Oahu is considered Hawaii’s shopping capital combining shopping adventures with delicious food and non-stop fun. Waikiki and Honolulu are the focal point of Oahu’s exciting shopping scene. With big name retail stores, plenty of specialty shops, charming boutiques and grand shopping malls the shopping options in Oahu are endless. Many of Oahu’s shopping venues are located within walking distance of each other allowing visitors to spend an afternoon browsing through colorful and creative Aloha shirts, enjoying Oahu’s vibrant art galleries or relaxing in a friendly restaurant while sampling some delicious island specialties.

Waikiki is a lively destination filled with some of Oahu’s greatest shopping spots, world class accommodations, fine dining restaurants and a wild nightlife. Often called the playground of the Pacific, Waikiki is well known for its shop ‘til you drop atmosphere and its exhilarating entertainment. The Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center is a unique shopping spot in Waikiki that combines shopping with fine dining and free entertainment that includes hula, ukulele and lei making lessons. Offering more than 100 stores, the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center is filled with Hawaiian treasures, world famous boutiques such as Cartier, Hermes and Fendi and numerous opportunities to experience some of the very best that Waikiki has to offer.

Across the street from the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center is the International Marketplace. Offering over 130 carts, shops and artisan stands the International Marketplace has long been an island tradition. Located in the heart of Waikiki guests can enjoy talking with local craftspeople about the history of the city, take advantage of the excellent photo opportunity by a cascading waterfall and browse through a variety of unique Hawaiian products under the shade of lush tropical trees. After a rewarding day of shopping sample cuisine from around the world at the International Food Court and enjoy free Hawaiian entertainment five nights a week

The largest shopping venue in Oahu is Ala Moana which is located in Honolulu. This premier shopping destination offers over 260 shops and exquisite restaurants. Pick up the latest fashions from a number of stores including Diesel and DKNY. Accessorize your new threads with the help of Louis Vuitton, Fossil and Nine West and then top off your new collection with some excellent hair and facial products from Sephora.

A short walk from Ala Moana is the Victoria Ward Centers. With an exciting array of unique shops and high fashion boutiques Victoria Ward Centers is a shopper’s delight. Bargain hunters will enjoy the many national stores filled with amazing products and great deals as well as one of Honolulu’s most popular farmer’s markets which offers plenty of fresh island food and produce. Dining at the Victoria Ward Centers lets guests choose from full-service restaurants to casual sidewalk cafes while entertainment is always available with the state of the art theatre showing the latest movies in a clean and comfortable atmosphere.

Located at historic Honolulu Harbor is the Aloha Tower Marketplace. This unique festival Marketplace combines a visitor attraction, shops, restaurants and a working harbor all in one. The Aloha Tower is one of the most recognizable symbols of Hawaiian hospitality and is surrounded by numerous specialty stores, restaurants and a never ending supply of Hawaiian souvenirs. Enjoy an elevator ride up to the top Aloha Tower to enjoy magnificent panoramic views of the harbor and downtown Honolulu.

Oahu is a Hawaiian destination that combines magnificent views, unique dining experiences, and exciting entertainment with its numerous shopping opportunities. The small boutiques, unique shops, major department stores and huge shopping complexes make it easy to see why Oahu is Hawaii’s favorite island for shopping.

By Lisa DiSpirito