Ala Moana Center, Hawaii’s premier shopping destination and one of the largest open-air shopping malls in the world.
With nearly every top global brand gathered here, it’s worth a visit just to soak in the atmosphere!
While many people assume that shops in Hawaii are expensive due to the high cost of living, prices are often set lower than on the U.S. mainland. This is because Hawaii is a global tourist destination with a lower sales tax.
In fact, many people visit Hawaii just for the shopping, especially for luxury brands where the price difference can be significant.
The mall is home to four major department stores, about 340 brand-name shops, and approximately 90 restaurants, making it too large to explore in a single day. Be sure to plan your visit efficiently!
Top 5 Recommended Restaurants at Ala Moana Center
First, let’s introduce our top 5 recommended restaurants at Ala Moana Center!
We’ve carefully selected a variety of options, including spots with a Hawaiian atmosphere, popular U.S. chain restaurants, and highly-rated eateries offering great value.
Mariposa
A popular, award-winning restaurant that has earned numerous accolades, including the Hale Aina Award!
Located on the third floor of Neiman Marcus, this restaurant offers high-quality everything: a stunning ocean view from the terrace, a Hawaiian-style interior, and a delicious menu where every dish is a winner.
You can fully enjoy an atmosphere that will make you feel like you’ve truly arrived in Hawaii.
The restaurant is known for using fresh, locally sourced ingredients from Hawaii, and its brunch menu is especially popular, featuring items like pancakes, loco moco, and eggs Benedict.
It’s also a hidden gem for watching beautiful sunsets, so if you’re undecided on where to eat, don’t hesitate to check it out!
Jade Dynasty Seafood Restaurant
This popular spot is consistently named Hawaii’s Best Chinese Restaurant in the annual rankings by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
You can enjoy delicious and reasonably priced dim sum, with no wrong choices on the menu.
While some might think ‘yum cha’ (dim sum) just means ‘drinking tea,’ it actually refers to a light lunch style of ‘eating dim sum while drinking tea.’
They offer a wide variety of dim sum, including classics like xiao long bao and garlic chive dumplings. Ordering is easy even if you don’t speak English—you simply check off the items you want on a paper menu and hand it to the staff!
The menu also includes photos, so you can avoid the common traveler’s mishap of ordering the wrong thing.
Of course, they have an extensive regular menu as well, so feel free to order according to your preferences.
85°C Bakery Cafe
A Taiwanese bakery chain with over 1,000 stores worldwide, primarily in the United States.
It’s popular for offering a wide variety of breads, cakes, and specialty coffees at affordable prices!
Incidentally, the name comes from the belief that 85°C (185°F) is the optimal temperature for brewing coffee.
It gained popularity starting in California, so you might expect an American lineup, but it actually originated in Asia, so they offer many Japanese-style breads and cakes too!
In Hawaii, popular items include the ‘Marble Taro’ bread and the ‘Sea Salt Coffee,’ which is topped with sea salt cream and cocoa powder.
It’s located in a spot you might not find just by walking around, which adds to its hidden gem appeal.
California Pizza Kitchen
California Pizza Kitchen, commonly known as ‘CPK,’ is a beloved pizza chain across the United States.
If you’re looking for pizza in Hawaii, this is our top recommendation!
With locations all over Hawaii, it’s easy to visit one whenever you’re craving pizza.
They have an extensive pizza menu, including many unique options you wouldn’t typically find elsewhere.
While they also serve pasta and other plated entrees, it’s a pizza place, so we recommend trying a variety of their pizzas.
When in Hawaii, why not go for a hearty American meal!
SHABUYA
This is the best value all-you-can-eat shabu-shabu hot pot restaurant in Hawaii.
If you’re craving vegetables or seafood, SHABUYA is the place to go!
In a place like Hawaii with a high cost of living, it’s amazing how they can offer all-you-can-eat at such a reasonable price.
The food is delicious, the value is excellent, and it’s a restaurant that leaves every visitor satisfied.
It’s packed with locals daily, and you’ll understand why it’s so popular when you see the line, even if you arrive right at opening time!
By the way, it’s operated by the same company as ‘GEN Korean BBQ House,’ the all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ place on the 4th floor.
Top 5 Recommended Food Court Eateries at Ala Moana Center
Next, we’ll introduce the top 5 recommendations from the two food courts at Ala Moana Center!
We’ve picked three must-visit spots from Makai Market Food Court and two from The Lanai.
Chick-fil-A
A fast-food chain credited with inventing the chicken sandwich, which has not yet expanded to many countries outside of North America.
In fact, with over 3,000 locations across the U.S., it holds the No. 1 spot in the chicken industry!
While KFC might be the go-to for chicken in some countries, in the U.S., including Hawaii, Chick-fil-A reigns supreme.
They are committed to using chicken raised without any hormones, steroids, or antibiotics, ensuring a delicious and juicy flavor every time.
It’s not just the chicken; their original buns are delicious too, and the famous Chick-fil-A sauce, a major reason for its popularity, has a truly unique taste you won’t find anywhere else.
It is one of the most popular spots in the Makai Market Food Court!
PANDA EXPRESS
A popular American-Chinese plate lunch spot, famous for its panda logo.
Their main selling point is the great value, allowing you to choose a base (side) like fried rice or chow mein and a couple of main dishes (entrees)!
The Orange Chicken is especially popular and is a staple order for most visitors.
The portions are generous enough for two people to share one plate, making it a great option for a budget-friendly meal in Hawaii!
The complimentary fortune cookie they make in-house is also cute with its panda logo.
Panda Express is another one of the most crowded eateries in the Makai Market Food Court.
Jollibee
This fried chicken chain has overwhelming support from the public in the Philippines.
In fact, Filipinos are the largest immigrant group in Hawaii, and Jollibee has opened many locations here!
It’s recognized as having some of the ‘best bone-in fried chicken’ even in the U.S., so it’s definitely worth trying at least once.
A key feature is its original gravy, which is served in a novel style—for dipping your fried chicken in.
They offer various other menu items like hamburgers, pies, and hot dogs, but what you should try along with the fried chicken is the Jolly Spaghetti.
It’s a slightly sweet pasta made with banana ketchup, with cheese and sliced sausage, offering a unique and addictive flavor.
It’s located at the very end of the Makai Market Food Court (on the parking lot side), so be careful not to miss it.
IYASUME
A Japanese bento shop that prides itself on using rice from Japan and making everything by hand.
They offer a wide variety of both Japanese-style onigiri (rice balls) and Hawaii’s famous Spam musubi, so you’ll never get bored!
Their bento boxes feature different daily specials and are very affordable, so the shop is always bustling with customers.
It’s the perfect spot when you need a break from the heavy meals in Hawaii, and its name, ‘Iyasume,’ literally comes from the Japanese phrase for ‘resting your stomach’!
It’s a very reliable spot for a quick bite or when you’re in a pinch, making it a valuable find even for travelers.
In The Lanai, which is often a quiet area with many open spots, this place consistently has a line, showing its popularity.
Teppanyaki Farmer
A teppanyaki plate lunch spot where you can enjoy delicious yakiniku and steak at an affordable price.
It was formerly ‘Tae’s Teppanyaki,’ a well-loved local favorite.
Their signature dish is the Steak Roll, which pairs perfectly with rice and will have you coming back for more!
The dish consists of thinly sliced potatoes wrapped in a generous amount of meat, served over a bed of lettuce.
You can top it with free garlic and drizzle it with their special ponzu sauce to your liking.
It’s a must-try when visiting The Lanai—a popular dish that is both filling and easy on the wallet!
Top 10 Recommended Shops at Ala Moana Center
Finally, let’s introduce our top 10 recommended shops from the overwhelming number of stores!
Since Ala Moana Center has so many department stores and brands, this list focuses on ‘shops popular with international visitors’ and ‘stores where you can buy Hawaii-exclusive items.’
Moncler
A luxury apparel brand popular for its high quality and competitive prices.
This brand, originally from France, is known for being sold at significantly lower prices in Hawaii compared to many other countries.
The price difference is more significant on higher-priced items, which is why many people specifically come to buy their down jackets.
A key draw is that prices in Hawaii are nearly the same as in Europe. Due to the large number of customers from Japan, they often have Japanese-speaking staff available.
They release exclusive Hawaii collaboration items every three months, and some products sell out on the day they arrive!
Since most of their customers are travelers, they sell products for all seasons year-round.
BIG ISLAND CANDIES
Reputed to be the most delicious in Hawaii, this is the No. 1 cookie shop among locals.
Their secret recipe features carefully selected ingredients, with a focus on Hawaiian-grown macadamia nuts and Kona coffee, as well as high-quality eggs, butter, and chocolate.
Their rich flavor makes their shortbread cookies a particular favorite among locals, and word has spread, making them a classic souvenir for travelers from all over the world!
The packaging is simple, but the taste is guaranteed, making them a reliable choice for any occasion.
The company is based on the Big Island, but their only Oahu store is here at Ala Moana Center.
VICTORIA’S SECRET
Many tourists visit this store for its wide selection of products not available in their home countries and its lower U.S. prices.
Their body care products are especially one of the most popular Hawaiian souvenirs for women!
While apparel items like lingerie and sweats are also popular, body lotions, body creams, and mists are highly recommended as souvenirs.
It’s no exaggeration to say that along with its sister brand, Bath & Body Works, it dominates the body care market!
Additionally, they have a separate, adjacent store for their PINK line, which is geared towards a younger audience.
Bath & Body Works
A personal care specialty store that is immensely popular for both personal use and as souvenirs.
They carry a wide range of bath and body care products, including aromatherapy items, body creams, and fragrances.
All their products have wonderful scents and are said to be so good that you can’t stop using them once you try!
The company is particularly famous worldwide for its soaps and hand sanitizers.
The prices are affordable, and they often have great ‘buy more, save more’ deals like ‘buy 3, get 3 free.’ It’s so popular that you’ll always see people carrying Bath & Body Works bags around Ala Moana Center.
Since the brand has not expanded to many countries, visitors often buy in bulk, but be careful not to overbuy as the products can be heavy!
THE NORTH FACE
Among the many brands recommended for women, this outdoor apparel brand is a great choice for men.
It’s an incredibly popular brand known for its stylish designs and functionality!
Incidentally, you can buy their products at much lower prices than in many other countries, so a lot of people stock up while in Hawaii.
Their jackets are particularly popular, as they are not only cool but also practical for everyday city use, especially on rainy days.
They also have many products you can’t get elsewhere, such as Hawaii-exclusive T-shirts, so it might be a good idea to look for those.
This is their only store in Hawaii, so be sure to check it out when you visit Ala Moana Center.
UNIQLO
Japan’s quintessential and affordable apparel brand that needs no introduction.
Its popularity is immense in Hawaii as well, with many locals visiting daily to get their hands on affordable, high-quality products.
UNIQLO in Hawaii is popular for its exclusive T-shirts from collaborations with various local Hawaiian companies and artists, attracting many tourists who seek them out.
They also offer a service called UTme!, which allows you to customize and print your own designs. You can choose from existing options or create your own unique Hawaii-themed T-shirts and bags.
They also carry unique Aloha shirts, which offer a great combination of design, price, and quality. You might not even need to visit a specialty aloha shirt store!
CHANEL
One of the one or two most famous luxury fashion brands in the world.
In fact, Hawaii was the first location in the U.S. for the brand, and the stores here are large, meaning they are well-stocked with a wide range of items, including new arrivals.
The Coco Handle bag, which is often sold out in many countries, can even be found on display in Hawaii!
Additionally, extremely rare items with only a few pieces available worldwide are often located in the U.S., so you can even have them shipped to the store for purchase.
By the way, stock can vary by salesperson and store, so it’s a good idea to check the Waikiki store as well before making a purchase!
MOOMIN SHOP HAWAII
A specialty shop featuring Moomin characters transformed into a Hawaiian style.
It’s so typically Hawaiian to see these world-famous characters with a local makeover.
The store is packed with merchandise featuring Moomin in a swimsuit—a rare sight—and other familiar characters relaxing on the beach!
T-shirts are particularly popular, and they have sizes for adults, kids, and babies, so it could be fun for the whole family to explore Hawaii in matching outfits.
With a lineup irresistible to fans, including Hawaii-exclusive phone cases, mugs, and tote bags, it’s a great place to stop for souvenirs.
YETI
A specialty store for coolers and accessories known for their exceptional durability and insulation.
The brand’s popularity skyrocketed with the camping boom among young Americans and has also gained attention in countries like Japan, partly because it’s used by baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani.
Tumblers are widely used in Hawaii, making them a very popular birthday gift among locals.
You can customize items with your name or find exclusive products with ‘Hawaii’ or ‘Honolulu’ on them, making them perfect for souvenirs.
In addition to tumblers, they also sell T-shirts, bags, and cooler boxes.
SEPHORA
A must-visit cosmetics specialty store that is incredibly popular worldwide.
Its main appeal is the vast selection of products, bringing together popular brands from high-end luxury to natural lines that focus on wholesome ingredients.
They carry many products not available in other countries, including professional-grade cosmetics produced by international celebrities!
Many items can be purchased at a lower price than in other countries, and they are sure to be a hit as souvenirs.
Be sure to stop by and discover the latest trends in global cosmetics.
A List of Brands Offering Great Value in Hawaii
We’ve compiled a list of brands that are significantly cheaper in Hawaii compared to many other countries, have left certain international markets, or are not yet available globally.
While many world-famous luxury brands are often slightly cheaper in Hawaii, we’ve excluded those with only minor price differences from this list.
Bag & Accessory Shops
- Kate Spade New York
- COACH
- TUMI
- Tory Burch
- Michael Kors
- LeSportsac
Jewelry & Watch Shops
- Cartier
- TIFFANY & Co.
- Harry Winston
- BVLGARI
- ROLEX
Fashion Shops
- Island Slipper
- Abercrombie & Fitch
- American Eagle
- OLDNAVY
- GAP
- crocs
- J.CREW
- Dolce & Gabbana
- Banana Republic
- HOLLISTER
- Ralph Lauren
A Sample Itinerary for Exploring Ala Moana Center
If you want to efficiently explore Ala Moana Center in one day, here is a recommended itinerary!
Morning: Browse the Shops
Ala Moana Center is massive, and with so many stores, it’s easy to get sidetracked. To avoid regrets, the trick is to first browse through your desired shops without buying anything.
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Lunch Break at a Restaurant
By now, you’ll likely be tired from walking, so take a break at a restaurant for lunch. If you have a Rakuten Card, the Rakuten Card Lounge is also a great place to relax!
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Afternoon: Time to Shop
After lunch, go back and purchase the items you wanted from your morning browse. If you have extra time, explore the shops at the far ends of the center that you haven’t seen yet.
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Quick Dinner at the Food Court
It might seem backward, but we recommend a quick dinner at the food court. In Hawaii, many restaurants are affordable for lunch but expensive for dinner. Considering tips and other costs, getting good value is important.
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Souvenir Shopping
It’s best to buy all your souvenirs quickly at one place. If you’re looking to save money, consider visiting Don Quijote or Walmart, where you can find popular souvenirs at lower prices. They have an excellent selection and are open late, so you can go even after Ala Moana Center has closed.
Ala Moana Center Basic Information
| Name | Ala Moana Center |
| Address | 1450 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814 |
| Map | |
| Hours | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Closed | None |
| Restrooms | Available |
| Parking | Available (Free) |
Recommended Ways to Get to Ala Moana Center
Biki [A bike-sharing system for getting around Honolulu easily]
Waikiki Trolley [A large bus specializing in sightseeing at popular spots]
Areas Around Ala Moana Center
[The Complete Guide] Top Recommended Tourist Spots in Waikiki & Ala Moana, Oahu