Ala Moana Shopping Center, Honolulu

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Before the Mall of America opened in Minneapolis, Ala Moana Shopping Center was the largest mall in the US. It has enough shops so that you can find almost everything you need. The nice thing is that the locals shop here, too; it's not just a tourist haunt.

I find it a fun place to hang out. On my last visit I found a lovely muumuu on sale at Macy's, had a delicious lunch at the food court, and stopped to listen to a high school choral group perform on the central stage. You can also spend some time watching the koi swimming in the pools.

For a list of stores, click here.

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Ala Moana Center was once the largest shopping center in the United States and currently holds the distinction of being the largest open-air shopping center in the world. Ala Moana Center is part of the commercial, retail, and residential district of Ala Moana, south of Makiki, east of Kakaʻako, west of Waikīkī and across from Ala Moana Beach Park.

Though there are a few stores (such as Longs Drugs, Sears, and KayBee Toys) which offer products to local residents, many of the Center's stores target the tourist economy on which it so heavily relies. The shopping center focuses its marketing on tourism, providing brochures in Japanese, one of its major clientele. There are more than 260 shops and restaurants, including boutique stores of leading international fashion designers. Its current anchor tenants are Macy's, Neiman Marcus and Sears. The Center boasts one of the world's largest food courts, featuring cuisines from around the globe.

Ala Moana Centerstage is one of the most popular public amphitheaters in Hawaiʻi. On a stage in the center of the shopping complex, local talents are showcased for visitors to enjoy. Hula dances are a staple for Ala Moana Centerstage as well as performances by the Royal Hawaiian Band, the oldest municipal band in the United States. Schools throughout the country, as well as the world, travel to Honolulu just to be able to perform at Ala Moana Centerstage. Over 56 million people visit Ala Moana Center annually

What to buy: The new third level is abuzz with eateries and shops, while the ponds on the mall level are thriving with taro and Hawaiian plants. Designer stores, such as Juicy Couture, Prada, Armani Exchange, Christian Dior, and the like have heavily influenced the atmosphere of Ala Moana. The smaller locally owned stores are scattered among the behemoths, mostly on the ground floor. Nearly 400 shops and restaurants sprawl over several blocks (and 1.8 million sq. ft. of store space), catering to every imaginable need, from over-the-top upscale (Tiffany, Chanel, Versace) to mainland chains such as Gap and Banana Republic. Department stores such as Macy's sell fashion, food, cosmetics, shoes, and household needs. Shoes? They're a kick at Nordstrom, and newcomer Walking Co. has first-rate comfort styles by Mephisto, Ecco, and Naot.

A good stop for gifts is Islands' Best, which spills over with Hawaiian-made foodstuffs, ceramics, fragrances, and more. Splash! Hawaii is a good source for women's swimwear. For aloha shirts and men's swimwear, try Macy's, Town & Country Surf, Reyn's, or the terminally hip Hawaiian Island Creations. Lovers of Polynesian wear and pareus shouldn't miss Tahiti Imports. The food court is abuzz with dozens of stalls purveying Cajun food, ramen, pizza, plate lunches, vegetarian fare, green tea and fruit freezes (like frozen yogurt), panini, and countless other treats.

My choice is to eat and hang around ala moana center, specially in Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, Bubba gump and Mai Tai Bar!

What to pay: with over 260 shops and restaurants. From beachwear to high fashion, casual dining to fine dining, you'll find everything at Ala Moana Center, all in a beautiful open-air setting filled with lush tropical landscaping and koi ponds hence you will tend to Max out your Credit Cards!

2007 Mall Hours
Monday - Thursday 9:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Friday & Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Makai Market Opens 9:00 a.m. Daily

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THE largest mall in all of Hawaii
smack in the middle between the AirPort and Waikiki Beach's major hotel area .
it's an open-air mall linked with several dept.stores
noteably : Sears, Neiman Marcus, Macy's
and larger stores like Old Navy & Shirokiya .

What to buy: if U R from abroad perhaps designerwares from connected dept.stores .
if U R from the mainland shore-found decorations .

What to pay: OK this is no discount store
but rather a group of expensive dep.stores .