Practical travel guide for Honolulu, United States
Shopping Guide in Honolulu
Shopping in Honolulu
Major Shopping Centers:
Ala Moana Center: World's largest open-air shopping mall with 350+ stores including Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Macy's, luxury boutiques (Chanel, Gucci, Prada), and the Food Court with 50+ vendors. Open 9:30 AM-9 PM daily.
International Market Place: Completely renovated Waikiki shopping complex combining luxury retailers, local boutiques, and restaurants under a historic banyan tree. Features Saks Fifth Avenue, Anthropologie, and rooftop dining.
Royal Hawaiian Center: Premium shopping in Waikiki with 110 stores, free cultural classes (lei making, ukulele, hula), and diverse dining options.
Ward Village: Modern development in Kaka'ako with Nordstrom Rack, local boutiques, and Saturday farmers market.
Local Markets & Authentic Shopping:
KCC Farmers Market: Saturday 7:30-11 AM at Kapiolani Community College. Best farmers market featuring local produce, prepared foods, crafts, and breakfast vendors. Very popular with locals.
Chinatown Markets: Maunakea Marketplace and Oahu Market offer authentic Asian groceries, tropical fruits, fresh seafood, and cultural items. Open daily, busiest on weekends.
What to Buy - Hawaiian Souvenirs:
Macadamia Nuts: Locally grown and packaged. Multiple flavors available. Buy at grocery stores (Foodland, Safeway) for best prices versus tourist shops.
Kona Coffee: Premium Hawaiian coffee from Big Island. Look for '100% Kona' label. Available at Whole Foods, farmers markets, and specialty shops like Island Vintage Coffee.
Hawaiian Host Chocolates: Locally made chocolate-covered macadamia nuts, perfect for gifts. Factory outlet offers bulk pricing.
Hawaiian Honey: Unique varieties including macadamia blossom, lehua, and wilelaiki honey. Local beekeepers sell at farmers markets.
Kukui Nut Products: Traditional Hawaiian kukui nut oil for skin, lei, jewelry. Found at local boutiques and markets.
Aloha Shirts & Mu'umu'u: Traditional Hawaiian clothing. Vintage and contemporary styles at Bailey's Antiques, Hilo Hattie, and Macy's Hawaiian department.
Hawaiian Sea Salt: Flavored varieties (red alaea, black lava salt) from local salt farms.
Ukuleles: Authentic Hawaiian ukuleles from local makers. KoAloha and Kamaka are premium brands. Affordable options at ABC Stores.
Art & Crafts: Paintings, prints, woodwork, and jewelry by local artists. Best found at Chinatown galleries, Saturday morning artists at Kapiolani Park, and KCC Farmers Market.
Shopping Tips:
ABC Stores (80+ locations in Waikiki) carry everything from snacks to sunscreen, gifts to grocery items. Convenient but premium pricing.
No Sales Tax! Hawaii has no sales tax but does have 4.5% general excise tax (GET) included in displayed prices.
Beware Tourist Traps: 'Made in Hawaii' label doesn't always mean locally produced. Check carefully for authentic Hawaiian products.
Best Prices: Walmart (Honolulu location), Target, Costco, and Ross Dress for Less offer discounted Hawaii souvenirs and groceries.
Duty-Free: DFS Galleria in Waikiki offers duty-free shopping for international visitors with departing flight proof.