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Let's go shopping
You'll be able to find everything you need and more on O'ahu. Shopping is an adventurous experience here — and for the malihini (newcomer), it may be an adjustment at first. Your first trip to the grocery store may be shocking. You may fear that someone has placed the wrong sticker price on the staples you usually purchase. But, no, this is Hawai'i, where things cost about 35 percent more than the Mainland prices you're used to paying. You may never get used to it, but it's a fact of life here. There are exceptions to the rule, however. You'll be pleasantly surprised at the low prices on fresh produce, seafood and meat in Chinatown and the farm-fresh offerings of the People's Open Markets. Groceries and discount stores Actually, prices began to taper off when the so-called "big-box" discount stores (Sam's Club, Costco, KMart, Walmart) moved in a few years ago. But the problem with buying in large volume in Hawai'i is that many people don't have room to store all that stuff. Health food stores The largest health food store in Hawai'i is Down to Earth at 2525 S. King St. in Moili'ili (pronounced mo-eely-eely). The garden deli, bakery, fresh produce and organic cosmetics are especially popular. Huckleberry Farms at 1613 Nuuanu Ave. near downtown is also a favorite place for fresh, organic veggies, deli sandwiches and soups, and a nice line of other natural fare. For more health food alternatives see Health & Diet Food Products-Retail in your Yellow Pages. Chinatown Chinatown is Hawai'i's most exciting and exotic neighborhood, a centuries-old stopover for tall-masted schooners and rowdy seafarers of ancient times. Today, it's best known as the place to go for bargain prices on fresh produce, fish, meat, candied fruits and vegetables, noodles, tea, Chinese herbal remedies, duck eggs and other Asian delicacies. There are a million things to discover in Chinatown. The Aloha Stadium Swap Meet
The parking lot surrounding that big, lovable bunch of rusting metal known as Aloha Stadium makes a great flea market area. Hundreds of vendors are on hand every week offering amazing bargains on Hawaiian collectibles, clothing, music, arts and crafts, jewelry, luggage, and many new and previously owned items.
O'ahu shopping malls In central and west O'ahu, where growth is measured in minutes rather than years, there seems to be a new shopping mall popping up everywhere you look. Shopping anywhere on O'ahu is an exotic adventure. It's one of the main reasons many visitors, especially the Japanese, come to O'ahu in the first place. Of course, some people also come here for our beautiful beaches, sunshine, balmy Pacific waters, perfect weather and warm, welcoming spirit of aloha.
Ala Moana Center
Hawai'i's largest shopping center, Ala Moana Center has more than 200 stores and restaurants on 50 acres and 3 levels, the largest international food court in Hawai'i, and some of the world's biggest names in haute couture, with Neiman Marcus and Macy's as top-name anchors. Ala Moana is loaded with Hawaiian specialty stores, Island charm, tropical plantings and koi fishponds. Entertainment is featured at Centerstage. Ala Moana Center is a major bus transit center and shuttles visitors every 15 minutes to and from Waikiki. Aloha Tower Marketplace
A favorite of local folks and visitors alike, Aloha Tower Marketplace at Honolulu Harbor features over 80 apparel stores, kiosks, gift and specialty shops, restaurants, bars and entertainment venues. The 10-story Aloha Tower built in 1926 was once the landmark for Honolulu Harbor and the tallest building in downtown Honolulu. It's a great place to dine, drink and watch the big cruise ships and fishing vessels come and go. The Galleria
Waikiki's newest shopping complex. It's filled with duty-free shopping at its finest. Visitors take an underwater journey through a large walk-through aquarium to shop the unique selection of authentic Hawaiian fashions, arts and crafts, gifts, Island treats and more. Also featured is live Hawaiian music and dance. Open daily, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Hawai'i Kai Shopping Center and Hawai'i Kai Towne Center
Together, these are east O'ahu's largest shopping areas. Both are located next to a lovely ocean water lagoon. The newer of the two centers, Hawai`i Kai Towne Center, also houses east O'ahu's only Costco discount store. International Market Place
The International Market Place is an open-air bazaar in the heart of Waikiki with over 150 gift shops, carts, stands and booths selling trinkets that are more international than Hawaiian (hence, the name). An exotic food court stands by to replenish shoppers before they drop. Kahala Mall
Located in one of O'ahu' most prestigious neighborhoods, Kahala Mall offers a shopping experience for the discriminating shopper. Kahala Mall boasts more the 90 specialty shops, including 27 eateries, eight cozy theaters and some of O'ahu's favorite locally established merchants and exciting new stores. Koko Marina Center
Koko Marina is a complete recreation center for food, shopping and water sports. Located in Hawaii Kai, Koko Marina is a popular spot for east O'ahu residents. Whether you want to shop for gifts, go out to dinner, pick up a few groceries or learn to scuba dive, this waterfront center has it all.
North Shore Marketplace
The North Shore Marketplace in historic Haleiwa-town is worth the trip to the picturesque surfing capital of the world. In addition to swimwear and gift shops, art galleries, specialty stores, and the Haleiwa Surf Museum, the laid-back, artsy Marketplace also has some notable places to graze. Cholo's Mexican Restaurant, Dave's Ice Cream and the Coffee Gallery are among the favorites. Pearlridge Center
Uptown Pearlridge is accessible from Kaonohi Street or Moanalua Road. Downtown Pearlridge can be reached from Pali Momi Street or Moanalua Road. Over 160 stores, movie theaters, two food courts and a miniature golf course are all featured here. Portions of the center are separated by the 11-acre, decades-old Sumida Watercress farm. To get from one side of the Center to the other, hop on the monorail for a fun ride and a great view of Pearl Harbor.
This complex has shops and restaurants that cater mainly to the downtown business community. There's lively action at night, especially with Sunset Grill — a perennial island favorite with kiawe grilled specialties — and Ruth's Chris Steak House. First-run feature films are shown at Restaurant Row Cinemas. Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center
This attractive four-story building houses an open-air market with over 150 shops, stalls and restaurants featuring international foods, American cuisine and fresh island seafood. A free Polynesian mini-show is staged at the Fountain Courtyard on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 6:30 to 9 p.m. and Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Free daily events include demonstrations of Hawaiian quilting, lei-making, ukulele playing and lauhala/coconut frond weaving lessons.
Victoria Ward Centers: Ward Warehouse, Ward Centre, Ward Farmers Market, Ward Village Shops and Ward Gateway Center
This unique collection of centers features more than 120 specialty shops — many of which are found nowhere else in the world — and 19 popular restaurants that attract local crowds in droves. The centers are open later than the farmers market, which is a great place for fresh fish, produce and other local delicacies. You'll also find popular stores here, like Crazy Shirts Outlet, Pier 1 Imports, Roxy and Borders Books & Music. The 16-plex Consolidated Theater complex is the latest mecca for Hawai'i movie fans and the famous game emporium, Dave & Busters, opened a few years ago to standing-room-only crowds. Waikele Center and Premium Outlets
This is O'ahu's only premium factory-outlet center, with more than 50 stores offering leading designer and name-brand merchandise at everyday savings of 25 to 65 percent. A few notable names are Anne Klein, Banana Republic, Donna Karan, Off 5th (Saks Fifth Avenue Outlet), Tommy Hilfiger, Van Heusen, Bass, Carter's, Geoffrey Beene, Izod, Guess and OshKosh B'Gosh. Windward Mall
This is the only regional mall on the windward side and the third largest enclosed shopping center on O'ahu. The magnificient backdrop of the Ko'olau Mountains gives this center a special ambience. In addition to such national stores as Sears and Macy's, there is a food court, lots of specialty stores showcasing local products and a stage area for activities, events and entertainment. |
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Restaurant Row
