From upscale boutiques to open-air centers with a local twist, Honolulu offers a well-rounded shopping experience that blends international brands with uniquely Hawaiian finds. Whether you're searching for high fashion, handcrafted goods, or everyday essentials, you’ll find that shopping in Honolulu, HI, reflects the island’s culture, creativity, and connection to place. If you’re considering a move to O‘ahu or just exploring what day-to-day life can look like here, the retail scene gives a helpful preview of the lifestyle.
1. Ala Moana Center
Ala Moana Center is the largest open-air shopping mall in the world, and it earns that title with more than 350 stores spread across four levels. It's a cornerstone of retail in Honolulu, featuring everything from department store staples like Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s to designer labels like Prada, Hermès, and Dior. Alongside its luxury offerings, the mall also has casual retailers like Uniqlo, Sephora, and Apple.
The setting is just as appealing as the store list. With open-air walkways, koi ponds, and shaded seating areas, Ala Moana Center makes it easy to turn errands into a full afternoon outing. Dining options range from quick bites at the Makai Market Food Court to sit-down meals at restaurants like Mariposa and Ruscello.
2. Royal Hawaiian Center
Just steps from Waikīkī Beach, Royal Hawaiian Center blends upscale shopping with Hawaiian culture and hospitality. The open-air design is lined with tropical landscaping and shaded pathways, and the center is anchored by a thoughtful mix of international brands and local artisans.
Luxury labels like Hermès and Salvatore Ferragamo share space with boutiques specializing in fine jewelry, watches, and resort wear. However, what sets Royal Hawaiian Center apart is its commitment to cultural connection. The center regularly hosts hula performances, lei-making workshops, and Hawaiian music events that add more meaning to your visit.
This destination offers an opportunity to experience part of what makes Honolulu unique. Whether you're buying a gift or learning to string a lei, Royal Hawaiian Center balances upscale retail with grounded, local energy.
3. Luxury Row
Located on Kalākaua Avenue in the heart of Waikīkī, Luxury Row is exactly what the name implies—a dedicated stretch of the world’s top fashion houses, all within easy walking distance. If you’re looking for designer labels in a setting that feels polished and international, this is the place.
Luxury Row is home to names like Chanel, Gucci, Saint Laurent, Miu Miu, and Bottega Veneta. The architecture is modern and sleek, and the atmosphere is calm and well-appointed. With over 111,000 square feet of premium retail space, it’s one of the most recognized shopping locations in the Pacific.
For residents and visitors alike, Luxury Row offers a chance to explore current fashion trends while enjoying a break from the crowds. It’s especially convenient for those living nearby in Waikīkī or commuting from other parts of Honolulu for an afternoon of browsing. This type of high-end retail presence is one of the many ways Honolulu, HI, real estate reflects the evolving lifestyle of the city’s most dynamic neighborhoods.
4. Roberta Oaks Hawaii
Tucked into the artsy and energetic neighborhood of Chinatown, Roberta Oaks Hawaii brings a fresh perspective to local fashion that makes it the epitome of shopping in Honolulu, HI. This boutique is known for its tailored, modern take on traditional aloha wear, offering pieces that are bold, smart, and refreshingly current.
The shop features men’s and women’s shirts, dresses, and accessories, all designed and sewn locally. Each piece blends vintage patterns with modern cuts, making them wearable far beyond vacation settings. Roberta Oaks Hawaii is also a reliable place to find small, locally made goods like candles, jewelry, and art prints.
5. International Market Place
The reimagined International Market Place brings together history, design, and a wide selection of retailers in a tropical setting that’s hard to beat. Once known for its maze of souvenir kiosks and shaded food stands, this Waikīkī landmark was transformed in 2016 into a thoughtfully curated shopping and dining destination.
Today, the International Market Place features popular names like Anthropologie, Burberry, and Balenciaga alongside smaller specialty shops. The layout wraps around a massive over-a-century-old banyan tree, creating a calm, shaded centerpiece for the open-air center.
But shopping is only part of the experience. The Grand Lānai, located on the center’s third level, features a strong line-up of restaurants from well-known chefs, including Roy Yamaguchi and Michael Mina. The range of flavors and views of Waikīkī make it a great place to meet friends for dinner or grab a drink after exploring the shops.
Between its modern design and connection to the site’s long history, International Market Place is a great example of how Honolulu combines tradition with progress in a way that feels authentic and engaging.
Find the Right Fit With a Trusted Partner on O‘ahu
Whether you’re drawn to Honolulu’s energy, its balance of urban and natural spaces, or the ease of everyday living that comes with being close to top-tier amenities, the retail landscape is just one piece of the puzzle. As you explore neighborhoods and consider your next move, working with a real estate team that understands both market trends and local lifestyle can help you find a home that fits your rhythm. Team Hawai‘i Real Estate brings that blend of insight and experience, helping buyers and sellers make smart, well-timed decisions throughout the Honolulu market. When you’re ready to take the next step, reach out to a team that knows the island and its neighborhoods inside and out.
*Header image courtesy of Pexels
