This has been a place to find great Aloha wear for more than half a century. Hawaiian shirts have long been a favorite item for visitors and locals alike, and this shop has a huge selection of the colorful tops. Check out the retro section, where you will find the styles and patterns of old Hawai'i. There is also a large selection of sun-dresses and footwear. The store has a special fabric called Reyn Spooner rayon that has easy-to-care-for properties and looks great. Also featured is a large kidswear line that has many of the same prints as the adult lines.
Since 1925 this tower has welcomed people of all nations to Honolulu. It's an imposing structure, nearly 200 feet (61 meters) tall, but its Spanish architecture and bronze embellishments make it much more attractive than the average skyscraper. The wonderful Aloha Tower Marketplace is open daily. Located on Honolulu's historic waterfront, this unique open-air festival marketplace offers over 70 distinctive shops, award-winning restaurants and free nightly entertainment. Indulge in exquisite island cuisine from the simple to the sublime including steak and seafood, Italian, Mexican, Japanese, Chinese, and Pacific Rim specialties. Find the perfect gift from the vast array of stores offering island treasures, such as Kona coffee, koa wood accessories, local artwork, jewelry, furnishings, and apparel for the whole family.
Starting with two top-quality leather-goods stores in Milan, the Prada fashion house expanded to all the major shopping areas of the world through the last century. In addition to the original leather focus, it now designs shoes and clothing that have the same attention to detail. You'll find a large assortment of belts, bags and accessories that are extremely functional and well-crafted. In Honolulu, the store can be found on the third level of the prestigious Ala Moana Shopping Center. It is a favorite of the upscale Waikiki crowd that dwells nearby.
Waikele Premium Outlets is located just 15 miles west of Honolulu. Discover an impressive collection of 50 designer and name brand outlet stores. Enjoy savings of 25% to 65% every day. Stores include A|X Armani Exchange, Banana Republic, BCBG Max Azria, Barneys New York, Calvin Klein, Coach, LeSportsac, MaxMara, Michael Kors, Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th and many more. Visit their website for a complete list of stores, sales & events, hours and more.
Among the many visitors, Matsumoto's has hosted movie stars, rock stars, pro-athletes as the many photos on the wall can attest. 'Shave ice' is a Hawaiian tradition, and nobody does it better than Matsumoto's (except maybe Waiola back in Honolulu). However, while up on the North Shore, this version is the best. The finely cut ice comes in dozens of tasty flavors and a wide variety of add-on toppings. The lines are usually long, but it's well worth the wait. They have an old-town style retail shop for all sorts of things Hawaiian, like shirts and stickers. You can also check out their online shop. Their catch phrase is “the coolest place on the North Shore," and you're sure to agree.
A favorite local stop since 1952, this bakery, less than a mile outside Waikiki, is famous for its malasadas. These pastries are a local favorite, similar to doughnuts only without the holes. They're best eaten hot, leaden when cold. Another specialty is pao doce (Portuguese sweet bread). Danish pastries, cookies, breads and specialty wedding and birthday cakes are also available. This is take out only; there is no place to sit. Parking is available.
Claiming to be Hawaii's largest hula and Polynesian dance supply retailer, this store is where hula and Tahitian dancers shop for authentic costumes, dance implements and accessories. It is also a good stop for souvenir shopping. Among the items offered are silk flower and leaf leis, headbands, wristbands and anklets, gourd drums and grass skirts. There is also a selection of Hawaiian and tapa print fabrics from which you can make your own costumes.
For many people a trip to Hawaii is a trip of a lifetime. So why take chances with your vacation photographs? AinaKai Photography offers high quality outdoor portraits at reasonable rates. AinaKai photographer Richard Wainscoat is a longtime Oahu resident and is familiar with all the best Hawaii beaches and outdoor locations for family portraits. AinaKai Photography recently added beach and botanical garden photo tours. These tours are a wonderful way to get professional photographs of your family at some of the most beautiful locations in Hawaii. AinaKai provides statewide service and also offers packages for weddings. - Shiyana Thenabadu
When you arrive in Hawaii, you don't necessarily need to have clothing made especially for resorts, however if you want to indulge in some, then Tori Richard is the right place to visit. Here, men and women can obtain that aloha style in the form of brightly colored shirts, skirts, shorts and socks. Tropical prints and somewhat garish designs are part of the fun, especially while you are lounging in paradise.
Third-generation Japanese-American designer Anne Namba creates distinctive contemporary fashions incorporating kimono silks and Asian-inspired motifs. Her clients include first lady Hillary Clinton, soul singer Aretha Franklin, socialite Ann Getty and movie star Pat Morita. This is haute fashion, with prices to match: a simple jacket can cost several hundred dollars. Namba's designs are featured in stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf-Goodman, and Nordstrom, but this Manoa Valley boutique is the source.
If you're searching for an island gift that's tasty not touristy, you might want to visit this store. It makes inexpensive tea cookies, wafers, rice cakes, and Japanese-style treats. Fortune cookies are available in six distinctive flavors. The shop also creates three flavorful (and healthy) varieties of rice cake: ginger, mochi crunch, and sesame seed with seaweed. Colorful coconut balls are a unique treat, as are the five varieties of Hawaiian Island Crisp Cookies. There is online ordering available.