Where to go shopping in Honolulu

There are so many great reasons to visit Honolulu. The capital of Hawaii is also the biggest city in the archipelago and is home to some of its top cultural attractions exploring both World War II and the Polynesian origins of what was once an independent nation.

Then there are the beaches. Legendary locations like Waikiki Beach mean that you can spend all day enjoying the warm sand and the beautiful waves, even right from downtown Honolulu itself.

But because this is the capital of Hawaii, it's also a great place to do some shopping. Shopping centers outside of town offer all the most popular high street brands, while Waikiki Shopping Plaza, the premier retail corridor in Honolulu, combines both well-known brands and great restaurants into one memorable shopping experience. You can also keep it real at local markets where you can shop like a Hawaiian for incredible produce and traditional handicrafts, or explore luxury boutiques in the more upscale areas of the city.

There's almost no limit to the shopping Honolulu offers. But you can make it a lot easier on yourself by downloading the Bounce app to find storage wherever you are. We partner with local businesses to provide convenient short-term storage, so if you need a place to drop off your purchases in Honolulu while you head to the beach or go out for the night, we've got you covered.

All you need to know when shopping in Honolulu

Shopping in Honolulu blends luxury with local charm. You can find everything here from internationally known brands at the Waikiki Business Plaza to designer duds at a reasonable price at Waikele Premium Outlets to genuine Hawaiian art and artifacts at the city's local markets. Explore the diverse neighborhoods of the city to get the best shopping experience possible.

Shopping architecture

Honolulu’s shopping scene ranges from sprawling open-air malls to bustling local markets and high-end shopping districts. Key locations include:

• Kalakaua Avenue: The main shopping strip in Waikiki, offering luxury boutiques, high-street brands, and unique Hawaiian stores. This area is a great all-rounder, offering a little bit of everything for everyone, so if you only want to go shopping in one area of the city and get everything there, this is probably your best bet.
• Ala Moana Center: The world’s largest open-air shopping mall, featuring over 350 stores, from luxury brands to casual retailers. If you can't find it here, it probably doesn't exist, and given the size of the place, you can easily spend a whole day here dining at the restaurants in between browsing the shelves of the seemingly endless stores.
• Chinatown: A vibrant area filled with specialty shops, art galleries, and local markets. Chinese immigration has been key to making Hawaii what it is today, so this is a great place to not only shop but also to understand another facet of the state's culture.
• Ward Village: A trendy neighborhood with boutique stores, dining options, and lifestyle shops. This neighborhood offers one of the most pleasant shopping experiences in the city, so take your time and browse through some unique stores.

Opening hours and seasonality

Most shops in Honolulu open from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with shorter hours on Sundays. Local markets and some smaller stores may open earlier. Honolulu's generally great weather makes outdoor shopping a real treat at any time of year, so leave your bags behind with Bounce and explore to your heart's content.

Pricing and bargaining

Prices are typically fixed in stores and malls, but local markets and independent vendors might allow for light bargaining. Hawaii also has competitive pricing on luxury goods due to its lower tax rates. If you do intend to haggle at the market, you'll want to have some cash handy, as prices can often be better if you don't pay by credit card. However, Honolulu is a very expensive place to live, so don't expect local retailers to knock much off their prices. They need to make a living just like you do.

Shop like a local

• Bring reusable shopping bags, as Hawaii has banned single-use plastic bags. In this eco-friendly place, you'll need to come prepared with your own bags or else be ready to buy a reusable bag at the store.
• Carry cash for local markets and smaller vendors who may not accept cards.
• Take advantage of Honolulu’s public transport system or hotel shuttles to navigate shopping districts conveniently. While it is a sizable city, Honolulu is quite easy to get around, so it's worth taking a little bit of time to get to grips with the public transportation system so you can explore all the different shopping areas you'll find in the city.

Unique shops to visit in Honolulu

Honolulu is home to unique stores that capture the essence of Hawaiian culture and creativity. Here are some must-visit spots:

Manaola Hawaii

This boutique offers modern Hawaiian fashion inspired by traditional cultural motifs. Each piece is handmade, reflecting the beauty and heritage of the islands. This is the ideal place to go if you want a piece of clothing that will serve as a lasting souvenir of your trip to Hawaii, but are looking for something a cut above the usual 'I Love Hawaii' apparel you'll find in the souvenir stores.

Address: Ala Moana Center, 1450 Ala Moana Blvd

Noa Noa Hawaii

Known for its vibrant resort wear, Noa Noa Hawaii creates clothing and accessories using bold prints and tropical designs. If you forgot your swimsuit, or you just feel like treating yourself to a new one, this is the ideal place to go. Also, the batik designs here are really striking, and make the perfect apparel for strolling along the beach or going out for dinner in Honolulu.

Address: 2142 Kalakaua Ave

Bailey’s Antiques and Aloha Shirts

A paradise for vintage enthusiasts, this store features over 15,000 aloha shirts, ranging from modern designs to rare collectibles. There's much more to the traditional Hawaiian shirt than most people realize, so check out this store to pick up something genuine and striking.

Address: 517 Kapahulu Ave

Shopping experiences in Honolulu

Sometimes, you just need to pick up a new pair of socks or some sandals for the beach. Other times, though, you want to make shopping more of an authentic experience. Luckily, you can most definitely do that here. Honolulu’s markets and specialty shops are perfect for exploring local flavors, crafts, and more.

Honolulu Farmers Market

Held weekly, this market features fresh produce, artisan foods, and handmade goods. It’s a great spot to pick up Hawaiian honey, coffee, and jams. If you're cooking for yourself, you'll definitely want to come here to pick up your produce and ingredients. But even if you're not, this is the perfect place to sample local delicacies and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

Address: Neal S. Blaisdell Center, 777 Ward Ave

Royal Hawaiian Center

Located in the heart of Waikiki, this center offers more than shopping, with hula performances, lei-making workshops, and Hawaiian music. It's a perfect place to experience Hawaii's unique culture while getting some shopping done at the same time.

Address: 2201 Kalakaua Ave

Big Island Candies

Who doesn't like candy? Indulge in premium Hawaiian chocolates and shortbread cookies at this shop, which also offers beautifully packaged gifts.

Address: Ala Moana Center

Traditional Shopping Options in Honolulu

For a more conventional shopping experience, Honolulu offers world-class malls and high-street options:

Ala Moana Center

The largest open-air mall in the world, featuring everything from Chanel and Gucci to local Hawaiian brands. Given the size of the shopping center, you could easily make an entire day out of a shopping trip here and never run out of places to explore.

Address: 1450 Ala Moana Blvd

Waikiki Beach Walk

A pedestrian-friendly shopping area featuring boutique stores, art galleries, and dining options in a relaxed setting. In many ways, this place combines the best of Hawaii, including excellent retail, great dining, and incredible ocean scenery.

Address: 227 Lewers St

Kahala Mall

A smaller, upscale mall with a mix of fashion stores, lifestyle boutiques, and local shops. This is a good place to go if you find shopping in the downtown overwhelming and prefer a more relaxed vibe.

Address: 4211 Waialae Ave

Honolulu’s shopping scene offers an extraordinary mix of luxury, local artistry, and cultural immersion. Like the islands themselves, the shopping scene in the Hawaiian capital is colorful, diverse, and fascinating to explore. Luxury boutiques exist side-by-side with traditional handicraft stores, and local Hawaiian designers keep their culture alive through new creations that offer something truly unique.

Use Bounce to look after your new purchases or your luggage, and you'll have a much easier time shopping till you drop in the Hawaiian capital. With your belongings safely looked after near Honolulu Airport, the Cruise Port, or the Ala Moana Center, you can travel light and explore all the different facets that make the city, and its retail environment, what it is.