2025 Top 10 Retail Center Experiences: No. 6 Ala Moana Center
Aside from being the largest open-air shopping center in the world at 2.4 million sq. ft., Ala Moana welcomes the world’s most diverse group of customers. Every day, shoppers from Asia and Europe — as well as from the Lower 48 states — coalesce at Hawaii’s prime retail location.
“Our customers are international customers, and they come to Ala Moana expecting to be shopping the best of brands,” said Lisa Gordon, the center’s VP of leasing. “We feature a highly curated mix of that include Canada Goose, Panerai, Marc Jacobs, Chanel, Hermes, Dior, and Aritzia.”
With more than 350 stores and over 160 dining options, Ala Moana Center offers the largest and most diverse retail lineup in the islands. Restaurants, bars and attractions such as Mai Tai’s, Lucky Strike Social, Escape Room, and Dave & Buster’s continue to draw visitors after retail stores close, helping to create a lively and welcoming atmosphere throughout the day and night.
Ala Moana’s spaces are filled with art from Hawaiian artists. Earlier this year, it introduced a 28-foot-wide “Aloha” sculpture that immediately became a primary photo backdrop for the thousands of tourists who pack the center on a daily basis.
More than 800 performances and events take place each year at the center’s two stages, the most popular of which remains its long-running daily hula show.
“We really focus on our Hawaiian culture, and our tenants partake in it as well,” said Gordon. “When new retailers open at Ala Moana, we hold a blessing ceremony led by a spiritual leader that pays respect to the land and to the community.”
