Hawaii Travel Diary 10: The Ultimate Guide to Ala Moana Center

Ala Moana Center, located in Honolulu, Hawaii, is not only the largest shopping mall in Hawaii, but also the world's largest open-air shopping center. This iconic shopping paradise boasts over 350 shops and restaurants, ranging from high-end designer brands to affordable local boutiques. Attracting millions of visitors annually, it's one of Hawaii's most popular tourist destinations. Whether you're a luxury shopper, a foodie, or seeking entertainment, Ala Moana Center has something for everyone. ⌛️History and Significance Ala Moana Center opened in 1959 as the largest shopping mall in the United States. After decades of expansion, it now spans over 2.4 million square feet (approx. 223,000 square meters). Its unique open-air design, tropical gardens, and koi ponds incorporate Hawaiian architectural elements, seamlessly blending natural beauty with modern retail. Today, owned and managed by Brookfield Properties, Ala Moana Center stands as a commercial and cultural landmark in Honolulu. 👜Mall Layout and Shopping Experience Ala Moana Center is divided into four levels, each offering unique shops and experiences: Level 1 🍛Features: Home to the Makai Market Food Court, the mall's largest food court, offering a variety of international cuisines, including Hawaiian specialties like poke bowls and plate lunches. 💃Entertainment: Ala Moana Centerstage, located on this level, hosts free daily hula performances and live music. Levels 2 & 3 💍High-End Shopping: Features numerous luxury brands such as Chanel, Gucci, and Prada, as well as major department stores including Macy's, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's, and Nordstrom. 👙Local Flair: Also showcases local Hawaiian brands like Big Island Candies (chocolates and sweets) and Martin & MacArthur (koa wood crafts). Level 4 🍍Dining and Leisure: Offers more dining options, such as Gen Korean BBQ House and California Pizza Kitchen. The Mai Tai Bar is a popular nightspot for drinks and live music. 🍲Dining Options Ala Moana Center boasts over 160 dining options, from fast food to fine dining, including Chinese, Korean BBQ, and Japanese cuisine. Makai Market Food Court: Offers global cuisine, including Hawaiian specialties like fresh poke and shaved ice. Fine Dining: The Mai Tai Bar offers not only delicious food but also ocean views and live music, making it a great place to relax. Local Treats: Don't forget to try the pineapple-shaped shortbread cookies from Honolulu Cookie Company, which are crispy and bursting with Hawaiian flavor. Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a sophisticated dinner, Ala Moana Center caters to every palate. 💥Special Recommendation: Foodland Farms💥 Located on the first floor of Ala Moana Center, Foodland Farms Ala Moana is a food lover's paradise, offering fresh produce, deli items, baked goods, and Hawaiian specialty foods. The spacious and bright shopping environment, with its neatly organized displays, allows visitors to leisurely select ingredients and enjoy the pleasures of shopping and dining. Fresh Produce: Foodland Farms Ala Moana offers a wide variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and seafood. Visitors can purchase locally grown ingredients and experience Hawaii's agricultural culture. Deli and Baked Goods: In addition to fresh ingredients, they also offer a variety of deli items and baked goods, such as pizza, burgers, salads, cakes, and bread. These delicious and affordable options are perfect for a quick meal. Hawaiian Specialty Foods: As a Hawaiian food market, Foodland Farms Ala Moana naturally features Hawaiian specialty foods. Visitors can savor local delicacies like poke bowls, plate lunches, and shaved ice, experiencing the unique flavors of Hawaii. 🎸Entertainment and Amenities Besides shopping and dining, Ala Moana Center offers a wealth of entertainment and convenient services: 👯‍♀️Entertainment Live Performances: Ala Moana Centerstage features daily hula performances and live music, showcasing Hawaiian culture. Family Fun: Jungle Fun Island is an interactive play area perfect for families with children. Seasonal Events: The mall hosts special events based on holidays, such as Christmas light shows or summer celebrations. 🚘Amenities * Free Parking: Offers over 11,000 parking spaces for the convenience of drivers. * Waikiki Trolley Service: The mall has a trolley service to Waikiki, facilitating easy travel for visitors. * Other Services: Includes a concierge desk, currency exchange, and other services to ensure visitors' needs are met. 🫰Practical Tips 1. Wear Comfortable Shoes: The mall is vast, requiring a lot of walking, so comfortable shoes are essential. 2. Plan Ahead: With so many shops and restaurants, it's advisable to check the mall map or website directory in advance and plan your itinerary. 3. Avoid Peak Hours: Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded, offering a more relaxed shopping experience. 4. Enjoy the Open-Air Atmosphere: Take a break in the tropical gardens or by the koi ponds to experience the unique Hawaiian ambiance of Ala Moana Center.