im looking to get my first gun and im not sure where to start. should i get a pistol or a rifle? what caliber should it be? what shops are good?

If you looking for a rifle, look into the ruger 10/20.   .22cal great first time gun, and the ammo is easy on the wallet. 

Whether you go rifle or handgun, I recommend a .22 to start.  They are affordable both to buy and to shoot, are GREAT for learning and re-learning the fundamentals, and are just fun as heck to shoot!  You will never regret having one!

My first few guns weren't .22's but I quickly found that I wanted some. They are great and cost so much less than anything else. I definitely recommend them.

If you are looking for other things, you should also include a budget and what your objective is. If you want for home defense or SHTF, a shotgun or rifle are good. For concealability, a handgun. Of course right now no one can get a concealed carry permit so you may not want one anyway. Hunting and competition would also be different guns.

Get the one you're most comfortable with and  fits your budget.

So a .22?  Which guns stores would sell this?

Sports Authority has .22lr Rifles and actually has a great deal going on right now with the Marlin 795 @ $95. If you are looking for .22 pistols, Sports Authority doesn't sell them but any dedicated gun shop should. For a pistol, I'd check out Young Guns, Security Equipment, or OGC Tactical.

Do you already have a long gun permit? You will need one before you pick up a rifle or shotgun.

Have you taken an NRA basic hangun class or the State hunter's education class? You will need to take one before you can pick up a handgun.

Also make sure you know our laws. Here is a link: http://2ahawaii.com/index.php?topic=8.0