Introduction to Honolulu

Honolulu is the capital of Hawaii and like the rest of the island chain home to people from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds. Most of the state’s cultural centers are in Honolulu, such as museums and national monuments.

Demographics

Honolulu has a population of around 350,000 and is the 55^th largest city in the US. Over half the population identifies itself as Asian, some 53.7% of the population.

Top Five Shopping Districts:

1. Royal Hawaiian Centre: The Royal Hawaiian Center occupies over 300,000 square feet and features over 110 shops and restaurants – the center is one of Hawaii’s largest shopping malls. The mall has boutiques, sportswear stores, surf stores, jewelry stores, craft shops and more.
2. 2100 Kalakua Avenue: 2100 Kalakua Avenue is known as Luxury Row, with many international retailers such as Chanel, Gucci, Saint Laurent, Moncler, Bottega Veneta and more.
3. Waikiki Beach Walk: On Waikiki Beach Walk consumers will find Hawaii-inspired artwork, gifts and trinkets – everything from beach casual to fine jewelry. Most of the stores are locally owned boutiques.
4. International Marketplace: The International Marketplace is home to the first Saks Fifth Avenue in Hawaii. The International Marketplace is an open-air concept experience with over 75 retailers.
5. Ala Moana Center: Hawaii’s largest shopping center is an open-air shopping mall, where consumers can find over 300 merchants.

Famous Retail Events Honolulu Fashion Week: Though Honolulu may not carry the fashion cachet of cities such as New York, Paris or Milan, it is making itself known to the fashion and retail world through new events such as Honolulu Fashion Week. The event was launched in 2014, hosted by Honolulu Magazine and designed to celebrate the local fashion industry and up-and-coming designers. International brands also participate.

Top Innovative Retailers

Roberta Oaks [caption id="attachment_96356" align="alignright" width="299"] Source: robertaoaks.com[/caption] Roberta Oaks is a men’s and women’s lifestyle brand. The products include Aloha shirts, day dresses, unique Hawaiian and US-made accessories and lifestyle goods. Roberta Oaks hails from Missouri and took inspiration from her lifestyle, integrating retro and vintage designs into the brand. The brand is known for her take on local fixtures such as the Hawaiian floral-print Aloha shirt, to which the designer added a slimmer, more fitted shape than the typical roomy fit. All the products in the store are handmade in Honolulu and the Aloha shirts are made in limited quantities to make it more exclusive. Location: Roberta Oaks, 19 North Pauahi Street, Honolulu.   WIMINI [caption id="attachment_96357" align="alignright" width="249"] Source: wiminihawaii.com[/caption] WIMINI was started by Mari and Yutaka Chino in 2007. Yutaka is a graphic designer and lived in Tokyo for the majority of his life, moving to Hawaii in 1992. His designs are  based on Hawaii’s nature and surroundings. Yutaka is also inspired by Roy Lichtenstein and incorporates advertising characters into his designs. The store is located in a parking lot, the shirts are hand-printed and eco-friendly. The shop also sells other types of apparel, jewelry and home décor. What makes WIMINI unique is the production process: The company uses sunlight instead of electrical exposure units to expose the screens and water-based inks for the patterns. The shirts are made in Los Angeles and hand printed in Hawaii. Location: WIMINI, 326 Kuulei Road, Kailua.   fishcake [caption id="attachment_96358" align="alignright" width="205"] Source: fishcake.us[/caption] Fishcake was started in 2007 and instantly became a popular store on the Honolulu design scene: The store is a hybrid between a concept store and designer showroom. Fishcake also holds vintage pop-ups, events, classes, exhibits and offers a co-working space. Location: fishcake, 307 Kamani Street, Honolulu.     Hound & Quail [caption id="attachment_96359" align="alignright" width="254"] Source: houndandquail.com[/caption] Hound & Quail is located in downtown Honolulu. Products consist of unusual items and vintage furniture selected by owners Mark Pei and Travis Flazer, both Hawaii natives. The items are not solely from Hawaii, and include pieces from around the world. The interior was inspired by shops in Amsterdam and Tokyo, but everything in the store is offered at a reasonable price. Products include vintage cameras, wall art, home décor and more. The basement of the store is called “The Outpost” and is used for art shows, wine and art classes as well as a variety of other shows. Location: Hound & Quail, 920 Manuakea Street, Honolulu.   Olive & Oliver [caption id="attachment_96360" align="alignright" width="280"] Source: oliveandoliverhawaii.com[/caption] Olive & Oliver was founded by husband and wife Ali McMahon and Parker Moosman, who handpick each item in the store – mostly inspired by Waikiki’s surf culture. The product line includes beach essentials such as cover ups, board shorts, sunscreen and quirky gifts. The brand is a fusion of Olive, a Kailua-based boutique known for women’s fashion, and Oliver, known for menswear. The owners joined the two brands into one store offering a wider range of products. The boutique includes an artisanal coffee bar, offering a local Surfjacks coffee blend with each bag featuring a photograph taken by a Hawaii native. Location: Olive & Oliver, 412 Lewers Street, Honolulu.   Owens & Co [caption id="attachment_96361" align="alignright" width="274"] Source: owensandcompany.com[/caption] Owens & Co is located in Chinatown. Opened in 2011, it curates unique home décor and gifts, especially locally made but also many international goods. The interior is quaint and has a comfortable atmosphere, with furniture strategically placed around the store to give it a “comfy” atmosphere. The store’s large windows allow natural light to come in, making it a bright and vibrant environment. Some of the most popular items in the store include potted succulents, rare jewelry, stationary, greeting cards, fragrances and kitchenware – but the owner often rotates the selection. Location: Owens & Co, 1152 Nuuanu Ave, Honolulu.   PAIKO [caption id="attachment_96362" align="alignright" width="209"] Source: paikohawaii.com[/caption] PAIKO is a botanical boutique and designed to celebrate Hawaii’s nature. Founder Tamara Rigney is also floral creative advisor. PAIKO offers locally sourced plants, and also has a “flower bar” offering fresh blooms and pre-made bouquets. The flower bar also offers DIY service: Customers can assemble potted plants using the store’s soil and toppings. Paiko also sells a collection of vases, stationary and botanical gifts and offers private and group workshops. Location: PAIKO, 675 Auahi Street Ste 127, Honolulu.   Salvage Public [caption id="attachment_96363" align="alignright" width="178"] Source: salvagepublic.com[/caption] Salvage Public was formed in 2013 by brothers Joseph Serrao and Noah Serrao, along with friend Napali Souza. The brand focuses on surfwear and positions itself as a surf brand. The brand has curated quality pieces, integrating an Hawaiian touch to everything. Products on offer include t-shirts with surf-related images or imprints, nylon board shorts and Japanese cotton button down shirts – all printed with Hawaiian iconography. Location: Salvage Public, 1170 Auahi Street, Honolulu.   The Public Pet [caption id="attachment_96364" align="alignright" width="254"] Source: thepublicpet.com[/caption] The Public Pet was established in 2015 to tap into growing consumer demand for pet products. At The Public Pet, dog and design mesh together, along with other pets. The interior is minimalistic yet comfortable, with products consisting of a variety supplies, accessories, toys and food. There are also more unique products, such as pineapple-shaped treat jars, a cardboard cat lounge and herbal paw balm. Location: The Public Pet, 3422 Waialae Ave, Honolulu.   Dean & Deluca [caption id="attachment_96365" align="alignright" width="352"] Source: deandeluca-hawaii.com[/caption] Dean & Deluca is a chain of upscale grocery stores, with one located at the Royal Hawaiian Center on Kalakaua Ave, occupying over 1,100 square feet. This store showcases the usual Dean & Deluca range of gourmet foods and grab and go meals, but also many products made in Hawaii such as macadamia nut chocolates, local pancake mix, locally produced coffee, Hawaiian salts, honey and more. This is the only Dean & Deluca chain to carry Hawaiian merchandise. Location: Dean & Deluca, 2233 Kalakaua Avenue #B11OF, Honolulu.   Must See Street:  Ala Moana Boulevard Ala Moana Boulevard is one of the longest streets in Honolulu. The segment above the Ala Moana Regional Park is home to many boutiques and gift stores.

1. Taj Clubhouse at Ward Center: A children’s clothing store selling printed kids’ clothes, toys and rubber stamps with hand-drawn designs.
2. Miemiko Atelier: A stationary store featuring desk decorations and printed cards designed and created by local designers.
3. Hakubundo: A selection of Japanese products such as books, craft supplies, toys and gifts.
4. Noa Noa Ward Village: The apparel brand presents a collection of fabrics, handmade jewelry and artifacts using patterns and colors in traditional Hawaiian, Pacific island and ethnic designs from around the world.
5. Na Mea Hawaii: A community resource that distributes books, music and DVDs. It features made in Hawaii products such as woodwork, clothing and Niihau shells made by local artisans.