MWS’ Shopping Guide to Waikiki, Hawaii

Aloha bargains! Here’s where to shop and what to look for on the south shore of O’ahu. 

People are drawn to Hawaii for it’s rugged, luscious landscape , ocean breezes and monstrous waves. But it’s also amazing terrain for shopping.

For compulsive shoppers, it’s difficult to return from the cluster of islands without a suitcase packed with discounted goodies. So here’s a rundown of where to shop, if you’re fortunate enough to find yourself in the the shopping paradise of the Pacific– Waikiki. 

Ross Dress for Less

This department store houses 20-70% off retail prices. You’ll find brand names like Coach, Guess, DKNY, Nine West, Calvin Klein, Levi, Nike and Adidas. There are four stores within 10 kilometers of each other, however they stock different products (so if you have the energy, check out a couple). You can often pick up a pair of ladies Calvin Klein shoes for $30, kids’ Nike t-shirts for $7, men’s Levi’s jeans for $24, Nine West handbags from $17. That’s on top of quilt covers, homewares, suitcases, makeup, accessories, electronics and sports gear. The Waikiki store is open until 1am everyday, so you can easily pop in after dinner, or even between your night of bar-hopping for that matter! 

Walmart

The makeup in the United States is significantly cheaper than what it is here, so it’s wise to stock up rather than returning here and regretting it. Walmart sells Revlon eye shadow for $7, Maybelline mascara from $5 and liquid foundations for $7. You can also pick up Nurofen or Panadol (packets of 500) for just $8. Perfect for those post-cocktail hangovers! (Check out the stash below)

T.J.Maxx/ Nordstrom Rack 

These stores are situated next door to each other in the Ward centre (just past local shopping centre, Ala Moana). Both stores offer up to 70% off major brand names, including current stock, previous season items, and end-of-line products.

At Nordstrom Rack, you’ll find Calvin Klein work dresses for about $30, tops for $20 and even Asics for $35! If it’s children’s clothes you’re after, head to T.J.Maxx. Nike t-shirts and shorts sell from $7 alongside girls’ dresses from $8. T.J Maxx also stocks products from big brands like Nine West, Coach, Nike, Tommy Hilfiger and Adidas.

Waikele Premium Outlets

This shopping mecca has more than 20 outlet stores, with up to 70% prices.  It’s a 30-minute from central Waikiki, but if you couldn’t be bothered walking, here are heaps of booking agencies you can use to take you there (Roberts Hawaii is one of the best). For around $20, transport picks you up outside the hotel, and returns you later in the day. 

Some of the outlet stores include Adidas, Coach, Michael Kors, Clarins, Asics, Gap, Famous Footwear, Banana Republic, Carters, OshKosh, Sketchers, Levi and Guess. Upon arrival you will also receive a coupon booklet, which has further discounts to use most stores. 

A friend picked up a pair of Asics for her kids for $30, and a Calvin Klein handbag for $34. 

Gap is my all time favorite, and here, the hoodies sell from $12 for the ladies and $14 for men’s $14. Kids’ tops sell from $6, jeans from $12, jumpers from $8 and dresses from $12. It’s easy to lose yourself there at Gap, considering there is something for the whole family.

Ala Moana

This is Waikiki’s major shopping centre. There is easy access to the mall by the local trolleys (Hawaii’s versions of trams). The pink trolley does a huge round trip from various hotels to the mall. $2 is all it takes to get you there. Most of the stores have discounts and specials going all year round. 

The three-storey mall houses a long list of stores from high-end to budget fashion. If you want it, they’ve got it! The Lego store, Toys“R”Us, the Disney Store, Zara, Chanel, Hermes, Sketchers, Foot Locker and Pandora are a mere snippet of what it has to offer. 

Who would’ve thought you could go to Hawaii and save money? Now all you need to do is book that flight!

Written by Kate Murphy, reaserched and shopped by Melinda Nardella