O‘ahu Shopping Guide: 4 Reasons Waikīkī Is the Local Shopper’s Paradise

Tips from our style editors for navigating the Waikīkī shopping scene.

May 28, 2024

Stacey Makiya, Brie Thalmann,

Editor’s Note: This story was first published in February 2018 and has since been updated with the latest information.

1. One and Only

Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

A leading reason to visit Waikīkī, in our eyes, is the influx of finally-they’re-here shops, which we visit way too often. Boho-chic Free People, Kate Hudson’s Fabletics, trend monster Urban Outfitters and runway elite 3.1 Phillip Lim are top sellers in our stalk market.

SEE ALSO: Chic Peek: 3.1 Phillip Lim

2. Easy Access

Photos: Aaron K. Yoshino, Steve Czerniak

Forget trolling the Ala Wai and side streets. Our new go-to spot for stress-free Waikīkī parking is International Market Place, which boasts 700 self-park stalls and is smack in the middle of all the action—H&M, Nordstrom Rack and Royal Hawaiian Center are just a hop across the street. To hit the $25 minimum for a free first hour, pop by b. patisserie for a post-shopping kouign amann or Mitsuwa Marketplace for Japanese bento and snacks.

3. Home Business

Photo: Courtesy of Fighting Eel

Shopping local in Waikīkī is a lot easier than you think. Nestled between the national brands are great indie boutiques stocking charming, stylish finds that range from beloved labels to hard-to-find brands. A few that we crash on the regular are Pink Sand, Rebecca Beach, Le Tarte and Fighting Eel for locally designed bikinis, breezy sundresses and beach-to-bar accessories.

Note: These local boutiques have since closed.

4. Meet Me in the Lobby

Photo: Courtesy of Olive & Oliver

Hotel gifts shops aren’t all cheesy T-shirts and plastic lei. Several boutique hotels have wisened up, opting instead for gorgeously designed boutiques loaded with coveted local labels and chic international wares. Swing by The Modern Honolulu for Malia Jones kaftans and Koons-esque figurines, and hit up The Laylow for Aloha Beach Club apparel and Danish-designed stationery. The Surfjack even has its own blended version of Kailua’s Oliver Boutique and Oliver Men’s Shop, called Olive & Oliver.

SEE ALSO:

This article appears in the February 2018 issue of HONOLULU Magazine.