A Visitor’s Guide to Ala Moana Shopping Center

This article was originally published on April 2, 2025, and was updated March 25, 2026.

Ala Moana Center on Oʻahu is known as the world’s largest open-air mall. With its lush landscaping, ocean breeze and vast selection, Ala Moana offers more than just retail therapy for shoppers, it's an experience worth saving an entire afternoon for.

Set between downtown Honolulu and Waikīkī, the center is home to more than 350 shops ranging from luxury labels to surf shops, plus more than 160 dining options that includes upscale restaurants, casual eateries, cafes and dessert shops. There are also places to get a massage, a haircut and a manicure, as well as a kids playground and family-fun center Dave & Busters.

The center’s pedestrian-friendly layout features wide walkways and easy access to all stores and amenities, ensuring a pleasant shopping experience for all. Whether you’re hunting for designer fashion, unique island gifts or just want to take a stroll in a relaxing atmosphere, Ala Moana is a commercial cornerstone of O‘ahu.

Store Highlights

Ala Moana Center is anchored by four major department stores: Macy’s, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and Bloomingdales, along with luxury retailers like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci and Prada. Make sure to visit local brands like Manaola and Lex Breezy Hawai'i for Hawaiian-designed fashion, Island Slipper with brands made in Hawai‘i and Martin & MacArthur, which has high-end Koa wood home decor, watches and jewelry. There are also plenty of casual brands like UNIQLO, Zara and Abercrombie & Fitch.

Note: Neiman Marcus, including its Mariposa restaurant, is scheduled to close by the end of May 2026.

Places to Eat

The Makai Market Food Court is located on street level behind Centerstage and offers a variety of local and international cuisine that caters to every palate. Visit locally-owned Sunrise Shack for smoothie bowls and bullet coffee. For Asian and Pacific there's Jollibee, Panda Express, Yummy's Korean BBQ and Curry House CoCo Ichibanya. For dessert, stop by Häagen-Dazs for ice cream.

Pāʻina Lanai Food Court is a smaller food court located just outside of Macy's on level 2. Eateries include Y Dim Sum, Musubi Cafe Iyasume and Mahaloha Burger as well as ramen, sandwich and pastry shops.

Ho'okipa Terrace is where you will find full-service restaurants such as Olive Garden, California Pizza Kitchen and the open-air Mai Tai Bar, which plays all major sports games and features live music every evening. This is on the top floor of the mall.

More Basement Dining along the perimeter of the mall includes mainstays such as Assiaggo's, Morton's The Steakhouse and Island Vintage Coffee. Barnes and Noble Booksellers also has a cafe, where you can grab a coffee and settle in with a good book. There are also two grocery stores — Foodland Farms, which has an extensive selection of bentos and ready-made foods as well as a hot/cold buffet deli and a wine bar, and Nigya Market — a Japanese grocery story with ready-to-eat bentos.

Even More Dining is located all around the mall, so its worth exploring every level. Some stand-outs include Ruscello at Nordstrom, SXY Szechuan and Liliha Bakery — founded in 1950 and known for its famous coco puffs.

Cultural Performances & Events

Many locals remember performing at Ala Moana Centerstage when they were kids. This beloved performance venue is located in the basement, adjacent to the The Makai Market Food Court. There is also seating directly above it, accessible on Level 2. Here, you'll find daily hula performances, live music and seasonal productions. Throughout the year, you can also find pop-up markets with artisan vendors, lei-making classes and activities for kids.

Guest Services and Amenities

There is a post office conveniently located on the street level (Ewa Wing) between the Makai Market Food Court and Foodland Farms.

The Global Currency exchange service is located on the first floor near Centerstage and Guest Services.

Additional amenities include restrooms, nursing rooms and at least a dozen ATMs.

There are three TheHandiVan locations on street level: one is across the U.S. Post Office (Ewa Wing), a second is in front of Foodland Farms (Ewa Wing) and the third is across Jollibee near Makai Market Food Court.

Wheelchairs are available Guest Services on street level behind Centerstage.

You can find electrical vehicle charging stations on street level near the Makai Market Food Court and on Level 2 in front of Genki Sushi (Ewa Wing).

Getting to Ala Moana Center

The Waikiki Trolley's Pink Line connects Waikīkī hotels to Ala Moana Center daily, every 15–30 minutes. Purchase a one-day pass for $6 per person or ride for free if you are a JCB cardholder.

Take TheBus route W, 13 or 42 from Waikīkī to Ala Moana Center. New to TheBus? Check out our guide to riding the bus on Oʻahu.

Tips for First-Time Visitors

• Go early for the best parking spots and lighter crowds, especially on weekends.
• Apple or Google map apps will help you find your way around if you get lost.
• Pack a light sweater or wrap. Heavily air-conditioned stores can get chilly.

Is Ala Moana Center Worth the Stop?

Absolutely! Whether you’re searching for a designer handbag, your first pair of slippahs, or a bowl of poke, Ala Moana Center is a one-stop shop for island fashion, culture, and cuisine.

Ala Moana Center Visitor Information

Address: 1450 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu, HI 96814.
Hours of Operation: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, Holiday hours may vary, check alamoanacenter.com before you go.
Parking: There are more than 11,000 free parking spaces available.