Ala Moana Center, the world’s largest outdoor shopping center and
Hawaii’s premier shopping, dining and entertainment destination,
has added 17 new storefronts to its collection of world-class
attractions. Altogether, the venue boasts 260 stores, including
nearly 70 dining options, and features a diverse and distinctive
selection of locally-owned boutiques right alongside the most
prestigious national retailers. The collection showcases much of
what is uniquely Hawaiian, while still incorporating the
sophistication and flair of the country’s most popular and
successful brand names. New food options embody the Hawaiian-Asian
style, with eateries like Hibachi-san, where Master Chef Ming-Tsai
Cherng has created a menu of eight different types of
Tepanyaki-style plates featuring a variety of sautéed vegetables
and meats, an array of sushi and rolls, four different types of
Oishii salads and more, all with the freshest ingredients prepared
on-site. Shoppers can also drop by Koi Koi, for a fresh approach to
okonomiyaki a Japanese-style pancake made with batter and bits of
meat, seafood, egg and vegetables. Or, for some light refreshment,
shoppers can stop in a the new Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, now one
of the fastest-growing coffee franchises in Hawaii, for specialty
teas, coffees and blended beverages. Many larger retailers are
making their Hawaiian debut with their induction into the Ala Moana
Center. Jimmy Choo, one of the leading luxury brands in the world,
has chosen the Center for its first location in the state of
Hawaii. Its collection of high-end accessories, shoes and bags have
been made famous by Hollywood’s A-list celebrities. Juicy Couture,
popular for its terry cloth, velour, cashmere and fleece trendy
tracksuits, also introduces its first location in the state. Its
collection includes designer jeans, t-shirts, handbags, beachwear,
watches, shoes and fragrances. Other new labels opening their doors
in Hawaii for the first time include Miss Sixty/Energie, which
caters to the younger generation of fashion-conscious women; and
Theory, a New-York based label which creates classically stylish
pieces.
Those seeking after-hours diversion can pay a visit to Pearl,
Oahu’s newest and hottest ultralounge. Offering some of the
island’s best pupus, specialty drinks, live entertainment and
dancing, the club also serves Italian-influenced cuisine created by
top chef Donato Loperfido. Its outstanding cocktail menu was
designed by Francesco Lafranconia, a noted Las-Vegas-based master
of libations. Pearl is open Sunday, Tuesday through Thursday from 5
p.m. to 2 a.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 4 a.m.
www.alamoanacenter.com
