Many travelers rank Hawaii’s shopping scene right up there with its sun, surf and sandy beaches. Around the islands, visitors can find everything from high-end fashion labels to handmade arts and crafts.
To help clients keep tabs on the retail action, here’s the latest news from the destination’s top shopping centers, where patrons can bag a few bargains or make a day of it at the mall.
Ala Moana Center, Oahu
Returnees to Ala Moana Center, Hawaii’s largest shopping center, will discover a new Saks Off 5th, with name brands at big savings. The debut of Ross Dress for Less provides another option for money-saving apparel. Earning a major buzz at Ala Moana is Oahu’s latest Target, which opened in October.
For families, Ala Moana now offers a children’s play area and Lucky Strike Social, with bowling, live music, food and arcade gaming. Ala Moana also recently launched a weekly farmers market, which runs Sundays from 9 a.m. to noon.
www.alamoanacenter.com
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort, Oahu
With more than 90 shops and services on 22 acres, Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort is a mecca for browsers and buyers. Fresh unveilings include Aloha Bella, a one-stop shop for women’s apparel; Anuenue, the resort’s first-ever on-property logo store; Kapahikaua Gallery, with Hawaiian wood keepsakes; and Happy Wahine, with tropical handbags.
In December, Hilton will take the wraps off a 2,000-square-foot DFS, with shopping areas for both international and domestic travelers, along with a renovated Martin & MacArthur, prized for koa wood furniture and accessories.
www.hiltonhawaiianvillage.com
International Market Place, Oahu
International Market Place (IMP), Waikiki’s renovated shopping, dining and entertainment hub keeps expanding its tenant count. Recent arrivals include 3.1 Phillip Lim and Vince., both offering men’s and women’s wear. Philip Rickard specializes in Hawaiian heirloom jewelry, while a new Billabong store sells sport and lifestyle fashions. Additionally, House of Samsonite focuses on luggage and travel gear.
Two of IMP’s more unique newcomers include Hawaii’s first Mitsuwa Marketplace, which boasts a variety of Japanese food and goods; and Pacific Harley Davidson, whose clothes cater equally to the Hawaiian and biker cultures.
www.shopinternationalmarketplace.com
Kings’ Shops, Hawaii Island
Set in Waikoloa Resort, Kings’ Shops has welcomed Aloha Jewelry & Gems, home of handmade, custom baubles; and Rix Island Wear, an innovative enterprise by Crazy Shirts founder Rick Ralston. Another addition, Aesthetic Hawaii by Genesis Galleries, presents clothing and collectibles designed by local artists.
On its way soon to Kings’ Shops is Enjoy Fashion, an Italian luxury salon channeling European hair and makeup trends. Shoppers will also be able to recharge at Island Vintage Coffee, with gourmet 100 percent Kona coffee from area growers.
www.kingsshops.com
Queens’ MarketPlace, Hawaii Island
The big news out of Waikoloa Resort shopping center Queens’ MarketPlace is Waikoloa Luxury Cinemas, Hawaii Island’s first upscale movie experience. Patrons will enjoy cushy seats, a full-service restaurant and bar and top films on three screens, including one with 3-D technology. The grand opening is slated for December.
www.queensmarketplace.net
Salt at Our Kakaako, Oahu
Salt at Our Kakaako, Oahu’s newest mall, fills a city block in Kakaako, an emerging Honolulu neighborhood. The 85,000-square-foot retail, restaurant and mixed-use space exudes an open, pedestrian-friendly ambience.
Salt’s latest ventures include Lonohana Estate Chocolate, whose sweet bars, brews and baked items showcase Oahu-grown cacao. Also new is Gillia, a Honolulu-based woman’s clothing boutique with prints and styles that match Hawaii’s mood and climate.
www.saltatkakaako.com
Shops at Wailea, Maui
Gottling Garden Store just opened its doors at this shopping center in Wailea Resort. The outdoor living and garden emporium is the brainchild of Maui interior designer Karl Gottling.
Next up for Shops at Wailea: Volcom, with sports-oriented clothing calling to active young clients, and yoga-inspired athletic garb by Lululemon.
www.theshopsatwailea.com
