Conveniently located on Waikiki's main thoroughfare, Kalakaua Avenue, the four-level Royal Hawaiian (Shopping) Center provides visitors with a wide range of shopping, dining and entertainment opportunities. It is backed by several top-class hotels along famed Waikiki Beach.
Most recently renovated in June 2008 at a cost of $115 million, the Royal Hawaiian Center shortened its name by removing the word "Shopping'' and now claims to be Oahu's largest public gathering space for shopping, entertainment and culture. It covers six acres with more than 310,000 square feet, stretching for three blocks, and is home to some 110 retailers, restaurants and entertainment venues.
Wholly owned by local Kamehameha Schools, the Center stresses cultural enrichment classes as well as shopping, aimed at perpetuating Hawaiian culture and the arts as an important part of its mission. Classes are offered Monday through Friday and include such native skills as lei-making, hula dancing, and Hawaiian quilting. Ukulele lessons, lomilomi massage and kapa cloth making are also taught.
When it comes to shopping, the Center is easily Waikiki's largest mall. The shops here run the gamut from designer fashion and trendy boutiques to local crafts and surf wear. The main categories of stores are apparel and accessories, health and beauty, jewelry and watches, shoes, specialty stores, sundries, and convenience stores.
Among the many name brands represented in the Center are Bebe, Bvlgari, Fendi, Ferrari, Hermes, Rolex, and Tourneau. Local shops include ABC stores, the Coconut Hut Lei Stand, Honolua Surf, Island Candle, Pick-a-Pearl and The Hat Shack.
Tourists make up the vast majority of shoppers here, but locals have not been forgotten. Residents who carry the Center's Ohana Card may take advantage kama'aina (locals) specials, such as 10% discounts at most shops, which are open from 10am till 10pm daily.
Beyond shopping, visitors can also come here to experience live-round shooting in a safe, controlled environment at the Royal Hawaiian Shooting Club. The club has a large selection of pistols and rifles for target practice, available for beginners as well as advance shooters.
Another special feature of the Center is the historic Royal Hawaiian Band. Under the direction of Bandmaster Michael Nakasone, the group performs a free concert on the first Wednesday of each month from 1pm to 2pm in The Royal Grove, playing Hawaiian classics accompanied by solo vocalists and hula dancers.
The Royal Hawaiian Center also offers a variety dining options, from snacks and fast food to casual family fare and elegant dining. For example, at the Paina Lanai Food Court on level two in front of the Sheraton Hotel, open seating is available for patrons of ten different shops. They include Yummy Korean BBQ, Kenny's Hawaiian Express, Maui Tacos, and the Paradise Caf,, to name a few. Panda Express and Sbarro are two national franchises also represented.
Among specialty food shops, Island Vintage Coffee and Starbuck vie for java lovers, while Tropical Iceland and Baskin-Robbins offer cooling treats to beat the heat. For sit-down dining, ten choices are available, ranging from the Cheesecake Factory to Wolfgang's Steakhouse. Japanese, Chinese, Italian and Mexican cuisines are also represented, along with Hawaiian fare.
The Royal Hawaiian Center has its evening attractions, too. The Grove Bar is a popular meeting spot for cocktails and Happy Hour refreshments. The Level4 Night Club and Ultra Lounge swings into action from 10pm till 4am, Thursday through Saturday, with drink specials, dancing and scheduled party events to entertain late-night crowds.
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