One of the great joys of a Hawaii trip is shopping and souvenir hunting. However, for travelers with limited days, navigating the vast shopping areas and making smart purchases amidst the weak yen and rising prices are pressing concerns.
This time, we’ve carefully selected five ‘truly valuable shopping spots’ where you can find unique Hawaiian local items and limited-edition goods, from the heart of Waikiki to the easily accessible Ala Moana and Kaka’ako areas. We’ll delve into detailed explanations, incorporating real local insights, from how to utilize tip-free deli services at supermarkets to luxurious cookies perfect for gifting loved ones.
Waikiki Market
📍 Address: 2380 Kūhiō Ave. 2nd Floor, Honolulu, HI 96815, United States
Opened on Kuhio Avenue in the heart of Waikiki, ‘Waikiki Market’ is a modern, full-service supermarket garnering enthusiastic support from both tourists and locals. The bright, clean interior condenses Hawaii’s food culture, offering everything from fresh fruits to Hawaii-made snacks.
For souvenir hunting, the ‘Made in Hawaii’ section is a must-check. You’ll find an abundance of rare white honey from the Big Island, local brand macadamia nuts, Lion Coffee, and more, making it perfect for bulk souvenir purchases. Furthermore, the stylish store-exclusive tote bags and eco-bags are so well-designed that you’ll want one for yourself.
And arguably the biggest reason to visit here is the exquisite ‘Poke Bowl (approx. $22)’ offered at the deli counter. With Hawaii’s rising prices, supermarket delis boast exceptional value as they don’t charge tips or service fees. You can choose any two types of fresh poke from over 10 varieties, generously topped over rice and vegetables. Since some have spicy seasonings, a tip for a perfect order is to ask the friendly staff for a sample beforehand. It’s perfectly portioned for in-room dining at your hotel or a beach picnic.
Royal Hawaiian Center
📍 Address: 2201 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, United States
Located right in the heart of Waikiki with excellent access, the ‘Royal Hawaiian Center’ is a major shopping mall featuring everything from luxury brands to casual apparel and a wide variety of dining options. The lush courtyard is breezed by Hawaii’s pleasant winds, allowing you to enjoy a resort atmosphere just by strolling around. A bonus is the abundance of free entertainment, such as the regularly held authentic hula shows.
For souvenir shopping, the ‘Kira×miffy’ store on the first floor of Building B is an absolute must-visit. This is the world’s only concept store resulting from a collaboration between ‘Kira,’ a children’s clothing brand from California, and ‘Miffy’ from the Netherlands. A giant Miffy greets you at the storefront, building excitement even before you enter.
Inside, you’ll find a wide array of Hawaii-exclusive designs, including sun-tanned Miffy in aloha wear, hibiscus-adorned tote bags, pouches, stickers, and T-shirts. Many designs are practical and elegant, making them adorable items that even non-Miffy fans will instinctively pick up. The rarity of these items, available only here, makes them undoubtedly cherished gifts for close friends or a special treat for yourself.
Ala Moana Center
📍 Address: 1450 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814, United States
‘Ala Moana Center’ is one of Hawaii’s largest, if not the world’s largest, open-air shopping malls. It’s a ‘shopping mecca’ where every kind of store converges, from major department stores like Neiman Marcus and Macy’s to luxury boutiques and local supermarkets. It’s so vast that seeing everything in one day is nearly impossible. A smart approach is to list the stores you want to visit beforehand and navigate efficiently using a map.
For access, the classic method is to use the Waikiki Trolley’s ‘Pink Line,’ which offers free rides upon showing a JCB card. You can arrive from Waikiki in about 30 minutes, saving on transportation costs. The locations of the bus stops, scattered in various places, can sometimes be a bit tricky to find, so be sure to check the local signboards carefully.
During your shopping breaks, the free hula show held on the 1st floor Centerstage is also a must-see. The authentic performance with live singing, featuring male dancers, is well worth a watch. If you get hungry, a stop at the massive food court with its abundant options allows you to easily enjoy local food tailored to your preferences.
Big Island Candies
📍 Address: 1450 Ala Moana Blvd #1230, Honolulu, HI 96814, United States
Located near the stage within Ala Moana Center, ‘Big Island Candies’ is a long-established luxury cookie brand founded in Hilo, Hawaii Island, in 1977. Once considered a ‘phantom souvenir’ that could only be purchased by traveling to the Big Island, it is now available at Ala Moana Center, bustling daily with many Japanese tourists.
Its greatest appeal lies in its high quality and hospitality. Upon entering, Japanese-speaking staff meticulously confirm any allergies before offering samples of various flavors. There’s no high-pressure selling whatsoever, ensuring peace of mind as you can purchase after being satisfied with your tasting. The most popular is the crispy ‘Macadamia Nut Shortbread’ with its rich buttery flavor. Hawaiian-inspired flavors, especially the taro cookies dipped in white chocolate, are exquisite.
A wide array of ornate and luxurious package designs are also available, making them unparalleled ‘respectable souvenirs’ for older generations, your boss, or cherished loved ones. The well-made, purchasable shop bags provided at checkout are also stylish enough to be repurposed as a secondary bag, so be sure to get one with your purchase.
Whole Foods Market
📍 Address: 388 Kamakee St Street 100, Honolulu, HI 96814, United States
‘Whole Foods Market (Queen Store)’ is located in the Kaka’ako district, a short distance from Ala Moana Center. It’s a high-end organic supermarket that enjoys immense support from organic-minded locals and health-conscious travelers. The store features colorful fresh vegetables and fruits, Hawaiian beef, and even machines for making your own peanut and almond butter, creating an exciting atmosphere like a ‘food theme park’.
Overwhelmingly popular as a souvenir are their ‘original eco-bags,’ available in a rich variety of designs. While slightly pricier at around $8 and up compared to other supermarkets like Target or Safeway, they are highly acclaimed for their sturdy fabric and fashionable design, making them perfect for everyday use back home. Organic lip balms, soaps, and stylishly packaged cereals also make thoughtful gifts.
And for lunchtime, you absolutely must experience the ‘Hot Food Bar (weight-based deli sales).’ A wide array of dishes, from salads to meat entrees and Asian-inspired deli items, are laid out, allowing you to fill a dedicated box with as much as you like before checkout. After purchasing, enjoying your meal on the spacious outdoor terrace, feeling the Hawaiian breeze, is a classic style for Hawaii regulars.
Shopping Tips for Smart Hawaii Souvenir Hunting
The biggest secret to highly successful shopping in Hawaii is to ‘identify the right places to buy.’ At supermarkets like Waikiki Market and Whole Foods Market, you can procure high-quality local food without tipping, allowing you to savor the authentic local food culture while keeping food expenses down. Conversely, for gifts to loved ones, choosing specialty stores like Big Island Candies, which offer tasting services and attentive customer care, ensures a flawless purchase.
Furthermore, at mega malls like Royal Hawaiian Center and Ala Moana Center, make the most of free trolleys and in-mall maps to reduce walking fatigue. Even amidst the weak yen and rising prices, by knowing the characteristics of the spots introduced here and how to navigate them wisely, you’ll be able to bring back wonderful, unique Hawaiian shopping experiences and memories, filling your suitcase to the brim.
