[2023 GUIDE] The Best Places for Shopping in Waikiki, Honolulu

Shopping in Waikiki offers some of the best retail experiences in Honolulu. With its mild tropical weather, many shopping centers feature open-air layouts with lush gardens and rows of palms. Downtown Honolulu and the Waikiki Beach Walk complex are within easy reach and offer plenty of shops to browse.

Shopping in Honolulu can also be a cultural experience. Specialty shops sell Hawaiian-made goods, galleries feature local artists and free cultural events such as hula shows can be found at the Royal Hawaiian Center. Here is a selection of the top shopping spots in Honolulu.

The Best Places for Shopping in Waikiki

1. Royal Hawaiian Center

The Royal Hawaiian Center is a popular shopping and entertainment destination in Waikiki. It is just a 5-minute walk from the beach, occupying three blocks of Kalakaua Avenue. This open-air mall offers a variety of stores ranging from luxury brands such as Hermes and Valentino to local retailers like Island Soap and Crazy Shirts. 

Aside from shopping, there are plenty of dining choices at the Royal Hawaiian Center. There are more than 30 places to choose from, offering a variety of eats and drinks. Whether you’re hoping to enjoy some locally made treats from the Honolulu Cookie Company, savor a coffee, or relax with a glass of wine at the bar, there is something for everyone.

The center also houses the Royal Grove, a former coconut plantation that provides free daily music, hula shows, and cultural classes for visitors to join.

2. Ala Moana Center

Ala Moana Center is the largest mall in Hawaii and is said to be the world’s largest outdoor shopping center. Located near Waikiki, the mall’s open-air design allows visitors to enjoy Hawaii’s mild climate while shopping. The mall has four levels and features koi ponds, tropical gardens, over 300 stores, dozens of restaurants, and two food courts. It houses three department stores: Macy’s, Neiman Marcus, and Nordstrom, and a mix of international brands and local boutique shops.

The mall also offers hula shows, staged daily at 1 pm, free of charge. The easiest option is to catch the Ala Moana Shopping Trolley to get there. Running every 10-12 minutes during the mall’s opening hours, it connects Ala Moana Center to 10 locations around Waikiki. Tickets cost a couple of dollars per trip, with day and multi-day passes available.

3. WAIKIKI SHOPPING PLAZA

The Waikiki Shopping Plaza is the place to go for all your shopping needs. Located in the heart of Waikiki, this shopping plaza features six levels of shopping and dining. You can find unique Hawaii-inspired apparel at Alter Ego, Angels by the Sea, and Beach Avenue. 

H&M, LeSportsac, and Victoria’s Secret are popular mainstays with a wide selection of fashions and accessories for those looking for larger retailers. Whether you’re looking for jewelry, casual wear, or something special, the Waikiki Shopping Plaza has something for everyone.

4. Waikele Premium Outlets

Waikele Premium Outlets is a popular destination for bargain hunters, just a 30-minute drive from Honolulu. With 50 retailers offering brand-name goods at deep discounts, shoppers can find something to fit any budget. Stores include Polo Ralph Lauren, Banana Republic, Calvin Klein, Kate Spade New York, Michael Kors, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Adidas.

On-site, you’ll have plenty of options for refueling. There’s an open-air food pavilion and several restaurants to choose from. For those who don’t have transportation, there is a shuttle bus that runs twice daily from Waikiki to Waikele and back, with three return trips daily. The shuttle can be booked one way or roundtrip, with discounts for children.

5. International Market Place

International Market Place is a shopping center located in Waikiki, Hawaii. It is well known for its beautiful landscaped tropical gardens, which feature a century-old banyan tree.

The center is spread over three floors and includes a variety of international brands, such as Burberry, Rolex, Michael Kors, and Christian Louboutin. There are also plenty of swimwear and sports clothing shops, such as Vilebrequin and Surf Line Hawaii.

In addition, shoppers can enjoy nightly Polynesian shows for free. International Market Place was built in the 1950s and has been extensively renovated. It is a great place to find the latest fashion trends and enjoy a unique shopping experience.

6. Waikiki Beach Walk

Waikiki Beach Walk is an open-air promenade on Lewers Street between Kalakaua Avenue and Kalia Road. It is a popular destination day and night, especially in the evening when people enjoy strolling around in the cooler air. The complex is filled with shops, hotels, restaurants, and bars. 

Many of the stores located in the complex are tailored to beachgoers. Quiksilver, Sunshine Swimwear, and Blue Ginger resort wear offer a variety of beach-related items. For a more authentic Hawaiian experience, visitors can visit The Ukulele Store. Here, shoppers can purchase a ukulele or even take a free ukulele lesson.

7. LUXURY ROW

When you first enter Waikiki, you’ll be met with high-end luxury retail brands like Chanel and Gucci. Luxury Row offers a fine shopping experience with various stores like Miu Miu, Saint Laurent Paris, and Moncler. These stores carry luxurious collections of clothing and accessories, which are highly sought-after for their quality and elegance. Many travelers enjoy making purchases from these retailers, as they can find items of exceptional quality.

8. T GALLERIA

T Galleria is a great place to shop for gifts, local treats, and Hawaiian memorabilia. The prices are marked, and no additional taxes or fees are added. The store carries an impressive array of uniquely tropical finds, making it a popular destination for those looking to take something home. Among the popular items are Big Island Candies and Hawaiian King. 

The second and third levels of the store are open to Duty-Free qualified travelers who are leaving the country within 30 days. This is a great opportunity to pick up some souvenirs to take home and reminisce about their time in Hawaii.

9. PUALEILANI ATRIUM SHOPS

The Pualeilani Atrium Shops at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki provide a wide variety of shopping options. With more than two dozen stores, there is something for everyone. Little People Hawaii, Folli Follie, and ABC Stores are just a few of the stores available.

The Atrium Shops are conveniently located across the street from Waikiki Beach. If you are headed to the beach, you will find everything you need, including swimwear, accessories, and sun protection. You can find the perfect souvenir to take home in all these stores.

10. Ward Village Shops

Ward Village Shops is a large shopping complex across from Ala Moana Park between downtown Honolulu and Waikiki. It is part of the planned community of the same name and comprises four venues within walking distance of each other, including South Shore Market and Ward Center.

The shops feature a mix of well-known store brands, such as Nordstrom and Pier 1 Imports, local retailers like Island Olive Oil Company, Flotsam & Co jewelry maker, Mahina boutique dress shop, and the Nā Mea Hawaiʻi bookshop.

In addition to shopping, Ward Village Shops also offers plenty of dining and entertainment options. Wahoo’s Fish Taco features daily happy hours and live music nights. At the same time, the Ward Entertainment Center houses Honolulu’s biggest movie screen at Consolidated Theatres and a Dave & Buster’s restaurant and video arcade.

11. Aloha Tower Marketplace

Aloha Tower Marketplace is a bustling shopping and entertainment complex in Honolulu Harbor near downtown Honolulu and Chinatown. It is built around the iconic 18-story Aloha Tower, formerly a lighthouse and a navigation landmark for arriving ships. In 1941, it was taken over by the US military and used as a control center after the Pearl Harbor attack.

Today, the tower and complex are utilized for more leisurely activities. With its dozen shops and restaurants, Aloha Tower Marketplace is great for exploring and taking in the views. The 10th-floor observation deck also makes it a popular evening stargazing spot.