Shopping in Honolulu is best when it feels like a discovery. Across the island, locally made fashion and handcrafted home goods offer a genuine connection to Oʻahu and the people who make it special.

To help you discover shopping experiences with true local meaning, this guide points you toward the neighborhood boutiques, galleries, and weekend markets where you can find authentic pieces to wear, gift, display, or bring home.

What You’ll Find in This Article

• Where to start your Honolulu shopping day
• The best neighborhoods for local boutiques and creative finds
• Markets, makers, and island-grown goods worth exploring
• Meaningful Hawaii-made gifts to bring home
• Practical tips for shopping local on Oʻahu
• An easy half-day shopping itinerary from Prince Waikiki
• FAQs about shopping with meaning in Honolulu

Shopping Near Prince Waikiki: Ala Moana Center & Beyond

You don’t have to leave Prince Waikiki to make your first discovery. Leilow, located in our hotel lobby, brings a piece of Honolulu streetwear history back to the neighborhood. Founded in 2002 and relaunched in 2024, Leilow is known for its mix of streetwear, art, music, and limited-edition collaborations. The revived shop — the only one in the world — carries contemporary labels alongside hand-selected vintage pieces, including vintage Stüssy and pieces from the Leilow × Stüssy archive.

From there, the easiest place to launch your Honolulu shopping day is Ala Moana Center, located just a short walk or ride from Prince Waikiki. As the world’s largest open-air shopping center, it serves as a convenient starting hub with breezy walkways, global brands, local shops, and endless dining options.

But your retail journey shouldn’t end at the mall. Venturing past its storefronts into nearby arts districts and historic neighborhoods reveals independent boutiques, maker markets, and handcrafted treasures you won’t find anywhere else.

Prince Tip: With a Biki station on our marina-front property, guests can rent a bike and explore more of Honolulu’s nearby shopping scene.

Ward Village: Island Style & Local Finds

Distance from Prince Waikiki: 5 minutes (Walk, Bike, or Ride)

Just west of Prince Waikiki, Ward Village blends modern city living with local retail. Its central hub, South Shore Market, is dedicated to showcasing local entrepreneurs and creative boutiques.

House of Mana Up: At House of Mana Up, you’ll find a curated showcase of Hawaii-founded companies, with island-sourced gifts like Hawaii-grown coffee, bean-to-bar Mānoa Chocolate, sea salts, pantry items, and tropical botanical skincare.

Nā Mea Hawaiʻi: Native Hawaiian books, traditional lau hala weaving, printed pareos, and carved koa wood serving pieces make Nā Mea Hawaiʻi a meaningful stop for culturally rooted gifts.

Eden in Love: For playful lifestyle goods, canvas totes and giftable home decor, Eden in Love brings a bright, cheerful point of view to Ward Village.

Bikinibird: Sunny days on Oʻahu call for a stop at Bikinibird, a woman-owned shop focused on designer swimwear, resort pieces, and beach-ready accessories.

Kakaʻako: Creative Shops & Street Art

Distance from Prince Waikiki: 5 to 10 minutes (Bike or Ride) / 20-minute Walk

Once an industrial warehouse district, Kakaʻako has transformed into Honolulu’s vibrant arts and culture epicenter, famous for its massive street murals. Today, its reclaimed industrial spaces house independent galleries, concept stores, and trendy eateries.

Kahala: For aloha wear with Honolulu heritage, Kahala is known for shirts and island apparel that reflect its long history in Hawaii.

Fishcake: At Fishcake, contemporary furniture, home accessories, and fine art by Hawaii designers and makers fill an industrial-chic showroom and concept shop.

Treehouse: Creative travelers can stop by Treehouse for film cameras, photography supplies, local zines, and island-inspired art prints.

Kūkolu: For pieces by Native Hawaiian and Indigenous makers, Kūkolu offers a thoughtful selection of home goods, jewelry, art, and clothing.

Downtown Honolulu & Chinatown: Boutiques & Vintage Finds

Distance from Prince Waikiki: 10 minutes west by car or rideshare

Just west of central Honolulu, Downtown Honolulu and historic Chinatown bring historic architecture and creative energy together in one of the city’s most character-filled shopping areas.

Roberta Oaks: At Roberta Oaks, sleek tailoring meets mid-century-inspired aloha prints, with many pieces designed and sewn in Honolulu.

Fighting Eel: An iconic, woman-owned local brand, Fighting Eel is celebrated across the islands for versatile, comfortable dresses and chic island wear.

Ginger13: For handcrafted jewelry, Ginger13 pairs natural stones with bold, Honolulu-made designs, along with plants, home accents, and lifestyle pieces.

Arts & Letters: Housed in a beautifully restored historic building, Arts & Letters serves as a Native Hawaiian bookstore and rotating local art gallery.

Hound & Quail: Vintage lovers can browse Hound & Quail for rare antiques, Hawaii memorabilia, collectibles, and unusual interior decor.

Markets & Makers: Fresh Finds & Local Goods

Visiting local markets and shops in Honolulu is one of the best ways to connect with island growers, bakers, and local artisans.

Kakaʻako Farmers Market: Located at Ward Village, the Kakaʻako Farmers Market is one of the most convenient options near Prince Waikiki. With more than 100 booths, it draws locals and visitors for fresh produce, flowers, pantry items, grab-and-go treats, and artisan goods.

KCC Farmers Market: Held near the base of Diamond Head, the KCC Farmers Market is ideal for pairing a morning walk with local macadamia nut treats, fresh fruit, and island-grown coffee.

Aloha Stadium Swap Meet: If you are hunting for scale and variety, head west to the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet. As Oʻahu’s largest open-air marketplace, its 400-plus vendors offer everything from handcrafted souvenirs and woodwork to local snacks and vintage finds.

Prince Tip: Most makers and farmers’ markets operate strictly on weekend mornings or select weekday afternoons, so be sure to double-check hours before setting out.

Meaningful Hawaii-Made Gifts

In Hawaii, the spirit of aloha guides the care and intention that local makers pour into their craft. Choosing island-sourced goods ensures your keepsakes carry a real connection to the people and place behind them.

• Hawaii-Grown Coffee & Craft Chocolate: Single-origin roasts and bean-to-bar treats from island makers like Mānoa Chocolate and Honolulu Coffee Co.
• Local Apparel & Textiles: Honolulu-sewn aloha shirts, versatile dresses, and hand-printed pareos (beach wraps) designed right on Oʻahu.
• Art, Ceramics & Photography: Original stoneware, local photography, and illustrated prints that capture the landscape and creative culture of the island.
• Koa Wood & Lau Hala Craft: Hand-carved koa (native hardwood) serving pieces and traditional lau hala (woven leaf) accessories that honor Native Hawaiian heritage.
• Pantry Essentials: Travel-friendly treats like lilikoi (passion fruit) butter, guava preserves, Hawaiian sea salts, and local wildflower honey.
• Botanical Skincare & Soaps: Tropical body oils, lotions, and soaps infused with pikake (Hawaiian jasmine), coconut, and native botanicals.
• Authentic Island Ukuleles: Sleek, high-quality wood instruments from legacy Hawaii makers like Kamaka and KoAloha that turn an iconic souvenir into a lasting musical hobby.

Practical Tips for Shopping in Honolulu

A little planning can make local shopping in Honolulu feel easier and more enjoyable. Before you head out, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Bring an Eco-Tote: Oʻahu has an island-wide plastic bag ban. Guests staying at Prince Waikiki receive one complimentary Eco Shopping Bag per room per stay, perfect for market runs and boutique finds.
• Leave room in your suitcase: Pack with a little extra space if you plan to shop for gifts.
• Mind TSA Liquid Limits: If you are buying local honey, jams, body oils, or spirits, remember that containers over 3.4 oz must go into checked luggage. Opt for dry goods (such as roasted coffee beans, textiles, or art prints) if you prefer to travel carry-on only.
• Shop local: Whenever possible, choose locally-made or Hawaii-based products. Ask about the maker, read the label, and look for items that reflect the place you are visiting.

A Half-Day Shopping Itinerary: Ward Village & Kakaʻako

To keep your day enjoyable rather than turning it into a retail marathon, pair your browsing with local coffee, street art, and neighborhood dining, all within a fifteen-minute harbor stroll or a five-minute Biki bike ride from Prince Waikiki.

Bring Home Meaningful Finds: Plan Your Stay at Prince Waikiki

Honolulu offers so many ways to bring home something with a story. Whether you are hunting for vintage treasures in Chinatown, picking up fresh local jams at a weekend market, or discovering indie designers in Kakaʻako, Prince Waikiki places you right at the heart of the action. 

Ready to bring home something meaningful from Oʻahu? Explore our latest offers and start planning your stay at Prince Waikiki.

Frequently Asked Questions