If you’re searching for the best shopping in Waikiki, keep reading, because we have all the receipts!

The Best Shopping in Waikiki

For many people, shopping while on vacation is part of the experience. New places might have shops you don’t have access to at home. It’s also fun to let your hair down on vacation and treat yourself more than you normally would. No matter the reason, Hawaii has tons of shopping, and we’re here to help you discover the best shopping in Waikiki.

Ala Moana Shopping Center

This is the big kahuna of shopping centers in Hawaii. Ala Moana Shopping Center is the eighth largest shopping center in America, and the largest open-air shopping mall in the world. That’s a lot of shopping! You can find everything here. Locally-owned curated boutiques, popular name-brand stores, department stores, designer stores and more. In addition to shopping, the food court is on point. Japanese curry, sushi, Chinese, Italian, Hawaiian, Filipino, Vietnamese, smoothies, sandwiches and more. You can also find full service restaurants and bars on the upper levels. Check out the main stage for live events too.

While you can walk to Ala Moana from most centrally-located Waikiki hotels, most people prefer to take an Uber or use public transportation, TheBus. Several bus lines from Waikiki to Ala Moana are available, most notably Route 8. It’s a short, easy and affordable ride.

The International Marketplace

This famed open-air market is located in the epicenter of Waikiki, and underwent a full scale renovation and reinventing between 2013 – 2016. in We’re not going to lie, we still miss the original International Marketplace. Except for the location and the huge banyan tree, everything is different now. Gone with the wind are the winding paths of tucked away mom & pop shops and carts selling everything imaginable. They’ve been replaced with stores like Rolex and Balenciaga; and the old food court has made way for fine dining restaurants. There are still lots of gems to be found here, so it’s definitely worth a visit!

If you have children, take them to the event area on the main level. There’s a lovely water feature they can play in, and the old banyan tree has a treehouse built into it you can walk through.

“Waikiki Marketplace”

This isn’t the name of this open-air collection of vendors, but it’s what I’ll call it for the sake of this article. As far as I know, it doesn’t have an official name. Located on the corner of Royal Hawaiian Avenue and Lau’ula Street, you can get a feel for ‘old Waikiki’ shopping here. This is what the original International Marketplace used to be like. No name brands here – just polyester aloha shirts, candles carved into elaborate designs, tchotchkes, jewelry and such. Not to mention, there’s a very cool tiki bar near the entrance; Cuckoo Coconuts.

Best Shopping in Waikiki: The Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center

Now let’s hop over to the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center. This is a great place to shop in Waikiki. Located along Kalakaua Avenue and this shopping center is almost three blocks long and is three stories tall. It’s really three separate buildings, connected to one another. In all fairness, this is a mostly upscale shopping center, but there are unique things that set it apart from other shopping in Waikiki.

• Try the shave ice at Island Vintage Shave Ice. They have delectable flavors such as Heavenly Lilikoi. They also have a coffee shop and restaurant churning out top notch coffees and healthy food offerings daily.
• Grab a Japanese-inspired dessert at Kororo Cafe.
• A “must-stop” for the children in your life is Kira x Miffy.
• Monthly pop-up market: Malama Hawaii Makers Market.
• In the evening, take a stroll into the Royal Hawaiian Resort coconut grove and gardens from the shopping center. It’s one of the most peaceful spots in Waikiki. You’ll be enveloped in the scent of plumeria and night-blooming jasmine…and tranquility.
• The Waikiki Luau and Rock-a-Hula is located on the top floor of the shopping center, and is included in our Affordable Waikiki All-Inclusive Vacation and our Waikiki 4-Day Express All-Inclusive Affordable Vacation.

The Waikiki Shopping Plaza

Combining the Waikiki Shopping Plaza and Waikiki Business Plaza, this primetime Waikiki location has something for everyone!From the street, you have access to Sephora, H&M, LeSportsac, Tanaka of Tokyo and more. Next, go inside the plaza for multi-levels of eclectic shopping fun.

Duke’s Lane

Narrow corridor of vendors and carts specializing in traditional Hawaii souvenirs. Located next to the Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel on Kalakaua Avenue.

Kalakaua Avenue

Arguably the best shopping in Waikiki is found along glittering Kalakaua Avenue. Waikiki’s main boulevard, this strip has it all. Gucci, Dior, Louis Vuitton, surf shops, art galleries, boutiques, Macy’s and so much more.  In the evening the street comes alive with musicians, street artists and performers. In addition to great shopping, you’ll be treated to entertainment too!

Best Shopping in Waikiki: Honorable Mentions

Don’t forget to check the shops in your Waikiki hotel, especially if you’re at larger resorts such as the Sheraton Waikiki. Examples are ukulele shops, art galleries, Hawaiian quilting stores and more.

Now that you know where to find the best shopping in Waikiki, we hope you’ll consider allowing us to provide you with a high-quality yet affordable all-inclusive Waikiki vacation. With our interest-free payment plans and early booking options, your vacation will be paid and organized before you get to Hawaii; leaving you plenty of spending money!  Call or email us to get started today.