14 Best Places to Shop in Waikiki and Diamond Head, Honolulu and Pearl Harbor

Hip and fun, this shop stocks some of the island's coolest T-shirts, accessories, and apparel for women, men, and kids, featuring funky, retro Hawaii themes and designs. Bruno Mars famously wore a tank top from this eclectic shop on a Rolling Stone magazine cover in 2021. You may spend more time browsing—and buying—here than you might expect. A second location is nearby on Kuhio Avenue. Note that the store opens at 1 pm.

Located in the Moana Surfrider hotel, the flagship store of this innovative company is filled with colorful, lightweight, “splash-proof” bags of all sizes, shapes, and styles—from tiny zippered travel pouches to eye-catching beach bags to oversize totes. The company continually offers new patterns and styles, so bag lovers will always find a unique beach- or travel-friendly option.

To really impress those back home, pick up a box of these locally baked, gourmet cookies. Choose from dozens of delicious flavors of premium shortbread delights packaged in a wide range of sizes, all designed for travel. In addition to the location in the Royal Hawaiian Center, the company has a number of stores in Waikiki, so you probably won't be able to avoid them—or their free samples—even if you try.

The groundbreaking Mana Up organization promotes Hawaii-based entrepreneurs and shares many unique locally made products with consumers. Its retail store in the Royal Hawaiian Center not only showcases innovative, Hawaii-made items but also shares the stories of the makers behind them. It's fun to browse for gourmet chocolate, edible coffee bars, art, sustainable food wrappers, surf-inspired clothing, extra-comfy flip-flops (called slippers in Hawaii), children’s books, and much more. All the profits are used to support these small businesses.

Founded by local entrepreneurs Jillian Corn and Hunter Long (who is also a professional skateboarder), Keep It Simple strives to promote a healthier planet by selling high-quality natural, organic, and/or vegan items with minimal (or zero) packaging. Look for sustainable beauty and bath products; beachwear, cover-ups, and accessories; and items for the kitchen and elsewhere in the home.

This three-block-long center has more than 110 establishments, including an Apple Store and ABC Store, as well as local gems, such as Oiwi Ocean Gear, Mana Up, Fighting Eel, Honolulu Cookie Company, Koi Honolulu, Hawaiian Island Arts, Island Soap & Candleworks, and Royal Hawaiian Quilts. In addition to a number of restaurants, you can dine at the Waikiki Food Hall. Complimentary cultural classes, a theater, and nightly outdoor entertainment round out the offerings. Note for drivers: the center offers free parking for three hours with validation at shops and restaurants.

This little shop offers a great selection of Hawaii-made items for adults and children. Look for brightly colored, beach-casual clothing, bags, jewelry, and accessories in soft cotton and rayon aloha prints.

The ultimate destination for designer shopping in Hawaii is this elegant town house–style center, where high-end shops include Chanel, Coach, Tiffany & Co., Yves Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Gucci, Hugo Boss, Miu Miu, and Moncler.

Like its larger sibling in the Ala Moana Center, this designer and island-lifestyle jewelry store sells Tahitian pearls and ocean- and marine-themed jewelry. Many beautiful Hawaii-inspired designs are featured here; the store also has branches around the Islands.

High-quality, handwoven Panama hats and tropical sportswear for men and women are the specialties here.

Pieces by local and international artists are featured here, including original paintings; limited-edition prints; works in wood, metal, glass, ceramic, and acrylic; and handcrafted jewelry. There's another branch on Oahu, in the town of Haleiwa, and one in Lihue on Kauai.

This open-air mall at the west end of Kalakaua Avenue and next to the Royal Hawaiian Center contains 70 locally owned stores and restaurants. Get reasonably priced, fashionable resort wear at Mahina or buy local delicacies from the Poke Bar. Of course, you can pick up T-shirts, bathing suits, and casual beach attire here, too. The mall also features free local entertainment on its outdoor fountain stage at least once a week.

Tucked away in the Royal Hawaiian’s lobby, this tiny shop is a great place to pick up a memento of your surf lesson. It's filled with a variety of high-quality Waikiki Beach Services gear, including the best-selling logo rash guards and T-shirts of the type worn by their beachboys and surf instructors. There's also a selection of locally designed bathing suits from Pualani Hawaii, swimwear from the Colombian brand Maaji, accessories, sunscreen, and original artwork.

In addition to exhibiting the beautiful and inspiring work of the world-famous marine life artist Wyland, this expansive art gallery showcases works by a number of other artists, both lesser-known and highly acclaimed. There are also locations in the Oahu town of Haleiwa and on Kauai.