Shopping on Oʻahu

Ala Moana Center — Honolulu

Hawaiʻi's largest open-air shopping mall and the best place on Oʻahu to cover a lot of ground in one stop. More than 350 stores across four levels, anchored by Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's and Macy's, with a full range of mid-range and luxury retail in between. There are two food courts and a number of good restaurants. 

Is it worth going? Depends on what you need. For visitors who want luxury goods, local brands, aloha wear and practical items all under one roof without driving across the island, yes. For visitors who want something more unique, Chinatown or Kailua will feel more rewarding. Ala Moana is fun, but the other neighborhoods are better for shopping outside of a mall.

Parking is free. About 10 minutes from Waikīkī by car or bus.

International Market Place and Royal Hawaiian Center — Waikīkī

The two main shopping centers in Waikīkī are within walking distance of each other on Kalākaua Avenue. International Market Place is an open-air, multi-level complex anchored by Saks Fifth Avenue, with a mix of luxury retail, mid-range brands, some local brands and dining. Royal Hawaiian Center runs three blocks along Kalākaua with a similar mix and a more affordable food court. Both are walkable from most Waikīkī hotels. 

You're definitely paying for location at both of these shopping centers. Many of the same brands are also available at Ala Moana Center. For locally-made souvenirs, check out House of Mana Up at Royal Hawaiian Center or look in other neighborhoods — most of what's sold in Waikīkī gift shops is imported. ABC Stores, which are everywhere in Waikīkī, are useful for sunscreen, snacks and beach gear in a pinch, but aren’t really the place to buy a nice gift.

Ward Village and SALT at Our Kakaʻako — Kakaʻako

Kakaʻako is a good shopping neighborhood for local designers, indie makers and Hawaiʻi-made goods. SALT at Our Kakaʻako is a walkable outdoor complex that mixes local retail, coffee shops and restaurants in a neighborhood known for its street mural scene. South Shore Market, inside Ward Village, is one of the best single-stop destinations for locally made gifts, clothing and food products on the island. House of Mana Up, also in South Shore Market, is dedicated entirely to Hawaiʻi-made products from local entrepreneurs. About 15 minutes from Waikīkī by car.

Kailua

Kailua is great for boutique shopping. There are a few different areas worth exploring. Kailua Road and the streets around it offer a range of women's clothing boutiques, home goods, jewelry and gifts. There is a Whole Foods, Foodland and Target all nearby for essentials. About 30-45 minutes from Waikīkī, depending on traffic. Worth the drive if shopping is a priority.

Haleʻiwa — North Shore

Haleʻiwa has surf shops, local art and boutiques in a single strip along Kamehameha Highway. The North Shore's main town has a range of surf shops carrying both global brands and local labels, alongside galleries, boutiques and locally made goods that reflect the agricultural and outdoor character of the area. Stop by the ʻAina Stand at Kokūa Learning Farm while you're there. Parking is free but fills up on weekends. About an hour from Waikīkī depending on traffic — pair it with a beach day on the North Shore to make the drive worthwhile.

Chinatown — Downtown Honolulu

Chinatown is Honolulu's most layered shopping neighborhood — a National Register of Historic Places district with open-air markets, lei stands, antique shops, art galleries and local brand boutiques alongside the food stalls and restaurants it's best known for. First Friday, held the first Friday of each month, turns the neighborhood into an evening art walk with gallery openings and a lively bar scene. The best place on the island for vintage finds, local art and the kind of souvenir that has a story behind it. About 30 minutes from Waikīkī by car.

Worth the Drive

Waikele Premium Outlets — Leeward Oʻahu

About 45 minutes from Waikīkī, Waikele is the island's only outlet mall — roughly 50 stores including Coach, Kate Spade, Gap, Nike, Levi's and a handful of other name brands at reduced prices. Locals drive here for basics and brand names at better prices than anywhere in Honolulu. For visitors with limited time on the island, the drive is only worth it if outlet shopping is a priority, otherwise it’s not worth the time. Weekday mornings are the least crowded. You can take TheBus from Ala Moana Center if you'd rather skip the drive.

Aloha Stadium Swap Meet — Halawa

Open Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet is the best value for souvenirs on the island. There are a lot of imported items here, but you can also find some local vendors, handmade goods and jewelry at affordable prices. There is parking on site for $2. For more details on vendors, hours and what to look for, see our Aloha Stadium Swap Meet guide.

For groceries, prescriptions, beach gear and bulk supplies, leave Waikīkī and shop where locals shop.

Costco has locations in Iwilei (close to downtown Honolulu) and Kapolei on the west side. A membership card is required, but visitors can purchase a Costco Shop Card on-site without one. Best for: bulk sunscreen, snacks, alcohol, beach supplies at the lowest prices on the island.

Target has locations in Waikīkī, Kailua, Kapolei, Ala Moana Center and in Salt Lake. Significantly cheaper for beach gear, sundries, over-the-counter medications and prescriptions. If you forgot something at home, Target is a good stop.

Foodland and Foodland Farms are the island's local grocery chain, with multiple locations across Oʻahu. Known for local produce, great poke and a selection of Hawaiʻi-made food products you won't find at other chain supermarkets. Whole Foods locations in Kailua and Kakaʻako/Ward have organic produce and specialty items, and both carry a small selection of local brands. Safeway and Walmart operate multiple locations across the island for general grocery and household needs.

Longs Drugs — the island's statewide CVS-owned chain — is the most reliable option for prescriptions, pharmacy needs, toiletries and after-hours essentials. Multiple locations, including in or near Waikīkī.

For Convenience

In a pinch, ABC Stores are on almost every corner in Waikīkī. Good for sunscreen, snacks for the beach, water, flip-flops or a cheap rain poncho before a hike. They have basic beach gear, apparel, disposable cameras and cheap souvenirs. The markup is higher at these stores than Longs, but when convenience is what you need, ABC is always there.

Outside of ABC, many hotels have sundries and gift shops, which carry a narrow selection at premium prices, or you can find a Target or Longs for better value.

For nice gifts, meant to represent Hawaiʻi to someone back home, see the Hawaiʻi-made souvenirs section above.