Waikiki is not only a tropical paradise, but also a shopping paradise — for budgets big and small, there is something for everyone. For luxury lovers, it’s a shopping Mecca, offering up all the designer brands from Prada to Chanel and Louis Vuitton to Tiffany & Co., just stroll down Kalakaua Ave or wander through the five-star resort lobbies to see them all.
If you’re up for a day of serious shopping, head to the the Ala Moana Centre, an open-air mall that has it all from fashion, homewares, electronics, and souvenirs, to handmade Hawaiian gifts and a huge food court. All the major international luxury designer brands are here as well.
For a fast fashion fix, the major chain stores that we don’t get in Australia are perfect. Check out Abercrombie & Fitch, the Gap, Hollister and Banana Republic. Macy’s Department store has a great mix of affordable brands, while Neiman Marcus carries a huge range of designer brands under one roof. Some of our favorite fashion stores were BCBG Max Azria and Diesel.
On the beauty front, go to Sephora and Long’s Drugs for a huge selection of products that you just can’t find at home.
If you’re shopping on a budget, stroll through the International Market Place in the heart of Waikiki — it’s open till late and is the place to go for souvenirs, aloha shirts, sarongs, shell jewellery, leis, knick-knacks, and a cheap meal. We love the Hawaiian nut necklaces, they make great gifts!
For all your daily holidaying needs, the ABC discount stores are on (almost) every corner. They are more than just a convenience store stocking basic food supplies, sliced fresh fruit, water, sunscreen, souvenirs, laundry powder, thongs, beach mats, alcohol and sundries.
Not enough hours in the day to fit it all in? Not a problem, the main shopping strip in downtown Waikiki is buzzing with people until 11pm, making sure you have enough time to laze on the beach during the day, drink Mai Tai’s at sunset and shop well into the night!
Travel essentials
+ Oahu-Waikiki Shoppers Paradise: four days/three nights from $299 per person.
Discover the best shopping in town by visiting the Waikele Premium Outlets, Hawaii’s only outlet centre. Enjoy great savings on many of the finest brands, including Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger and Gucci. Shop till you drop with an all-day Trolley Pass taking you to Ala Moana Center, Ward Warehouse and more. Mini-stay includes fresh flower lei greeting, return seat in coach transfers, three nights’ accommodation (including local taxes) Waikele Premium Outlets Tour, all-day Trolley Pass, tour of Maui Divers’ Jewellery Design Center and an island orientation briefing on your first morning in Waikiki.
+ Introduction to Hawaii, the Big Island: four days/two nights from $339 per person.
Hawaii, the Big Island, is twice the size of the other Hawaiian Islands combined. Here you can get up close to Kilauea, Hawaii’s active volcano, or visit the Hamakua Coast, filled with cascading waterfalls. Visit the historic sites of Kailua-Kona, or choose from any number of beaches along the 430km of coastline. This mini-stay package includes return seat in coach transfers, two nights’ accommodation (including local taxes) and a Grand Circle Island Tour.
Fly
Hawaiian Airlines (tel: 02 9244 2377; www.hawaiianairlines.com) flies from Sydney to Honolulu three times a week, with return low-season fares from $899 (exclusive of taxes and fees).
Jetstar (www.jetstar.com) flies to Honolulu from Sydney on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and from Melbourne on Monday and Friday, from $579 one way and $599 one way, respectively (includes surcharges, fees and taxes).
Qantas (tel: 13 13 13; www.qantas.com) flies to Honolulu on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday from $1288 return, inclusive.
