Oahu] Enjoy Shopping in Oahu! 10 Recommended Shopping Centers

Oahu, Hawaii's most popular resort island

You are probably familiar with Hawaii, one of the world's leading tourist destinations and a state of the United States of America.

It is a very famous land often featured in various media, and many of you may have seen its beautiful tropical sea on TV.

The island at the center of Hawaii is Oahu, where the state capital Honolulu is located.

Oahu is the foundation for much of the society that makes up Hawaii, including politics, economics, and tourism.

As the economic center of the island, Oahu also has a very good selection of stores where you can enjoy shopping while sightseeing.

In this article, we will look at the various facilities for shopping on Oahu!

 

What is Oahu like?

First, let me briefly explain what kind of island Oahu is.

With an area of 1,545 square kilometers and a population of approximately 980,000, you can see that Oahu is a fairly large island.

Perhaps due to the large population, there are many attractive cities to visit, including not only Honolulu, but also Kapolei, the second largest city, Haleiwa, where you can enjoy the local atmosphere, and Kahuku, famous for its delicious shrimp,

It is an island with the best environment.

 

How to get to Oahu

Direct flights from Japan to Oahu are available from Central Japan International Airport, Kansai International Airport, Fukuoka Airport, and New Chitose Airport, in addition to Narita and Haneda Airports.

There is a wide variety of airlines, from major airlines such as JAL and ANA to LCCs, and a wide selection of price ranges and time zones is available.

The outbound trip takes about 7 hours, but the return trip takes a little longer due to the jet stream and takes about 9 hours.

Be sure to calculate the time for traffic and schedule your time in advance.

 

Attractions of Oahu

Oahu has a wide range of attractions, but one of the most notable is its extremely mild climate.

Oahu is always warm throughout the year, and even in January, the coldest month of the year, the average maximum temperature is a whopping 25 degrees Celsius.

The amazing warmth of the island, with maximum temperatures never falling below a summer day, is truly worthy of being called an island of everlasting summer.

This is the reason why it continues to be greatly loved as a winter resort by people from all over the world.

 

Beautiful beaches and vast wilderness

As an island nation in such a warm environment, of course the beautiful sea surrounding the islands is one of its tourism resources.

Oahu's warm ocean temperatures are ideal for coral growth, and if you look underwater, you can see colorful coral reefs forming here and there.

Corals keep the ocean beautiful through photosynthesis, which is why Oahu's waters are always clear and blue.

Many tropical fish and other vivid creatures can be seen, and even sea turtles can be seen on some beaches.

The jewel-white beaches and the natural aquarium-like ocean are so beautiful that they evoke the phrase "paradise on earth.

Another highlight of Oahu is the many beautiful natural landscapes that can be encountered on land.

Thanks to its vast area, the wide variety of terrain, from beaches and capes to scenic hills and mountains, and even jungles, is a major feature and a valuable tourist resource on Oahu.

 

One of the world's leading resorts

As a tourist destination visited by many people, the quality of accommodations and other facilities on Oahu is very good.

A number of world-renowned hotel chains and other lodging facilities are located in Waikiki and other areas, offering the best service.

The ability to go beyond a mere overnight stay to a relaxing experience that allows you to forget about your busy life is one of Oahu's great attractions.

As for tourist attractions, there are so many that no matter how long you stay, you will feel like you don't have enough time.

It is a wonderful resort where you will want to stay forever.

 

Shopping and restaurants are also recommended

Another factor that has helped propel Oahu as one of the world's top tourist destinations is its shopping and dining options.

Local delicacies such as loco moco, poke salad, and garlic shrimp are delicious and widely loved by locals and tourists alike.

Garlic shrimp, especially popular in the northern part of the island and the North Shore area, are often sold in shrimp trucks, which look like old kitchen cars, and are very quaint.

Other sweets include Hawaiian pancakes with distinctive toppings and sauces, and shave ice, which resembles shaved ice.

And one of the main contents of Oahu is shopping.

With so many stores on Oahu, you will never get tired of shopping.

 

Enjoy shopping on Oahu!

Oahu is home to Honolulu, Hawaii's largest city, with abundant shopping facilities in the developed city.

The rest of the city also offers a wide variety of specialty stores, so there will be no shortage of souvenirs and other items to shop for.

And one of Oahu's major characteristics in terms of shopping is that there are a number of large shopping centers on the island.

 

Attractions of Oahu's Shopping Centers

The number of shopping centers on the island is quite large compared to the area and population, and it may be said that this is unique to Oahu, which attracts more than 10 million tourists a year from outside the island, depending on the year.

For example, the Ala Moana Shopping Center, located just west of Waikiki Beach, a popular spot on Oahu, is very popular with locals and tourists alike because of its location.

The amazing scale and full lineup of products will delight our eyes and minds, and we are guaranteed to be tempted to splurge.

 

Enjoy the expansive grounds and location.

Not only Ala Moana Shopping Center, but most of the shopping centers in Oahu are larger in scale than those in Japan.

Each facility is elaborately designed to differentiate itself from the others, and the buildings and grounds are carefully constructed.

Even if you are not interested in shopping, just strolling around the grounds will be more than enough to enjoy yourself.

 

Enjoy numerous stores including restaurants, apparel and general merchandise

Each shopping center is so large that the number of tenants in them is too numerous to count.

With a wide variety of apparel and sundries ranging from high-brand to moderately priced items, visitors of any budget will find it hard to decide which to choose.

And it is nice to know that there are restaurants and other eating and drinking establishments in the shopping center so that you can spend the whole day there.

In an accessible mood, you will also be able to enjoy a delicious meal from a wide variety of choices.

 

Get limited items and souvenirs!

Furthermore, since Oahu is the only island with many tourists, each shopping center has a good selection of products with a local feel.

For example, products from Hawaiian brands are sold at low prices, and there are stores specializing in aloha shirts, which are also unique to Oahu.

There are also stores selling surfing equipment and surf fashion, which are popular on Oahu, as well as traditional souvenirs, making it a great place for shopping while sightseeing.

Window shopping alone will lift your spirits.

 

Recommended Shopping Centers on Oahu

 

Let's take a look at the actual information for each shopping center on Oahu.

We have picked out a shopping center that we particularly recommend, and the content from here on out is a must-see!

 

Ala Moana Shopping Center

First, let us introduce the Ala Moana Shopping Center, one of the most representative spots mentioned by name above.

The center's outside location is unique, as it is right next to Ala Moana Beach and Ala Moana Park.

 

Features and Attractiveness of Facilities

The first thing that strikes you upon entering the Ala Moana Center is the uniqueness of the structure.

The atrium runs from the first floor to the upper floors and up to the ceiling, creating a very bright and open impression.

It is a perfect match for Oahu's cheerful climate and will surely lighten your mood and relax your mind.

The stores consist mainly of well-known department store chains such as Neiman Marcus and Macy's, and luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel are also popular as a main attraction.

And yet, there is also a common supermarket on the premises, so you can enjoy yourself in a way that suits your pocketbook.

 

Hours of operation, parking, etc.

Note that the Ala Moana Shopping Center hours of operation are a bit irregular.

Monday through Thursday from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm, Friday and Saturday from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm, and Sunday from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

The hours of operation are shorter, especially on Sundays, so make sure you know what you're doing and don't make a mistake.

All of the vast parking spaces are free of charge.

 

Access

From Waikiki Beach, a prominent location in Honolulu, one only needs to travel west along the ocean to reach the Ala Moana Shopping Center.

If you are traveling by bus from the city, you can easily find your way around by taking routes 8, 19, 20, 23, 24, 42, or route E from the mountain side of Kuhio Street.

 

international marketplace

The International Marketplace is Waikiki's leading shopping center, which has been a long-time favorite since 1957.

It used to give the impression of being a bit old-fashioned, but since its major renovation and reopening in 2016, it has been showing us its new and glorious appearance.

 

Features and Attractiveness of Facilities

The symbol of the International Marketplace is the banyan tree, said to be over 160 years old, which towers over the center of the facility.

The glittering stores surrounding the large trees provide both a modern and a fantastic mood.

The lineup of more than 100 attractive stores, including renowned designer brands such as Stuart Weitzman and Christian Louboutin, is breathtaking.

There are also a variety of dining options, so you may want to visit just for lunch or dinner.

If you are tired of shopping, you can take a relaxing rest in the rest area set up around the banyan tree.

 

Hours of operation, parking, etc.

The International Marketplace is open from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., regardless of the day of the week.

It is open year-round, making it a very accessible spot, along with its excellent location.

The parking lot is located along Kuhio Street and is wide and easy to park, making it safe even for those who are not confident in their driving skills.

Parking rates are $2 per 20 minutes.

If you make a purchase or dine at the facility for $10 or more, the first hour is free, the second hour is $2, the third hour is $3, and the regular rate is charged thereafter.

It may seem difficult to understand in writing, but you will not be confused by the type of payment you can make with your parking ticket.

 

Access

Located in the heart of Waikiki, there is a wide range of accessibility options.

It can be entered from both Kalakaua Avenue and Kuhio Avenue, so no matter which mode of transportation you use, just aim for these streets.

 

Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center

The Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center, which I will introduce next, is also located in the center of Waikiki.

It boasts a total area of approximately 28,800 square meters, making it the largest shopping center in Waikiki.

 

Features and Attractiveness of Facilities

The Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center is a sprawling shopping center with more than 110 stores.

A number of high-brand stores such as Cartier, Salvatore Ferragamo, and Jimmy Choo are located here, creating a very glamorous mood.

Another attraction of this center is that it takes advantage of its size to hold live traditional performing arts events and operates a culture school.

Visitors can enjoy traditional hula dance shows, listen to Hawaiian music, take ukulele lessons and wreath-making lessons for free, and much more.

 

Hours of operation, parking, etc.

The Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center is open uniformly from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Parking here is free for the first hour, $2 for the second hour, $4 for up to 4 hours, and regular rates thereafter for purchases or meals of $10 or more.

There may be times when there are discounts on parking fees due to promotions, so check before you visit.

 

Access

This center is also located along Kalakaua Avenue.

It is located near the International Market Place, so it might be interesting to visit as a set and compare the stores and products in the store.

 

Waikiki Beach Walk

Waikiki Beach Walk is a shopping area located along a road called Lewers Avenue that leads to the beautiful Waikiki ocean.

Although the number of stores is not as large as the 50 or so mentioned above, it offers a selection of the best stores, and its location near the sea creates a pleasant atmosphere.

 

Features and Attractiveness of Facilities

Waikiki Beach Walk looks more like a street lined with stores than a shopping center, and what catches the eye is the stage full of greenery surrounded by palm trees and grass.

It is very unique in that it offers a free concert on the third Sunday of every month, a hula show every Tuesday, yoga lessons on Wednesdays, and a variety of other events.

You will have a wonderful time while enjoying the breeze from Waikiki Beach, a landmark of Oahu.

Of course, the stores are all in high style, so you will be able to enjoy a fulfilling shopping experience.

 

Hours of operation, parking, etc.

Waikiki Beach Walk is open daily and has relatively long hours of 10:00 am to 10:00 pm.

You can enjoy shopping at your leisure even after playing on the beach.

Parking is free for one day with a purchase or meal of $20 or more during the hours of 10:00 am to 3:00 pm only.

Otherwise, $6 for 4 hours with a purchase of $20 or more.

The regular rate is $4.00 per half hour.

 

Access

Lewers Street, where the Waikiki Beach Walk is located, is just off Kalakaua Avenue and easily accessible by foot from the two centers above.

 

T Galleria Hawaii

Another duty free store, T Galleria Hawaii, is located on Kalakaua Avenue and is perfect for sightseeing.

T Galleria Hawaii is the only government-approved duty-free store in Hawaii, making it a great place to shop without being charged the 4.7121 TP3T state tax!

 

Features and Attractiveness of Facilities

The concept of this facility is "Luxury Shopping for Travelers," offering a luxury shopping experience befitting resort tourism.

You will be able to buy as many famous brand-name fashion items, luxury beauty items that are hard to find in everyday life, and souvenirs for your friends and acquaintances as you wish.

There are many local fashion items available only at this facility, and we recommend that you purchase one to commemorate your visit.

Also, the fact that some Japanese loyalty cards, such as T-points, can be used is a bit of a plus for tourism.

 

Hours of operation, parking, etc.

T Galleria Hawaii is open from 9:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Parking is free, so feel free to stop by with your rental car.

 

Access

This facility is also easily accessible as it is located on Kalakaua Avenue.

Located on the corner of Royal Hawaiian Avenue, the location is easy to spot, so it is unlikely that you will get lost.

 

Kahala Mall

Now, let's get away from Waikiki here.

The Kahala Mall, which I will introduce next, is a shopping mall located in Kahala, a short distance from Waikiki.

Kahala is an upscale residential area, and this mall offers a selection of stores that are appropriate for such a location.

 

Features and Attractiveness of Facilities

The core of Kahala Mall is anchored by Macy's, a major department store chain, and Whole Foods, a supermarket known for its extensive line of healthy organic foods.

Many locally grown fruits and seafood products are also available, making it a good place to visit when you are tired of eating out during a long stay.

There is also a wide range of health and beauty stores, including yoga, and overall, the lineup is noticeable for its ability to meet the demands of residents in upscale residential areas.

The mall also has a movie theater, the Kahala Theater, with eight screens, which English-speaking visitors are welcome to view.

 

Hours of operation, parking, etc.

Note that the Kahala Mall is open from 10:00 to 21:00, but only on Sundays from 10:00 to 18:00, which is shorter.

Parking is free, so feel free to visit.

 

Access

If you are accessing the Kahala Mall by bus from within Waikiki, take The Bus No. 22 or 23.

You can go directly to Kahala Mall without having to change trains.

 

word village

Next, I would like to introduce you to one of Honolulu's most artistic areas, Word Village, located in the Kaka'ako district, famous for its wall art.

Here you will find more than 100 stores, including not only fashion and culture, but also large off-price stores for reasonably priced shopping and a wide variety of gourmet foods, all under one roof.

 

Features and Attractiveness of Facilities

The Kaka'ako district is famous for its annual February wall-art event, and Ward Village is a perfect example of this spirit.

The "New Wave Friday" event features a marketplace of artists from all over Hawaii.

Food trucks and other popular eateries are also available, and the overall mood is up-and-coming and vibrant.

Other events such as traditional culture events and produce markets are held in Ward Village, and the number of events is a major attraction of the village.

If your timing is right, please visit us on the day of the event.

 

Hours of operation, parking, etc.

Word Village is open Monday through Thursday from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm, Friday and Saturday from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm, and Sunday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Parking is free, so if you are traveling by rental car, be sure to take advantage of it.

 

Access

The Kakaako district, where Word Village is located, is in downtown Honolulu, about 500 meters west of Ala Moana.

Viewing the wall art of Kakaako, a popular tourist destination, is also a very enjoyable experience, so we recommend that you take the walk.

 

North Shore Marketplace

One of the very popular tourist areas on Oahu is the northern coast (North Shore), known for the beauty of its waters and as a sacred place for surfing.

The North Shore Marketplace, which we will introduce next, is famous as the best shopping center on the North Shore.

 

Features and Attractiveness of Facilities

The North Shore is characterized by a good old-fashioned Hawaiian mood rather than an urban area developed for tourism.

Such a unique mood can also be found in this shopping center, with a lineup that includes many stores that are beloved by locals, such as surf stores and local food stores.

While resort-like sightseeing is great, the best part of traveling abroad is getting a taste of the local atmosphere.

You will feel like an Oahu resident when you stroll through the North Shore Marketplace with the locals.

 

Hours of operation, parking, etc.

The North Shore Marketplace has very long hours, from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., any day of the week.

Parking is free and the spot is extremely accessible.

 

Access

The North Shore Marketplace is located in the town of Haleiwa on the North Shore.

If you are accessing Haleiwa by rent-a-car from Waikiki, you may be able to reach Haleiwa by taking the H1 to H2 freeways and then via Kamehameha Highway.

If you are planning to take the bus, you can take the number 52 bus at Ala Moana Center and it will take you directly to the bus stop in front of the North Shore Marketplace.

 

Pearlridge Center

Pearlridge Center is the second largest center in all of Hawaii, after Ala Moana Center.

The vast site is lined with a reasonable number of stores, creating a rich shopping environment that will have you scurrying about.

 

Features and Attractiveness of Facilities

A key feature of Pearlridge Center is that the area is divided into two buildings, one uptown and one downtown.

The two buildings are connected by a toll monorail, so you will have to use it or walk to and from the two buildings, and you will be amazed at the scale of the project, which is hard to find in Japan.

However, it is so large that even adults can get lost, so we recommend that you check the museum map carefully as you explore.

The store is more geared toward locals rather than tourists, which makes for a different kind of enjoyment.

 

Hours of operation, parking, etc.

The Pearlridge Center is open from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., with Sunday hours only from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Parking is free and the lot is large, making it very easy to park.

 

Access

If you are accessing by rental car from Waikiki, take the H1 to H201 Moanalua Freeway and Kamehameha Highway, and you will find Pearlridge Center on your right.

If you are taking a bus, you can take the No. 20 or 42 bus directly to Pearl Ridge Center.

 

Ka Makana Ali'i.

Last but not least is Ka Makana Ali'i, a shopping center located in the western part of O'ahu near Ko Olina.

The unfamiliar word ka makana alii means "gift to royalty" in Hawaiian, and the name is said to be a reference to the land's close ties to Hawaiian royalty.

 

Features and Attractiveness of Facilities

Ko Olina is a relatively recently developed area that has transformed itself into an upscale resort area, a far cry from its former modest appearance.

Ka Makana Ali'i is another such facility in Ko Olina, freshly opened in 2017.

The store lineup includes high-quality souvenirs and local fashion brands, as is typical of a resort area.

The facility is also equipped with a water fountain area and interactive game facilities, so you can spend a whole day playing and having fun, from shopping to entertainment.

 

Hours of operation, parking, etc.

Ka Makana Ali'i is open from 10am to 9pm, 10am to 6pm on Sundays only.

Parking is free and spacious here as well.

 

Access

If you are renting a car from Waikiki, take the H1 freeway westbound toward Waianae.

From Exit 3, via Palehua Road and Kualakai Parkway, you will eventually see Ka Makana Ali'i at the corner of Kapolei Parkway and Kualakai Parkway.

If using a bus, take the number C from Ala Moana Center.

You can reach your destination by changing to the 416 or 41 at Kapolei TC.

 

Oahu is also a great place to experience activities!

We have introduced a variety of shopping centers, but of course, shopping is not the only fun part of sightseeing on Oahu.

Activities to enjoy the beautiful ocean and wilderness are one of the most popular contents, and it would be a shame not to savor them!

 

Recommended Activities

Therefore, we have picked out five activities that we highly recommend for your satisfaction and will introduce them here.

All of them are attractive, and what a great way to complete all of the locations on land, sea, and in the air.

If you are interested in any of them, please try them out during your visit!

 

snorkeling

One of Oahu's most popular activities is snorkeling, which involves diving in the ocean using a snorkel.

It is a perfect match for the clear blue waters of Oahu, and many people enjoy it as an activity that allows them to enjoy the most beautiful scenery in abundance.

 

Recommendations

The reason snorkeling has always been highly popular is because of its ease of use.

All you need to wear is snorkeling gear, fins, and a wetsuit or rash guard.

Because it does not require physical strength or skill, it can be enjoyed by a wide range of people, from children to the elderly.

 

diving

Along with snorkeling, I would like to introduce diving, a more serious diving activity.

This type of diving involves wearing heavy equipment, such as oxygen tanks, and requires the acquisition of a license, in exchange for the ability to dive deeper and longer.

 

Recommendations

You may think that you cannot participate if a license is required, but in fact, there is a way for beginners to participate.

Oahu offers a number of tours titled "Experience Diving," which means that you will be accompanied by a skilled instructor who will dive with you and provide extensive support.

Safety will be ensured, so beginners and inexperienced workers can take on the challenge with confidence.

 

skydiving

 

When people think of Oahu, they tend to focus on the ocean, but the blue sky with the bright tropical sun is also a beauty not to be missed.

One of the most popular activities, skydiving, is a thrilling way to experience the Oahu sky with your whole body.

 

Recommendations

Skydiving is performed from a height of more than 4,000 meters above the ground.

The dizzying heights may be intimidating, but rest assured, surrender to the instructor and you'll be fine.

The view of Oahu from above is so movingly beautiful that many people say it has changed their outlook on life, and we guarantee that if you give it a try, you will be able to peel yourself back mentally and emotionally!

 

riding horse

If you are looking for a relaxing way to experience Oahu's great outdoors, how about trying horseback riding?

Of course, even if you have no experience in horseback riding, it's okay.

Staff will accompany you side by side, and no skill or technique is required.

 

Recommendations

The horses in charge of the riding experience are all well-trained and very gentle.

As you feel the breath of the cute horses and take each step forward, you will surely be empowered by the sensation of powerfully stepping on the earth.

You can enjoy a panoramic view of Oahu's natural beauty from a higher vantage point than you can imagine.

 

zipline

The last activity I would like to introduce you to is ziplining, which is an activity that is only possible because of Oahu's spacious nature.

This is a new type of play in which wires are strung between trees, and pulleys are used to glide at high speed between the wires.

 

Recommendations

Although it may be difficult to imagine if you have never experienced it, ziplining is a very thrilling and fun activity.

Some of the longest ones travel as far as 1 km, and the experience of running through the greenery is most exhilarating!

Since all you have to do is slide along the equipment, there is no need for skill or physical strength.

 

Recommended Tours

If you are planning to participate in an activity in a foreign country where you are unfamiliar with the local area, it is recommended that you join an activity tour to avoid the hassle of transportation and arrangements.

Among the many tours available, we have picked out three tours that we particularly recommend, so please check them out.

 

Kualoa Ranch Package Tour

The Kualoa Ranch is a sacred place in Hawaii, and you can enjoy a variety of activities at Kualoa Ranch.

In addition to the horseback riding and ziplining activities described above, visitors can also participate in buggy rides.

Kualoa Ranch was also once used as a filming location for the movie Jurassic Park.

The tour is a great fulfillment, as you can also visit the remains of the filming location, which still remains today.

 

Sandbar Snorkeling &
Sea Turtle Watch Cruise

This tour includes a visit to Sandbar, a "phantom island" that appears only at low tide throughout the day.

Sandbar is a small island floating offshore, and its entire area is composed of pure white coral sand derived from coral.

This is a popular tour that is sure to be very satisfying, as you can enjoy snorkeling and sea turtle watching in such a beautiful environment!

 

skydiving

If you want to try skydiving, this tour is highly recommended.

I am happy to say that I have remained accident-free and violation-free for many years, so I don't have to worry about anything else.

The Japanese-speaking guides are also an important point not to be overlooked, so you can take on the challenge of skydiving without any worries.

 

summary

We are pleased to inform you about shopping on Oahu, one of the world's most popular tourist destinations.

Shopping centers on Oahu are more than just a place to shop; they are a kind of leisure facility.

It is fun to splurge richly, and I highly recommend getting a glimpse into the lives of the locals in moderation.

Please visit the shopping center that is part of the culture.

Thank you for taking the time to read this to the end.