Fighting Eel Downtown

Awful customer service. Second visit to downtown where they were stuck up and didn’t acknowledge me because I didn’t look like I had money to spend for a 97.00 shirt. At least let me try it on when there were two dressing rooms not occupied. The girls at fighting eel kahala mall are a lot nicer and friendlier.

Great shopping if you are buying a special gift unique to Hawaii. I’ve bought, jewelry, handbags and accessories. Helpful staff!

Fighting Eel is so dangerous… Dangerously cute and not gonna lie, dangerous to my bank account. There’s rarely a time I walk into this store and walk out empty-​handed.
This store houses quality clothing that flatters every body type. Seriously! I don’t know how they do it but I’ve never found another boutique that comes close to this type of material and fit… it amazes me!
The two main brands here are Fighting Eel and Ava Sky. I find that FE is thicker, super soft cottoney material, lots of basics and Ava Sky (costing less) is a thinner type, more prints. You’ll find many unique pieces and limited prints that are exclusive to FE and easily recognizable on the street. So cute and so chic! I buy both on the regular. They also carry a small selection of other name brands, super cute jewelry by local artists, kids clothing, bags/​clutches, sunnies, etc. Great store for gifts.
As I mentioned in my opening remarks, FE is dangerous — the prices here are hefty (tanks around $ 50 and tops around $ 80 and dresses and bottoms and dresses $ 100+) but you already knew that. I don’t mind paying higher prices for QUALITY products and they carry lots of classic pieces that can be worn over and over again.
The store is always so clean and inviting and they usually always have a sale section that won’t hurt your pockets as bad so go check them out!
Another plus — they open 7 days a week and their hours rarely give you an excuse to not shop here! :)
And wait, did I mention the sales associates here are so, so, so sweet and helpful?! Tokina and Summer are so cute, I die. They are genuinely nice and so helpful… and everyone can appreciate that in customer service. They seriously were born to do this! You never feel rushed here and these gals give their honest opinion and give excellent options as you peruse the store. They are also very helpful in checking their inventory and other stores (Waikiki, Kahala, and Kailua) for sizes/​prints and help you find what you want.
I LOVE Fighting Eel!

It’s a good thing I do not work downtown, this store is dangerous. Absolutely dangerous.
The store itself is specious and bright. However this store is pricey. When I first came here, my eyes got huge as I saw the price tags. $ 140 for a stretchy dress??? You’ve got to be kidding me. I browsed some more and walked out without buying anything. The next time I came, I saw a couple of tops on sale at a reasonable price so I bought them. They were pretty comfortable and fit well.
And then it happened. I came and found a dress that fit well. And that was the start of my Fighting Eel relationship. I bought that $ 140 free but loved the fit. It’s good quality and comfortable. The lengths of the short dresses are great and their shorts are comfortable. I’ve never tried any of their pants. And I do have a few tops. They do have sales and deals, so make sure to follow them on social media.
Every season they have different prints in similar styles. The girls here are helpful and try to help you find a style that you like. At the end of the season, usually they always have the previous season leftovers on sale. Depending on your size, sometimes you find great deals. I will say that usually their Ava Sky collection is usually made too small for me, depending on the material. I’m not a skinny girl but I’m not full figured. Definitely try things on.
They also have a reward card that they keep at whatever store you sign up at. When you shop at any of their stores they let the store know other your reward card. Once you hit a certain amount, you get a discount off your purchase.
The best part I like is that they’re a local company and make their clothing is locally made.
Comfortable, good quality, fits well and lasts well. All things I look for in clothing and what I found here.

This review is mainly for the product. Not sure if staff did all they could, but if they did, thank you.
I purchased a dress that was on sale, that I loved! I bought it… I loved the way it fit me and just had to have it for an event I had that weekend. After I bought it, I showed it to my coworker and we both discovered a hole and snag on the side pocket. So, after work I went back to the store and informed them that the dress was coming apart and showed them where exactly.
I will give them credit, they tried looking for the same dress in the store and there was not one in sight. They located the same dress in Kailua and at Kahala Mall, but I had to catch a plane and was crunched on time to pick it up. They did also offer to exchange it for another dress, but the selection there is small and they didn’t have anything that would fit the occasion. The salesperson also offered to sew the dress herself, but she couldn’t find a needle to help me out.
So knowing that I had very little time to spare, I ran to Kahala mall and asked if I could exchange it for the same exact dress. The person there pulled it out for me and we both then discovered that this dress also had a hole in it on the side pocket. With time running out, I had to choose the dress with the less visible hole that I was capable of fixing myself.
The dresses/​merchandise really shouldn’t be out on the floor or should be reviewed before they are put on the floor regardless if they are on sale or not. This shows really bad attention to detail and gives the brand a bad name. For the price one pays for the merchandise, I believe the merchandise should be up to par.
Whether or not anything changes, I do like to go in there to take a look. I would just recommend maybe fine tuning some things or even offering a discount like other stores do for faulty items.

It’s probably not a good thing that the downtown location is within walking distance for me, but oh the clothes! Classic, timeless pieces that are good for any wardrobe along with fun prints and colors make this place so addicting! I love the fabric the best, so soft and comfy! If only money grew on trees. It’s super easy to spend a few hundred dollars on a few pieces. They do have sales from time to time but if you wait too long, that piece you’ve been eyeing may be gone in your size already. Their jewelry collection from local designers is super cute too.

Sooooooo I have been coming here since they opened and my jersey skirts I got two years ago still look new (even though I wear them all the time, and let’s be honest I abuse them). I love this store, I am a huge supporter of local fashion and fighting eel has always been one of my favorites! From the location, to the set up to the staff all really outstanding. If you want truly quality local fashion look no further than here!

I will definitely pay for quality clothes and Fighting Eel has all the essentials. You do get what you pay for in fashion but with these clothes, you can accessorize a lot to stretch your wardrobe dollar. I’m into accessories and bags and this one was a nice size tote that you can take anywhere and flaunt with style. All my mainland friends rave about it even though it’s a simple logo.
Another great find on the islands. FE can be found in some high-​end boutiques in LA.

With locations in Kailua, Waikiki, Downtown Honolulu, and Kahala Mall (scheduled to open in September 2014), Fighting Eel has certainly become Hawaii’s most popular and successful clothing company with a cult-​like following (Yes, that includes me…). Their simple and classic silhouettes offered in playful and always-​changing prints make for timeless pieces that can fit into any closet! The simplicity of each item adds to its versatility, making it perfect for the office, the beach, or a night on the town. Different seasons and collections also compliment one another, so there is no end to the number of outfits you can create from your FE pieces.
Prices range, but most tops are at least $ 50 and most dresses at least $ 100. Although the quality, craftsmanship, and creativity of all the designs make for a sound investment to your wardrobe, I try my best to wait for a sale to purchase anything! Thankfully, Fighting Eel seems to always have some kind of sale going on. Their Facebook and Instagram are great ways to keep up to date with sale announcements, new arrivals, and style tips! Find me standing in line at the sales!

I love their clothes. BUT, its pricey. Shop the sales and save a few dollars.

FIGHTING EEL: I love the naming of the store. I like their design and fabrics but a bit too pricy for my closet even on sale items.

I’ve been to this fighting eel a couple times and the customer service has always been mediocre. I follow them on Instagram and saw something that I wanted to place a phone order for at this location, however I called twice and no one answered. It was a Wednesday at 3 in the afternoon so I knew they were open. I left a message with my number hoping they’d call me back. I thought, okay, maybe they’re just really busy with customers. I commented on one of their photos on Instagram asking if they were open because I had called and no one answered and an hour later, I see that they had deleted my comment and I had not received a call back. Very disappointed and irritated, to say the least. I’ve also gone to the fighting eel in the royal hawaiian center and their customer service is way better!
They always have great basics though. So I will probably continue to go with high hopes.

Love Fighting Eel. Don’t always love the prices though. Most of the clothing from their signature and Ava Sky lines run anywhere from $ 44−150ish. Most of their nicest pieces are well over $ 100. Even when things go on sale, they’re still expensive. Just less expensive. I do feel the prices are justified, because you’re getting things that not everyone will have (as compared to something you got from Forever 21). You can also feel the quality of the fabric and workmanship in their items. They always seem to do discounts and promotions, so if you see something you like you can take your chances and see if it goes on sale eventually.
I really like their rewards card program, and that they keep your rewards card on file so you don’t lose it. Once you fill up your stamps, you get 15% off the next purchase. If you do a phone or online order, make sure you ask the store to stamp your card. :). Every point counts.
If you can, make it out to their sample sales. Sometimes everything is $ 30!
Erica is very helpful. :). Also, I just found out today they do hemming through their seamstress if it’s an Ava Sky or Fighting Eel piece for $ 10 for all you shorties. I really need to learn how to sew myself, but it’s a great option if you don’t want to have to go somewhere else to hem your long pants and maxi dresses.

I feel like i’m always in a fight with fighting eel. I always get good service from the moment I walk in, to when I leave, but why must you be so expensive? Cute clothes, cute accessories & a good amount of inventory but the price… my o my. Maybe it’s just my Chinese side kicking in? But when you have sales though… like you’re warehouse sale i LOVE you even more than I disliked you. The steal of a 80 dollar dress for 15 makes it the steal and deal of the year!

I have gone into this store numerous times. Each time I never bought anything. Mainly because I don’t think the clothes are worth the price.
The staff here has always been friendly. They never fail to greet me or ask if I am doing okay. I just wish I could actually find something that I like since so many of my friends like it here. Ha-​ha. Oh well, I guess its just not my thing ;)

I’ve heard so many great things about Fighting Eel and of course I had to visit. First of all, parking was horrid! The shop is bright and cheerful, however as I walked in, no one greeted me :0(. There were but maybe 6 customers in the shop and two girls working that day, not one of the girls offered any assistance or asked me if I was doing alright.
Clothing wise, they’re clothing selection was a bit «limited» and many shapeless clothing.
Sadly, I had high hopes from Fighting Eel and it’s customer service but neither of which was granted. Too bad, I wanted to so much like Fighting Eel but I will NOT be returning anytime soon. Needless to say, what a waste of time since I only came there to shop at Fighting Eel!

Alas this love hate relationship with this store has come the point where I am going to start saving every dollar I can to buy at least one item from here. I missed out on their sample sale and didn’t realize that they extended their sample sale another week. Oh wells next time. There are two things everyone must know about this store
#1-​You will experience sticker shock this is not Forever 21
#2-​You will be super happy with any purchase from here because the quality of their clothes are what you would expect from the prices they go for
I had my eye on this cute little dress called the Dress Hopper. Top half of the dress is pretty plain jane but on the bottom is a bright coral trim that is absolutely adorable!
The last time I came here I had really good customer service. But this time I didn’t really get a hello or welcome. It took a good while until someone actually acknowledged me and usually I really don’t care about stuff like that but if I’m going to potentially be paying 100 plus dollars for one item in the store I would like to feel welcomed. There was this one girl that kept following me around and just kept staring at me. Later on she helpped some Japanese tourist so that’s when she finally left me alone. That was weird. Other than that I can’t wait to purchase my first piece of clothing from this place. Sigh… Until then one can dream right?
BTW I also love their Kailua store!!!

Whenever my daughter is home, we HAVE to go the Fighting Eel… not just one, but as many as we can!
She LOVES the clothes here… actually I do too.
Their fabrics are sooo nice and the ladies here are very nice and helpful. Love their selection of jewelry… a little pricey for me, but that’s just because I’m kind of a basic gal.
We’ll be back!

First time visitor to Fighting Eel yesterday and I fell in love. I LOVE the stuff there. I walked in with my friend and we’re just instantly engrossed in whatever caught our eye first. She wandered to the jewelry and I wandered to a wall shelf display of various items.
I wasn’t going to buy anything because of the prices but I capitulated, tried something on (even though I knew I’d be dead meat after that) and lo and behold… I ended up leaving with a BEAUTIFUL jewel toned green tunic-​dress and a gray obi belt. So there’s a bit of shopper’s remorse there as I just started a new job and really should not be spending so much, but I’ve always LOVED that kind of style that Fighting Eel carries (basics in beautiful colors that I can dress up and down) and the fact that the fit was amazing and the fabric felt wonderful… well…what can a girl do? :p
I do love the jewelry, but decided to pass this time as the prices couldn’t be justified by me (I know basics of beading and wire work so I always feel guilty buying earrings). My friend ended up with a pair of rose-​gold triangle studs which look awesome! She also bought lip balm that smelled great. I was tempted but not that tempted. Yet.
We absolutely adored all the belts on the belt display and while I wanted, like, 3 belts, I only bought one. Steep prices. I hope it lasts for a while. Long time. Long long while. We also fell in love with the colors on the different handbags/​wallets. I was tempted to get a clutch-​slash-​crossbody bag but decided to pass as the functionality wasn’t to my liking.
All the workers were lovely and friendly, even though I was totally dressed in a mismatched combo and looked really weird (aka NOT like a boutique-​shopper) and my friend was very casual. We received frequent offers to be helped without the usual pushiness or apathy you’d find in Ala Moana. That was nice. They were helpful, but not hovering. Lovely.
I will be back!!!

1.4.13
A Fighting Eel piece has been on my wish list foreverrrr. I had meant to go to their (up to) 75% off sale last week but didn’t get a chance to make it down from the office – so close yet so far! Sadly, my closet will not be so lucky unless they have another fab sale soon! So while I am not an FE convert quite yet, I can still Unilocal about my in-​store, «window shopping» experience.
I have been to the Kailua store a couple of times and thought the staff (and of course the clothes!) were great; super friendly and I love how bright the store appears. Unfortunately at the time I was not ready or able to fork out the moolah for any of their amazing pieces, but there’s no denying the quality and styles of their items. I also always see lots of advertisements that support local designers, entrepreneurs, crafts (wo)men, etc which I think is awesome seeing as this boutique is also home grown!
Today was my first time going into the downtown store and I was excited because I was hoping that I could finally invest in an FE! When I walked in, I arrived with a group of customers. It looked like they were tourists that were exploring downtown. Sadly, I was not greeted cheerfully as in the Kailua location and I was not offered help until I was just about to leave the store; it looked like employees were busy racking new things needed to be put on display and the weather was pretty gloom and doom in the city. The fact that I missed out on what I wanted to buy from the sale (which I accept is completely my fault) just dampened my experience today.
On a brighter note, I am still optimistic that maybe today was just one of those days: rainy, busy day, etc. and that FE is still a great place to shop. I’ve seen and heard how amazing their clothes fit and feel and I have to admit even though the customer service may have not been up to par in this one visit, I still want to get my hands on an FE item?! (I know reverse thinking huh?) Perhaps these 3 stars are more of a nod to the store’s fabulous taste & their impeccable understanding for basics and staples in a woman’s wardrobe. I’m hoping that my next visit will be more successful and that when I revisit this review it will be all raves! So FE, let’s start over!
Unilocal 365 Challenge: #004/​365
REVISION: 1.11.13
If you don’t follow FE on Facebook or Insta I would highly suggest it so you can find out info about their sweet sales/​promos/​etc! There’s currently a sample sale going on that started yesterday and goes till 5 pm today – you still have time ladies! Since I am a believer of second chances (and a sucker for anything to deal with the word «SALE») I decided to check it out. I guess they hold their samples sales in their main offices on 9 North Pauahi Street. It’s really easy to overlook. I actually went to the actual FE store to ask for directions because I couldn’t find it! Just look for a giant «9» on glass window of a greenish colored door; there is a keypad on the wall bc you have to buzz in for them to let you in the building, Suite #200.
So in this little adventure of mine, I had to obvi stop at the normal FE store to ask for directions. I wasn’t really greeted (again) when I walked in… but when I sought out help from the girl that was working she was super nice and really helpful. Thus, my feelings towards FE in this experience were already much more positive.
Their studio/​office was pretty neat. This was my first time to a «sample sale». I think most of the items were gone since the sale actually started yesterday but I was just happy to be there and I was on the hunt for a FE piece that I could proudly add to my closet. There were a bunch of boxes on the floor organized by size (XS, S, M, L) and some boxes were sorted by price ($ 10, $ 30, $ 50). Digging through them was kind of tiring – I would suggest not wearing heels – but luckily I could take my time since there wasn’t anyone there aside from myself at the time. If you ask they’ll let you try on items in one of their work rooms; I’m glad I did bc 1) I found out that I could fit a L size and 2) it was neat to see all the fabrics and stuff (or whatever is in the room you go in… and yes I’m crafty and into stuff like that).
I have to say that I’m glad I gave FE another chance because the staff proved me wrong today; they were friendly, helpful and seeing the quality of the product and where it’s made first hand made my original review revision-​worthy. I also purchased my first FE – a dress today for $ 30?! Whooo! …here comes the addiction!