Ala Moana Center Honolulu
The largest open-air shopping center in Hawaii, offering a world-class retail experience with diverse shops, dining, and entertainment.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, food deals start
Ala Moana Center Honolulu
Best Time
Fewer crowds, food deals start

Highlights
Must-see attractions
The largest open-air shopping center in Hawaii, offering a world-class retail experience with diverse shops, dining, and entertainment.
"A shopper's paradise with world-class brands, island vibes, and open-air beauty – Hawaii's retail heartbeat!"
🎯 Park Smart
Use the ramp to the 2nd level from the old Macy's side for easier parking access. :car:
💰 Food Court Savings
Vendors in the upper food court often discount items by 40-50% around 5 PM. :moneybag:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Center Stage Performances
Center Stage
Experience authentic Hawaiian culture with daily hula shows and live entertainment. A vibrant taste of the islands!

Hawaii Exclusive UNIQLO
UNIQLO
Score unique Hawaii-themed graphic tees featuring local favorites like Leonard's Bakery and Matsumoto Shave Ice. Perfect souvenirs!

Gourmet Food Court Finds
Food Court
Indulge in a world of flavors, from local musubi to international delights. Many vendors offer discounts before closing.

Nightmare Bar
Near Center Stage
Step into a spooky, Halloween-themed bar with creative drinks and Instagrammable decor. A fun, seasonal pop-up!
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Vastness
Budget-Friendly Bites & Entertainment
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Park Smart
Use the ramp to the 2nd level from the old Macy's side for easier parking access.
:car:💰 Food Court Savings
Vendors in the upper food court often discount items by 40-50% around 5 PM.
:moneybag:🎶 Catch Free Hula
Enjoy daily 20-minute hula performances on the Center Stage from 5-5:20 PM.
:performing_arts:🛍️ Local Brand Finds
Explore unique Hawaiian brands like Local Motion and Soha Living alongside popular international stores.
:shopping_bags:Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Park Smart
Use the ramp to the 2nd level from the old Macy's side for easier parking access.
:car:💰 Food Court Savings
Vendors in the upper food court often discount items by 40-50% around 5 PM.
:moneybag:🎶 Catch Free Hula
Enjoy daily 20-minute hula performances on the Center Stage from 5-5:20 PM.
:performing_arts:🛍️ Local Brand Finds
Explore unique Hawaiian brands like Local Motion and Soha Living alongside popular international stores.
:shopping_bags:🚶♀️ Walk with Intention
If walking at night, stay aware of your surroundings and walk purposefully. The area is generally populated.
:athletic_shoe:📱 Use the Mall App
Navigate the massive mall easily by using its directory or app to find stores and plan your route.
:iphone:What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Ala Moana Center as a premier shopping destination with an incredible variety of stores, from luxury brands to local boutiques, and a diverse food court. Many appreciate the entertainment options like hula shows and the overall vibrant atmosphere. However, some find the mall's vastness and parking can be challenging to navigate.
"May2025 Touted as the best 👌 mall in the country. It is definitely big and has a lot of areas but finding your way here can be a challenge.
Bigger is not always better though.
The place is a combo of open and closed areas. Parking areas are a bit chaotic and maze like.
Definitely a very active and busy place with lots of stuff to do and purchase."
Oliver Pe
"The largest and best mall in the Waikiki Beach area. The food court offers oh so many orgasmic choices, it's mind-blowing, really. There are also lots of shops, some I've never seen before in person on the East coast of the United States (like Alo! 😃). Great for walks, eats, and whatever your heart desires. 😍😍😍
Just bring enough 💰, cause you know, 💸 💸💸. 😂😂😂"
Liyang “Leon” Sun
"Ala Moana has something for everyone! Great shops (luxury, local, kid friendly) and great food! Everything from hot pot, bars, Chinese, bakeries and grab and go! Local entertainment at various stages throughout the shopping center makes it extra special!"
Lauren Manuel
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can easily reach Ala Moana Center from Waikiki by bus, taxi, or rideshare. Several bus routes, like the 2, 13, 42, and E, stop directly at the mall. The ride is typically short, around 10-15 minutes.
Yes, it's walkable if you enjoy a longer stroll (about 30-45 minutes) or a bike ride. The area is generally safe with sidewalks, and you can even bike over the bridge into Waikiki.
Parking is available in multiple structures. For easier access, try entering from the old Macy's side on Piikoi Street and heading up the ramps to the second level or higher.
Yes, there's a Hui carshare location near the back entrance of the mall, accessible to those 18 and older. It's a good option for short-term rentals.
Generally, the area is safe, especially closer to the mall, as it's usually populated. However, like any urban area, be aware of your surroundings, walk with purpose, and avoid displaying valuables.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Ala Moana Center is a shopping mall and does not have an admission fee. You can enter and explore freely.
Ala Moana Center typically opens around 10 AM and closes at 9 PM on weekdays and Saturdays, with slightly earlier closing times on Sundays. It's always best to check their official website for the most current hours, especially during holidays.
Yes! Enjoy free daily hula performances on the Center Stage and explore various events and pop-up markets like the Honolulu Maker's Market.
Absolutely. Ala Moana Center features a wide range of luxury retailers including Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Bloomingdale's, and Nordstrom.
Look for Hawaii-exclusive designs at UNIQLO,
and explore local boutiques like Local Motion and Soha Living for authentic island-made gifts and apparel.🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Stores
Ala Moana Center boasts a vast selection, including department stores like Macy's and Bloomingdale's, popular brands like Apple, Target, and UNIQLO, as well as luxury boutiques.
Yes, you can find local Hawaiian brands such as Local Motion and Soha Living, offering unique island-inspired apparel and home goods.
For budget-friendly shopping, check out stores like Ross and Marshalls, which offer discounted brand-name clothing and accessories.
Yes, The Gem Studio has opened a second location at Ala Moana Center, offering charm workshops and permanent jewelry services.
The mall has numerous shops perfect for gifts, from candy stores and accessory shops to department stores with a wide variety of items.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The food court offers a huge variety, from local favorites like Musubi Cafe to international cuisine. You can also find sit-down restaurants like Honolulu Bistro for sandwiches.
Yes, vendors in the upper food court often mark down their food items by 40-50% around 5 PM to clear inventory before closing.
Honolulu Bistro is highly recommended for its wide array of delicious sandwiches, from classic grilled cheese to hearty pastrami.
Yes, Foodland is located within Ala Moana Center and offers a selection of prepared foods, bento boxes, and groceries.
For a unique, seasonal experience, check out the Nightmare Bar for Halloween-themed drinks and decor.
📸 📸 Photography
The Center Stage area often has interesting backdrops, especially during events or seasonal decorations. The Nightmare Bar also offers highly photogenic spooky decor.
Yes, you can generally take photos and videos of the hula performances, but be mindful of other attendees and avoid obstructing views.
Across the street is Ala Moana Beach Park and Magic Island, offering beautiful ocean views and sunset photo opportunities.
Look for seasonal decorations, unique store displays, and the vibrant atmosphere of the food court for interesting shots.
Daytime offers natural light, especially in the open-air sections. Evenings can be atmospheric with the mall's lighting, particularly around dining areas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🛍️ Shoppers & Fashionistas
✈️ Day-Trippers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Ala Moana Center: A Shopper's Guide
Beyond the sheer number of stores, Ala Moana Center offers a unique blend of international brands and local Hawaiian businesses. You can find everything from high-end luxury retailers like Chanel and Louis Vuitton to popular American chains like Apple and Target, alongside beloved local shops such as Local Motion and Soha Living. For those seeking unique souvenirs, UNIQLO's Hawaii-exclusive designs are a must-see.
The mall also serves as a hub for entertainment and dining. The Center Stage hosts daily hula performances and other cultural events, offering a free glimpse into Hawaiian traditions. The extensive food court provides a culinary adventure, with vendors offering everything from local favorites to international fare. Savvy shoppers can take advantage of late-afternoon discounts in the food court, typically starting around 5 PM, to enjoy delicious meals at a reduced price.
Beyond Shopping: Entertainment and Dining at Ala Moana
The food court is a culinary microcosm of Honolulu, boasting an impressive variety of cuisines. From quick bites like musubi and dim sum to more substantial meals, there's something to satisfy every palate. For those looking to save money, a pro-tip from Reddit users is to visit the upper food court vendors around 5 PM, as they often offer significant discounts to clear out their inventory before closing. Beyond the food court, sit-down restaurants like Honolulu Bistro offer a more relaxed dining experience with a focus on delicious sandwiches.
Seasonal attractions also add to the mall's appeal. For instance, the Nightmare Bar offers a unique, Halloween-themed experience with creative drinks and spooky decor, making it a fun, temporary addition to the center's offerings. These diverse activities ensure that a visit to Ala Moana Center can be more than just a shopping trip; it can be a full-fledged entertainment and culinary outing.
Getting Around and Staying Safe
For those staying in the Ala Moana area, the location is considered very walkable, with easy access to the mall, restaurants, and Ala Moana Beach Park across the street. The mall's proximity to the beach park also offers opportunities for outdoor activities and scenic walks, especially around Magic Island, which features a popular paved path. This combination of convenient public transport, accessible carshare options, and walkable surroundings makes Ala Moana Center a well-connected and practical base for exploring Honolulu.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit