No vacation is complete without spending some time (and money) at local shops for souvenirs for yourselves, friends and family. In Honolulu, you won’t run out of places to shop. Here’s a list of some of the popular tourist locations and malls, but we’ll also highlight some niche shops that aren’t as easy to find or are mostly populated by locals to get your fix for clothing, book shopping and even sake! This of course is nowhere close to an exhaustive list, just a list of ideas and recommendations to get you started. Just don’t ever hesitate to stop by a shop as you walk past it; supporting local small businesses is always a good idea!
Aloha Tower: The most popular, by far, is Aloha Tower; guaranteed to satisfy all your shopping needs and easily accessible by bus from Waikiki. Aloha Tower is basically a large outdoor shopping mall filled with specialty shops, restaurants and clothing stores. Live entertainment is another hallmark of Aloha Tower; try to plan your shopping day ahead of time so that you can be part of that day’s event.
Hilo Hattie: The most popular store in the state of Hawaii, with locations in Maui, Kauai, the Big Island of Hawaii, and of course Oahu. There are two store locations in Honolulu: one by the airport and the other on North Nimitz Highway. Stop by Hilo Hattie to shop for a variety of goods made in Hawaii, including clothing, gourmet foods, gifts and more.
Ala Moana Center: This is a very large mall; there are over 290 stores compared to Aloha Tower’s 75 stores and is very easily accessible by bus or trolley. Daily entertainment is provided, similar to what you’ll find at Aloha Tower . If you’re staying in Waikiki, you may be more likely to shop here compared to Aloha Tower due to its ease of access; Ala Moana provides Waikiki with ten trolley locations for only two bucks each way. Ala Moana is not for those on a budget, however; many of the shops are high-end and sales are hard to come by. However, one store in Ala Moana of note is two-story Shirokiya for all your Japanese needs, from shopping for Japanese goods to eating some outstanding sushi.
Royal Hawaiian Center: If you’re staying at Waikiki, you won’t be able to avoid the Royal Hawaiian Center located in the heart of Waikiki on Kalakaua Avenue across the street from Waikiki Shopping Plaza. This mall has over 100 shops, nightclubs, dining and entertainment.
Waikiki Shopping Plaza: Waikiki and Honolulu just don’t seem to run out of malls! We’ll just be repetitive by listing what you’ll find at this mall, but here’s one thing you and your new spouse should definitely do together: 3D Glow in the Dark Mini Golf for just $8.50 per person per round (18 holes)!
Gecko Books and Comics: For a great well-rounded selection rivaling those found in the states, visit this shop so that you don’t miss out on the newest comics, even while on your honeymoon!
Fashionista’s Market: This is for the ladies! This is a must for women who are into finding trendy, stylish clothing that you won’t find in the states. Even better, you’ll spend a fraction of what you would spend in any nearby malls!
Second Skin: Another trendy clothing boutique, but it’s not just for the ladies…it’s for guys, too! Don’t go here if you’re into shopping on a tight budget, though!
The Sake Shop: Yes, there actually is a store that specializes in sake, and it’s right in the heart of Honolulu. If you love (or even like) sake you must visit this store!
Red Pineapple: This store has become more popular in recent years due to its items being featured by Oprah and other celebrities, and for good reason! They truly have some unique gifts and items that you just have to see for yourself. Definitely take some time out to spend some time in Red Pineapple, located down the street from Ala Moana Center.
Farmer’s Markets: If you’re renting a place in Honolulu, or just trying to save money while staying at your hotel and are looking for some fresh local foods, you won’t find any place better than a farmer’s market. One popular market is the Kapiolani Community College’s (KCC) Farmer’s Market open Saturday mornings. Beware, it gets very crowded! On Wednesday evenings, try out Honolulu’s Wednesday Farmer’s Market. For a full list of farmer’s markets in Honolulu visit here and here.
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