I visited the world's largest open-air shopping mall in Hawaii. Take a look inside the 2.4-million-square-foot space.

Ashley ProbstJan 26, 2023, 19:49 IST

I walked through the Ala Moana Center during a recent visit to Oahu.Ashley Probst

I'm a Hawaii local who visited the Ala Moana Center, the world's largest open-air shopping mall.
It has four levels, over 350 stores, more than 160 eateries, and activities for kids and adults.

Growing up on Maui, I often island-hopped to Oahu and visited the Ala Moana Center, the largest open-air shopping mall in the world.

The Ala Moana Center has been open since 1959, and I started going as a child.Ashley Probst

Located in the heart of Honolulu, this shopping center has 2.4 million square feet of retail space.

Ala Moana Center has outdoor and covered areas.Ashley Probst

Visitors who don't have a car can take a trolley from Waikīkī hotels to the Ala Moana Center.

The mall is a stop on the trolley's pink line.Ashley Probst

The mall has four levels that are full of shops, restaurants, and entertainment.

Guests can take escalators and elevators to visit the different floors.Ashley Probst

Even the more enclosed areas get plenty of natural light, making the space feel airy and open.

An enclosed area of the Ala Moana Center.Ashley Probst

Water features, like koi ponds and fountains, add an element of nature to the mall.

There's greenery outside Ala Moana Center.Ashley Probst

Sculptures and other pieces of art are also placed throughout the space.

A sculpture at the Ala Moana Center.Ashley Probst

The shopping center looks out at views of the Honolulu Harbor and the city skyline.

A view of the harbor from the Ala Moana Center.Ashley Probst

There are five information desks where shoppers can ask for directions and access other guest services.

One of the information centers at the Ala Moana Center.Ashley Probst

First-timers may need assistance, as the Ala Moana Center is home to more than 350 stores.

People can enjoy the sunshine as they walk in and out of the shops at the Ala Moana Center.Ashley Probst

The shopping center is anchored by popular department stores including Bloomingdale's, Macy's, Neiman Marcus, and Nordstrom.

The Ala Moana Center has major department stores, like Neiman Marcus and Macy's.Ashley Probst

People can splurge on designer items at Chanel, Dior, Gucci, and many more high-end stores.

The Chanel store at the Ala Moana Center.Ashley Probst

However, many of the stores in the mall are exclusive to the Aloha State.

The only Homecoming Honolulu store is at the Ala Moana Center.Ashley Probst

These shops offer souvenirs, drinks, sweet treats, clothes, groceries, spa services, and more.

Hawaiian Island Creations, a surf shop, doesn't have any stores in the contiguous US.Ashley Probst

Some brands, like Swatch, carry products that they only sell at their Hawaii stores.

The Swatch store at Ala Moana Center.Ashley Probst

Some of the creative displays in storefronts have unique Hawaiian flairs.

The storefront display at IT'SUGAR's flagship Hawaii location.Ashley Probst

Many major brands, including Anthropologie and Victoria's Secret, have opened their first Hawaii storefronts here.

Victoria's Secret opened its first Hawaii location at the Ala Moana Center in 2009.Ashley Probst

The shopping center has Hawaii's only two-story Target store.

The Target store at the Ala Moana Center.Ashley Probst

Popular food-focused brands, like IT'SUGAR, have also made their Hawaii debuts at this mall.

IT'SUGAR opened an 18,000-square-foot candy department store the Ala Moana Center in 2021.Ashley Probst

Shoppers with a sweet tooth can enjoy milkshakes, sundaes, and snow creams, which are a combination of shave ice and ice cream, at the Oreo Café.

IT'SUGAR opened its second Oreo Café in the US at the Ala Moana Center in 2022.Ashley Probst

New stores pop up all the time, such as Psycho Bunny and Sugar Factory, which are slated to open soon.

The mall is constantly opening stores that carry the most popular designers and brands.Ashley Probst

One of the latest additions to the retail directory is Reformation, a sustainable-fashion company.

A Reformation boutique opened at Ala Moana Center in recent years.Ashley Probst

The Ala Moana Center has more than 160 dining options, including the Makai Market Food Court, which has over 30 restaurants.

The food court at the Ala Moana Center.Ashley Probst

The Lānai @ Ala Moana Center is another dining space with various specialty food vendors and an agave bar.

The Lānai @ Ala Moana Center.Ashley Probst

Guests can grab a snack and drink at one of the various cafés and coffee shops, including Honolulu Coffee Co. and Island Vintage Coffee.

Some of the coffee shops have outdoor seating.Ashley Probst

Inside Macy's is Liliha Bakery, a local favorite known for its Coco Puff pastries.

Liliha Bakery at Ala Moana Center.Ashley Probst

Fine dining options include Assaggio, Mariposa Restaurant, Morton's The Steakhouse, and Ruscello.

A koi pond and water fountain outside of Assaggio.Ashley Probst

Casual full-service eateries like California Pizza Kitchen, Jade Dynasty Seafood Restaurant, and Gen Korean BBQ House are also available to visit.

The California Pizza Kitchen at the Ala Moana Center.Ashley Probst

Ho'okipa Terrace, which gets its name from the Hawaiian word for hospitality, is on the fourth floor and features a fun gathering spot called Lucky Strike Social.

Lucky Strike Social has bowling, arcade games, and live music.Ashley Probst

The Ala Moana Centerstage hosts a free daily hula show as well as live music and other performances.

The hula shows feature kahiko, which is traditional hula, and modern hula.Ashley Probst

Kids can enjoy Jungle Fun Island, an arcade where I remember playing as a child.

Jungle Fun Island has games and interactive experiences for kids.Ashley Probst

There are plenty of other kid-friendly activities, such as a playground on the second floor.

The playground is directly outside of the Target store.Ashley Probst

The mall sometimes serves as a venue for special events, like pop-up markets and the annual Made in Hawaii Festival.

A photo booth that was at the Ala Moana Center for a special event.Ashley Probst

Modern Luxury produces a bimonthly magazine for the mall called the Ala Moana Shopping Magazine, which covers fashion, dining, and shopping trends.

The cover of the bimonthly magazine.Ashley Probst

Whether you're looking to shop, dine, or find other forms of entertainment, the Ala Moana Center has something for everyone to enjoy.

The garage at Ala Moana Center.Ashley Probst

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