimulator.
The nootropics effects of the strain make them a fantastic replacement for your morning coffee. The most stimulating white veined kratom variety is the White Horn.
Here are the five top-rated white-vein kratom strains:
White Borneo
White Borneo is common enough to fill the shelves of any respected retailer. It is an excellent stimulator that enhances concentration, and it’s ideal for improving your mood after a long day of work or while in a particularly intense session of study.
White Thai
Because it enhances creativity, White Thai became very popular among artists. For this very reason, this soothing yet stimulating variety is ideal for those needing to relax in social settings.
White Bali
White Bali has an excellent balance of alkaloids, so it produces very few side effects. It is mainly used as an aid to fight anxiety and depression. Some people have suggested it might help with weight loss by suppressing appetite.
White Sumatra
White Sumatra boosts energy to its peak while avoiding side effects like tension and anxiety. The potency alone makes it a popular choice among those who need an extra kickstart at the start of the day,
White Indo
White Indo is a popular and versatile variety, not limiting itself as a stimulant. It also enhances your mood and works as an analgesic with the proper dosages. This makes it very popular as a beginner-friendly option.
How to Take Kratom?
The herb’s bitter taste and a general lack of knowledge can make your first time with kratom quite a daunting experience. That is why we took the liberty of listing a few of the most common consumption methods for you to try.
Powder
The most straightforward method of consumption is commonly called “toss-n-wash” and consists of mixing kratom powder in a tall glass and rapidly gulping it down. This technique is very bitter but very fast, used only by those not bothered by the flavor and looking for quick and straightforward methods.
You can also mask the flavors by mixing the powder into food or drinks, like another beverage or dessert. Additionally, you may brew tea, ideally in the range of 180-195℉, for a few minutes.
Extract
As long as you are aware of the increased potency of an extract compared to other presentations, you can mix the right amount into any drink to mask the flavor.
Alternatively, you can hold the tincture right under the tongue for a few seconds before swallowing. This method allows for maximum absorption and reduces the time it takes for kratom to set in.
Others
Not every vendor will give you the option, but you can always take kratom in capsules or tablets.
Furthermore, you can resort to methods someone calls “parachuting” or “bombing.” This consists of wrapping the powder in a piece of thin paper and swallowing it. The paper quickly dissolves in your stomach.
You can also go for traditional methods and chew the leaves directly, but getting them fresh is tricky. We strongly advise against smoking kratom, which would destroy the alkaloids and their effects.
What Does Kratom Feel Like?
The effects of kratom differ between strain and dose, and as such, how you feel will depend on what you use and how much you take.
The most noticeable physical effects of kratom are a sudden increase in focus and mental acuity. It may also be used as a sedative to deal with insomnia or an analgesic to fight muscle tension or lingering pain.
There are also psychological effects. Depending on the dose and strain, kratom can make you feel euphoric and blanket you in a feeling of fulfillment or boost your energy like a big cup of coffee. It is also commonly used to relieve anxiety, making you feel more relaxed.
Once the initial effects are over, some people have reported a sort of “afterglow” that leaves them with a lingering feeling of focus or relaxation. But, the opposite can be true as well, leading to fatigue or even headache in a sort of “hangover.” This is especially true at higher doses.
Keep in mind how the effects differ between each strain and the dosages. As you move from light doses (1-3 grams) to moderate (3-6 grams) and then to high (6-12 grams) doses, the boosts of energy and focus switch to deep feelings of relaxation. That is where analgesic properties usually kick in.
Although you can consider many of kratom’s effects as psychoactive, it will never cause a “high” and feel like other psychoactive substances like marijuana.
How Old Do I Have to Be to Buy Kratom?
Although the question on age restrictions is a simple one, the answer can be a lot more nuanced, especially in certain US states.
Fortunately, Hawaii has a relatively clear stance on kratom, and it remains largely unregulated in the state, making it possible for individuals of any age to buy it.
Conclusion: Where to Buy Kratom in Honolulu
It is perfectly legal to buy kratom in Honolulu and all of Hawaii. Some vendors might impose their own restrictions, however. As always, you should stay up-to-date with kratom-related news, as authorities constantly review its legality.
We wholeheartedly recommend you shop online to ensure the quality of your kratom. With this in mind, we trust and endorse our top three vendors: Kona Kratom, Star Kratom, and VIP Kratom.