Ala Moana Center in Honolulu, Hawaii is an open-air retail landmark offering hundreds of shops, diverse dining, and a breezy tropical atmosphere steps from the ocean.
Ala Moana Center opened in 1959, just months before Hawaii achieved statehood, and it has grown steadily from a modest suburban mall into a sprawling open-air complex spanning over 2 million square feet. Its evolution mirrors Honolulu's own transformation into a global city, and the center remains a point of civic pride for island residents.
Today the mall hosts more than 350 stores across four levels, ranging from international luxury brands to homegrown Hawaiian retailers. Foodies will find a genuine cross-section of the island's culinary scene, from casual poke counters to sit-down restaurants spotlighting locally sourced ingredients. The dining options alone make it a worthwhile stop for anyone exploring Honolulu.
The surrounding neighborhood adds to the appeal. Just across the boulevard, Ala Moana Regional Park offers a wide beach, calm swimming areas, and shaded lawns perfect for a post-shopping afternoon. Nearby, the peninsula known as Magic Island provides sweeping views of the Honolulu skyline and Diamond Head.
Ala Moana Center earns its reputation not through spectacle but through consistency — a well-curated mix of retail, food, and community that reflects the spirit of Honolulu itself.
Visit on a weekday morning to enjoy cooler temperatures and thinner crowds before the midday rush.
Check the center's calendar for free hula performances on the Centerstage, a longtime Honolulu tradition held most weekends.
Bring a reusable bag — many of the local boutiques encourage eco-friendly shopping, and you will likely leave with more than you planned.
After shopping, walk the short path to Ala Moana Regional Park to relax on the grass or cool off near the water.
Validate your parking ticket at any store to reduce garage fees, since parking costs can add up quickly during a long visit.
Explore Pearl Harbor at your pace, then discover downtown Honolulu with a guide
Find balance and flow on the ocean, from first-timers to experienced yogis
Do sunset yoga on a stand-up paddleboard at Magic Island
Build your own 6–7 hour private Oahu tour with a guide and luxury van
Paddle at night with underwater LED lights at Magic Island
Private, customizable O‘ahu tour with a licensed driver and pickup for up to 14 guests
Hike Diamond Head and walk to Manoa Falls with a guide and admission included
Flow on LED-lit boards, then watch Honolulu fireworks from the water
Paddle Ala Moana Beach, then flow through SUP yoga
Sail past Diamond Head on a private 2-hour sunset yacht cruise
Fish offshore from a sailboat near Diamond Head
Sail on a private yacht near Waikiki and look for humpback whales
Make a private SUP yoga class your own at Magic Island
Explore Pearl Harbor museums, the USS Arizona Memorial and historic Honolulu with a German-speaking guide
See Pearl Harbor’s major memorials, museums and battleships with admissions included
Drift through Waikiki Harbor with Diamond Head views, desserts, and sparkling cider
Glide through Waikiki Harbor with canal views, cider, desserts, and a gondolier