Looking for places to shop at while on your dream Hawaiian vacation? Here are some shopping areas you don’t want to miss while visiting Oahu.
Costco Iwilei – There are several Costco locations on Oahu, but Costco Iwilei is the closest to the airport. You’ll want to stop here for food, water, supplies, gas or pretty much anything else you might need on your trip. If you’re staying in Waikiki, you’ll want to avoid all the insanely high prices at your hotel, ABC Store and Food Pantry. If you’re staying at Ko Olina or Turtle Bay, the prices along the way should be cheaper. Costco is located off of Nimitz Highway at 525 Alakawa Street. Their hours are Monday to Fridays from 11:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Waikele Premium Outlets – This open-air outlet mall is located in central Oahu and is part of the Chelsea Premium Outlet group. It is a definite must-see for all shopoholics, label freaks, bag whores and those fiercely committed to retail therapy. Waikele features everything you could ever want, all at discounted outlet prices. It has a good variety of stores with many of them posting up large savings on their every day prices. If you’re lucky and catch them on a marked down or clearance rack, prices might be so low you’ll feel like you stole something. Waikele Premium Outlets are located at 94-790 Lumiaina Street and they’re open 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Monday through Saturday and 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sundays.
Aloha Stadium Swap Meet – Those who like to hunt for bargains will enjoy themselves at the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet, open on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The swap meet is held on the grounds of the famous Aloha Stadium at 99-500 Salt Lake Boulevard. Entrance is only a dollar for those over 12. You’ll be able to find unbelievable bargains from hundreds of craftsmen, artists, and merchants.
Ala Moana Shopping Center – Located just minutes from Waikiki at 1450 Ala Moana Boulevard, this mall is ideal for the visiting shopper. It contains over 260 shops and restaurants to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a new bikini for the beach, that special diamond for that special someone or Hawaiian memorabilia to take home, you’ll be able to find it here. The mall is open daily, from 9:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Friday through Saturday and 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday.
Chinatown – Almost every large city has its own form of Chinatown, but Oahu’s Chinatown is a little different. Over the years it has grown and evolved, adding to the flavor of one of Honolulu’s most historic districts. Now it is bustling with merchants of all ethnicities, such as Vietnamese, Laotian, Chinese, Filipino, Hawaiian, Korean and Caucasian. These vendors all provide different services and fulfill a variety of needs. You won’t know what awaits you at the next shop, from art exhibits, natural foods merchants, Chinese herbalists, Vietnamese cuisine and fresh produce, seafood and meat vendors.
There are tons of other shopping locations around the island just waiting to be discovered. Don’t be afraid to pop on into a store that you don’t recognize. It may contain the jewel you’ve been searching for.
