7 Best Places to Shop in Oahu, Hawaii

Eastern and Western traditions meet on Oahu, where savvy shoppers find luxury goods at high-end malls and scout tiny boutiques and galleries filled with pottery, blown glass, woodwork, and Hawaiian-print clothing by local artists. This blend of cultures is pervasive in the wide selection of spas as well. Hawaiian lomilomi and hot-stone massages are as omnipresent as the orchid and plumeria flowers decorating every treatment room.

Exploring downtown Honolulu, Kailua on the windward side, and the North Shore often yields the most original merchandise. Some of the small stores carry imported clothes and gifts from around the world—a reminder that, on this island halfway between Asia and the United States, shopping is a multicultural experience.

If you're getting a massage at a spa, there's a spiritual element to the lomilomi that calms the soul while the muscles release tension. During a hot-stone massage, smooth rocks, taken from the earth with permission from Pele, the goddess of volcanoes, are heated and placed at focal points on the body. Others are covered in oil and rubbed over tired limbs, feeling like powerful fingers. For an alternative, refresh skin with mango scrubs so fragrant they seem edible. Savor the unusual sensation of bamboo tapped against the arches of the feet. Indulge in a scalp massage that makes the entire body tingle. Day spas provide additional options to the self-indulgent services offered in almost every major hotel on the island.

Royal Hawaiian Center

Waikiki Fodor's Choice

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.

Ala Moana Shopping Center

Ala Moana

The world's largest open-air shopping mall is a five-minute bus ride from Waikiki. More than 350 stores and 160 dining options (including multiple food courts) make up this 50-acre complex, which is a unique mix of national and international chains as well as smaller, locally owned shops and eateries—and everything in between. The newer Lanai @ Ala Moana Center is worth stopping at for a range of casual dining options in one spot. More than 30 luxury boutiques are in residence, with stores such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Christian Dior. All of Hawaii's major department stores are here, including the state's only Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom, plus Macy's, Target, and Bloomingdale's.

Ka Makana Alii — The Center for West Oahu

This mall lures patrons with easy access from the H1 freeway, abundant free parking, and several island ware–focused stores, including Noeau, with an array of locally designed, handcrafted items. It also has plenty of familiar chain stores. Several buses run between the Skyline train stop in East Kapolei and Ka Makana Alii.

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Kahala Mall

Kahala

This indoor mall has more than 100 stores and restaurants, with a mix of national retailers and not-to-be-missed, homegrown boutiques, clothing stores, and galleries. You can also browse local foods and products at Whole Foods. For post-shopping entertainment, see what movies are playing at the Consolidated Kahala Theatres, where you'll also find a full kitchen and bar.

Luxury Row at 2100 Kalakaua

Waikiki

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.

Waikele Premium Outlets

Armani Exchange, Calvin Klein, Coach, and Saks Fifth Avenue outlets anchor this discount destination of around 50 stores.

Waikiki Beach Walk

Waikiki

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.

Oahu

Oahu

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