Things to Do on Oahu for Shoppers

Shopping Tips & Information

You can shop ‘til you drop on the beautiful island of Oahu, where malls abound, outdoor boutiques and markets await, and unique one-of-a-kind shops are on every corner. Fashionable retailers are also affordable at Waikele Premium Outlets & Shopping Center, where you can shop for name brands, including Armani, Coach, Ralph Lauren, Converse, Kate Spade, and Saks Fifth Ave. The Waikiki International Market Place is one of many malls offering an impressive selection of shops and restaurants. If it's a funkier, edgier experience that you prefer, The Aloha Stadium Swap Meet is a must-see flea market offering everything from antiques to food.

Main image credit: Jeff Whyte / Shutterstock.com

Shopping on Oahu: A Paradise for Retail Therapy

Oahu, the third-largest island in Hawaii, is a shopper's paradise. Its shopping scene is a fabulous fusion of local flair and global style, where you can snag everything from runway-ready fashions to handmade island treasures. 

Luxury Malls

• Ala Moana Center: One of the largest outdoor shopping centers in the world, Ala Moana features over 340 stores, including Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and Macy's.
• Royal Hawaiian Center: This upscale mall in Waikiki offers a range of luxury brands, including Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Tiffany & Co.
• Ward Village: A trendy outdoor mall in Honolulu, Ward Village is home to high-end retailers like Bloomingdale's and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Local Boutiques and Markets

• Aloha Stadium Swap Meet: Every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday, the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet offers a vast array of local goods, including handmade crafts, souvenirs, and traditional Hawaiian clothing.
• North Shore Marketplace: Step into Haleiwa's lively outdoor market, where the pulse of the community beats strong, and discover a delightful array of local boutiques, art galleries, and surf shops, each bursting with island flair.
• KCC Farmers' Market: Every Saturday, the KCC Farmers' Market in Honolulu offers fresh produce, artisanal goods, and local specialties like poke and laulau.

Specialty Shopping

• Pearl City: In the heart of Honolulu lies a shopper's haven renowned for its stunning pearl jewelry. The variety is dazzling, from demure stud earrings to bold, multitiered necklaces. 
• Surf Shops: Living and surfing on Oahu means catching waves in paradise daily. You can sense the expertise at the island's surf shops, where advice and gear flow as freely as the trade winds. Whether you're a seasoned surfer or just beach-bumming, check out the iconic surfwear from Quiksilver, Billabong, and Volcom.
• Hawaiian Quilt Shops: Get ready to be captivated by the vibrant patterns and rich heritage of traditional Hawaiian quilting, showcased beautifully at stores like Hawaiian Quilt Shop and Quilt Hawaii.

Tips and Tricks

• Get ready to haggle: Prices are often negotiable at swap meets and markets, so don't be afraid to bargain.
• Take advantage of tax-free shopping: Hawaii is one of the few states with no sales tax, making shopping on Oahu an even more attractive proposition.
• Be mindful of hours: Shopping hours can vary, especially at local markets and boutiques, so be sure to check before heading out.

Oahu is a shopper's paradise, where diamond-encrusted Jewelry and vibrant sarongs sit alongside kitschy surf shops and artisanal coffee tastings. The thrill of the hunt begins—happy hunting!