Ala Moana Center

What are the highlights and features of Ala Moana Center?

Even if you‘re not planning to shop, it’s worth paying Ala Moana a visit for its intriguing design and its lively performance stage.

Several large-scale renovation projects have seen the center expand over the years, the most recent being the enormous Ewa Wing in 2015. The current complex features Hawaiian architectural principles, characterized by symbolism representing the archipelago’s natural beauty. You’ll also see oriental influences peppered throughout, including Pacific Rim motifs and tranquil koi ponds – a homage to Hawaii’s prevalent Asian population.

While you’re wandering between boutiques, be sure to stop by the Ala Moana Centerstage to catch a live act. Hula dancers, the Royal Hawaiian Band (the oldest municipal ensemble in the U.S.), and traveling school groups regularly perform on stage. It’s the state’s busiest open-air amphitheater. If you’re lucky, you may even stumble upon the filming of the hit local TV show Hawaii Stars.

What to shop and eat at Ala Moana Center?

Of course, most travelers visit Ala Moana to indulge in a quick retail fix – and there’s no shortage of tempting outlets to choose from. 

Big-name department stores like Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus, Macy’s, and Nordstrom sell pretty much everything under the sun. If you fancy a splurge, you’ll find upmarket designer stores like  Versace, Chanel, Ralph Lauren, and Armani, to name a few. Loads of local boutiques sell handcrafted Polynesian knick-knacks so the tourists can bring home a souvenir.  

All that retail therapy is bound to see you work up an appetite, and Ala Moana has a restaurant to placate a wide range of tastes. At last count, 90 eateries we’re whipping up tantalizing meals for the famished throngs, with cuisine ranging from fine dining to fast food.

If it’s hot out, now would be a good time to sample some shaved ice, a refreshing Hawaiian delicacy similar to a snow cone. Better yet, live music and frothy pints draw punters to the rooftop Mai Tai Bar, a heaving local institution.

Good to know about Ala Moana Center

The Ala Moana Center is a quick 6-minute taxi cab ride from Waikiki Beach, and many big hotels are within walking distance. If you’re on a budget, TheBus (Route 42) will drop you right out front, or hop on the charming Pink Line Trolley instead. Free parking is available across various multi-story carparks, and there’s always enough room to snag a space.

Avid shopaholics could spend all day wading through Ala Moana Center’s countless stores. If you want a quick look, allow at least 30 minutes to cover sprawling space. Although it’s an open-air mall, most Ala Moana stores are undercover, so you can shop to your heart’s content even when it rains. Indeed, the shopping mall is one of the most popular things to do in Honolulu on a rainy day.

Opposite the mall lies the leafy Ala Moana Park, a gorgeous oceanfront expanse complete with sports facilities and pristine beaches.