In Hawai‘i, shopping is never just shopping. It’s a breezy, sun-splashed experience where luxury labels sit comfortably beside local makers, where lunch comes with a side of live music and where the line between culture, cuisine and commerce blurs in the best possible way. The islands’ most famous malls are destinations in their own right – places you go to feel the rhythm of Hawai‘i as much as to browse the racks.
Royal Hawaiian Center
Along Kalākaua Avenue, Royal Hawaiian Center turns three beachside blocks into a lush, three-level playground of high fashion, island style and cultural immersion. There are more than 90 shops and restaurants spread across three buildings, including luxury and lifestyle retailers such as Fendi, Ferragamo, Hermès, KITH, Saint Laurent, Stüssy, Tiffany & Co., Valentino and Moncler. Recent additions, including exclusive boutiques like melin, Lagree O‘ahu Fitness and House of Mana Up (specialising in local products), further enhance its reputation as a must-visit destination.
Visitors to the Center can also enjoy live hula and Hawaiian music performances at The Royal Grove, as well as participate in cultural activities such as ‘ukulele lessons, hula classes and lei-making workshops.
Pā‘ina Lānai Food Court delivers a laid-back dining experience on the second floor of Building B. Here, guests can sample a wide range of crowd-pleasing bites, from newcomers like Waikīkī Brisket and Jalapeño 808 to local favourites such as Kokoro Café, Kulu Kulu, L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, Mahaloha Burger, Penny’s Waikīkī Malasadas, Poke Waikīkī, Wicked Maine Lobster, Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers and Panda Express.
International Market Place
A short stroll away, International Market Place weaves global names and island-loved brands beneath a historic banyan tree, pairing retail therapy with open-air dining and hands-on cultural experiences. The lineup includes Anthropologie, Abercrombie & Fitch, Banana Republic, Burberry, Honolulu Cookie Co., Kona Coffee Purveyors, Vince, Christian Louboutin, Sunglass Hut, Target and MCM, plus local brands like CocoNene and Sun.daes. Missing your pets back home? You can get your cuddle fix with some feline friends at Cat Café MOFF.
The centre also offers a variety of complimentary on-site experiences, from open-air fitness and lei-making classes to a free cultural audio tour. Three evenings a week – Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 6pm – guests can enjoy a free hula show at Queen’s Court stage honouring Hawai‘i’s beloved Queen Emma, brought to life through Hawaiian and Polynesian song and dance.
You’ll also want to explore the eateries at International Market Place, which boasts the largest collection of outdoor and open-air restaurants in Waikīkī, from Eating House 1849 by Roy Yamaguchi and STRIPSTEAK Waikīkī to ShoreFyre, Skybox Taphouse, Moani Waikīkī, Herringbone, Crackin’ Kitchen and Liliha Bakery.
Ala Moana Center
The world’s largest open-air shopping centre, Ala Moana Center in Honolulu’s Ala Moana neighbourhood, is home to more than 350 shops and restaurants. It features one of the world’s most impressive collections of luxury brands – including Chanel, Dior, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Maison Margiela, Panerai, Tiffany & Co. and Zimmermann – alongside popular names such as Alo Yoga, Uniqlo and ZARA, as well as flagship Bloomingdale’s and Nordstrom stores.
The centre also offers an impressive mix of dining options, from casual bites to sit-down restaurants. The Makai Market Food Court is a favourite for quick, affordable meals, serving everything from Hawaiian plate lunches and poke bowls to Japanese, Korean and Southeast Asian dishes. For a stylish sit-down meal, you can dine at Mariposa, a much-loved restaurant inside Neiman Marcus known for its elegant ambience and seasonal menu. If you’re after something more casual, California Pizza Kitchen offers crowd-pleasing pizzas and salads, while HONOLULU BISTRO serves up bistro-style fare in a friendly setting.
Waikele Premium Outlets
Around 35 minutes’ drive from Waikīkī, Waikele Premium Outlets is the only outlet complex on the island, offering brand name products at hugely-discounted prices in an open-air setting. You’ll find top fashion and accessory outlets like Coach, kate spade NEW YORK, Michael Kors, Adidas and Guess, plus casual and sporty options like Nike and Levi’s. When it comes to dining, the complex and nearby Waikele Center have plenty of places to grab a bite. You can choose Korean food at mr. COW Waikele, Yellow Kitchen and MOOJIGAE Korean Grill, Thai at PJ’s Thai Kitchen or Quick Thai Cuisine Express and Mexican at Frida Taqueria.
