Ala Moana Center

Hawaii’s premier shopping, entertainment, and dining destination. As the world’s largest open air mall, Ala Moana Center includes over 290 stores and restaurants, and even includes spots for nightlife. With a heavy presence of high-end designer stores there is something for everyone at this mall, just outside of the world famous Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, Hawaii.

History

Opened in 1959, it was instantly the largest shopping center in America with over 80 stores, and an underdog success just for being opened. Before it was turned into a shopping center the land where Ala Moana Center currently sits was little more than 50 acres of swampland.

• Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
• Amenities: Lots of parking, lots of stores, restrooms, restaurants, bars, shops, security staff.
• Insider Tip: Newer remodeling has focused the malls design to reflect modern Hawaiian architecture principles, which focuses on the symbolism of natural phenomenon found in Hawaii.
• Fun Fact: When Lowell S. Dillingham was developing his idea for the shopping center skeptics suggested calling the center “Dillingham’s Folly”. The land it sits on was once swampland.
• What To Expect: A giant mall with over 290 stores, great restaurant choices, and a giant food court. There are many designer stores such as Prada, Dior, Fendi, Louis Vuitton, and more that have set the tone for the mall and made it a hotspot for tourists and locals.