Ala Moana Center is a premier world’s largest open-air shopping center & dining destination in Honolulu, rated 4.4 out of 5 stars across 24,160 reviews according to verified visitor data. Ala Moana Center is the largest open-air shopping center in the world, spanning 2.4 million square feet across four tropical landscaped levels with over 350 stores and 160 dining options opposite Ala Moana Beach Park in Honolulu. Located at 1450 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814 in the Ala Moana (Between Waikiki & Kakaʻako) district of Honolulu, Hawaii, United States, this destination combines distinctive local heritage, practical transit access, and high visitor satisfaction. (Last updated: November 2026.)
Ala Moana Center at a Glance: Essential Visitor Information
Before arriving at Ala Moana Center, review the verified 2026 visitor specifications below covering exact street coordinates, typical operating hours, admission or pricing tiers, and the fastest public transit connections across Honolulu.
| Visitor Attribute | Verified Details (Ala Moana Center) |
|---|---|
| Official Venue Name | Ala Moana Center |
| Category & Classification | World’s Largest Open-Air Shopping Center & Dining Destination |
| Street Address | 1450 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814 |
| Neighborhood / Precinct | Ala Moana (Between Waikiki & Kakaʻako) (Honolulu, Hawaii, United States) |
| Visitor Rating & Reviews | 4.4 / 5.0 stars (24,160 verified visitor reviews) |
| Admission / Price Tier | $$–$$$$ (350+ Stores, Makai Market Food Court & Luxury Flagships) |
| Operating Hours | Daily 10:00 AM–8:00 PM (Select restaurants open until 10:00 PM) |
| Recommended Time Spent | 2.5 to 5 hours |
| Primary Transit & Access | Waikiki Trolley Pink Line (every 15 mins from Waikiki hotels, $5) or TheBus Routes 8, 20, 42, and E directly to Kona St / Mahukona St transit hub |
| Telephone & Official Website | +1 808-955-9517 | https://www.alamoanacenter.com/ |
What to Expect at Ala Moana Center: Architecture, History & Atmosphere
Opened in August 1959 on the eve of Hawaii’s statehood and continually expanded—including the dramatic 2015 Ewa Wing redevelopment—Ala Moana Center holds a 4.4-star rating across 24,160 reviews and generates 165,000 monthly searches. Open-air coral-stone walkways shaded by palm trees, koi ponds filled with ornamental Japanese koi (nishikigoi), and trade-wind breezes connect four major department stores: Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, and Macy’s.
Whether you are shopping for authentic Hawaiian aloha shirts at Kahala and Reyn Spooner, browsing global luxury flagships (Chanel, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Cartier, Gucci), or sampling island snacks across the 1,500-seat Makai Market Food Court and Lanai @ Ala Moana, the center functions as Oahu’s civic and culinary crossroads.
Top Highlights & Signature Experiences at Ala Moana Center
To make the most of your 2.5 to 5 hours visit in Honolulu, prioritize these four signature highlights and experiences inside and around Ala Moana Center:
- Free Daily Ala Moana Hula Show at Centerstage (5:00 PM): Gather around the open-air Centerstage amphitheater on Level 1 daily at 5:00 PM for a complimentary 20-minute traditional kahiko and modern ʻauana hula performance.
- Makai Market Food Court & The Lanai @ Ala Moana: Choose from over 30 casual counters at Makai Market (poke bowls, garlic shrimp, malasadas, Musubi Cafe IYASUME, and Honolulu Cookie Company) or artisan ramen and matcha at The Lanai.
- Four Department Store Anchors & 350+ Boutiques: Walk from the luxury Ewa Wing (Bloomingdale’s and Nordstrom) past Neiman Marcus to the Diamond Head Wing (Macy’s and Target) alongside Hawaii-exclusive merchandise.
- Shirokiya Heritage & Japanese Specialty Retailers: Explore Nijiya Market nearby, Uniqlo Hawaii’s multi-story flagship with Oahu-only UT graphic tees, and local island chocolatiers (Big Island Candies and Kahuku Farms).
Tickets, Pricing, Hours & Best Time to Visit
Entering Ala Moana Center, watching the daily 5:00 PM Centerstage Hula Show, and parking in the mall’s 10,000+ multi-level parking spaces are all 100% free for shoppers (valet parking is also available outside Neiman Marcus and the Ewa Wing for a flat fee).
Additionally, Hawaii’s General Excise Tax (GET) on retail purchases in Honolulu is just 4.712%—less than half the sales tax rate of Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, or New York—making Ala Moana Center a favorite destination for luxury watches, jewelry, and designer handbags.
How to Get to Ala Moana Center, Parking & Accessibility
Located at 1450 Ala Moana Boulevard just 1.2 miles west of Waikiki, Ala Moana Center is a 10-minute ride on the Waikiki Trolley Pink Line (running every 15 minutes from Kalakaua and Kuhio Avenue hotels; $5.00 cash/card or free when flashing a JCB credit card!).
Honolulu’s public bus system (TheBus routes 8, 20, 42, and 52) also stops directly at the Kona Street and Mahukona Street transit hubs on the north side of the mall. Elevators at all four wings, family lounges, and stroller rentals make all four levels accessible.
Practical Insider Tips & Seasonal Visitor Checklist for Ala Moana Center
Across 24,160 verified guest evaluations averaging 4.4 out of 5 stars, experienced travelers consistently emphasize timing, entry logistics, and neighborhood pacing when visiting Ala Moana Center in Honolulu. Keep this four-point field checklist on hand before setting out:
- Optimal Arrival Window: Aim to arrive within the first 30 minutes of opening (Daily 10:00 AM–8:00 PM (Select restaurants open until 10:00 PM)) or during the late-afternoon shoulder window to bypass midday tour-bus arrivals and enjoy calmer sightlines across Ala Moana (Between Waikiki & Kakaʻako).
- Ticketing & Payment Readiness: Keep contactless credit/debit cards or mobile wallet payment ready along with a screenshot of your confirmation if booking via https://www.alamoanacenter.com/ ($$–$$$$ (350+ Stores, Makai Market Food Court & Luxury Flagships)).
- Pacing & Comfort: Budget 2.5 to 5 hours on site and wear comfortable walking footwear suited for Honolulu’s paved streets, gallery floors, or outdoor terraces.
- Transit & Return Strategy: Pin 1450 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814 in offline maps and use Waikiki Trolley Pink Line (every 15 mins from Waikiki hotels, $5) or TheBus Routes 8, 20, 42, and E directly to Kona St / Mahukona St transit hub during peak evening rush hours when street traffic around Ala Moana (Between Waikiki & Kakaʻako) slows down.
For photography enthusiasts and first-time visitors to Honolulu, early morning light and the final 90 minutes before dusk consistently deliver the cleanest architectural contrast and shortest queues at Ala Moana Center. If your travel dates fall on a national holiday weekend or school vacation period in United States, confirm seasonal schedule adjustments directly via +1 808-955-9517 or the official website at least 24 hours ahead.
Nearby Attractions, Dining & Half-Day Itinerary Pairings
Cross Ala Moana Boulevard via the pedestrian crosswalks directly into 100-acre Ala Moana Regional Beach Park and Magic Island Lagoon (2 minutes south—ideal for calm swimming and sunset photos), or walk 10 minutes west to Ward Village in Kakaʻako. Because Ala Moana Center sits in the heart of Ala Moana (Between Waikiki & Kakaʻako), grouping these adjacent landmarks into a single morning or afternoon walking loop saves transit time and lets you experience the best of Honolulu without backtracking.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ala Moana Center
Is parking free at Ala Moana Center in Honolulu?
Yes, standard self-parking across Ala Moana Center’s 10,000+ multi-deck spaces is free for mall shoppers during operating hours (valet parking is also available for a fee).
What time is the free Hula Show at Ala Moana Center?
The free 20-minute Hula Show takes place every single day at 5:00 PM at Centerstage on Level 1 (Street Level).
How do I get from Waikiki to Ala Moana Center?
Ride the Waikiki Trolley Pink Line (departs every 15 minutes from major Waikiki stops, $5 per ride or free for JCB cardholders), take TheBus Route 8 or 20 ($3), or walk 25 minutes along the scenic Ala Wai Boat Harbor and beach path.
What is the sales tax rate at Ala Moana Center?
Oahu’s General Excise Tax (GET) charged at checkout is 4.712%, making luxury and electronics shopping significantly cheaper than in high-tax mainland US cities.
Where can I store luggage at Ala Moana Center before a flight?
Travelers heading to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL, 18 minutes west) can check bags for a nominal fee at the Waikiki Trolley / Customer Service depot on Level 1 near Kona Street.
What are the best local Hawaiian treats to buy at Ala Moana Center?
Don’t miss fresh-dipped shortbread at Big Island Candies (Level 1), pineapple-shaped shortbread at Honolulu Cookie Company, spam musubi at Musubi Cafe IYASUME (Lanai Food Hall), and Hawaii-exclusive Aloha Collection bags.
Travelers exploring Honolulu often pair this stop with nearby highlights including International Market Place (2.3 km away) and Musubi Cafe Iyasume Keeaumoku (0.4 km away).
