Aloha Tower Market Place

With over 75 shops,  restaurants, and services the Aloha Tower Marketplace is known as the place where locals and visitors come to play. Where else can Dad eat some wings at Hooters, Mom get a Lomi Lomi massage, and the kids take hula lessons all in the same place?

Built in the 1920's, the Aloha Tower is also a popular visitor attraction with elevator service to the tenth floor observation deck, boasting spectacular views of Diamond Head, Honolulu Harbor, Downtown Honolulu and the Koolau Mountains.

The hula girl statues that adjourn the marketplace along with Hawaiian music remind the family they are in paradise.

Outside the Marketplace, children can explore the beautiful Honolulu Harbor with a living coral reef loaded with fish that can easily be seen through the clear water.

A sign displays all the beautiful fish that can be seen from the pier of the harbor. A visit here is like going to the  Waikiki Aquarium without the cost of admission.

My daughter enjoyed watching the reef fish gather at the surface to feed. The Aloha Tower Market Place is a great place for the family to spend the day shopping, sojourning with Hawaiian reef fish, dining, and taking in the sunset.

There is always some kind of event kicking off at the marketplace. Check the Aloha Tower Market Place events calendar page to find out whats happening before your visit.


If your in town July 3rd make sure to check out their amazing fireworks display. The Aloha Tower Market Place is located at 1 Aloha Tower Drive, it is just one block waterside of the intersection of Nimitz Highway and Bishop Street.

Tropical Farms Macadamia Nut Farm Outlet

Located on Oahu’s windward (east) coast near the Kualoa Ranch , Tropical Farms Macadamia Outlet is a unique local shop that sells Macadamia Nuts and fruits grown on site. In addition to their delicious selection of flavored Mac Nuts they also offer pearl jewelry, art, creams, aromatic oils, free Kona Coffee samples and other souvenirs you won't find in Waikiki.

When the family is done browsing the store,  check out the farm tour called the Alii Tour. The 15$ per person one hour tour explores the plantation and fishponds. It also includes demonstrations on how the Hawaiians lived off the land.

The Alli Tour is fun way for the family to learn about Hawaiian history, customs, fruits and plants.


 

Jewelry store specializing in island pearls for Mom.

Behind the store is a large bin full of raw Macadamia Nuts where  kids and (adults) can pick out a Mac Nut to crack open and try.

Kids really enjoy trying out the Hawaiian way of opening Mac Nuts. The wild chickens that roam the farm quickly move in to eat any nuts that fall of the block.

If the family is looking to take home superior Macadamia Nuts or Coffee you won't find a better a destination in Oahu. Throw in the added bonus of the fun and educational Alli tour and you have an activity everyone in the family will enjoy.

Make a day out of visiting the windward coast by visiting the Kualoa Ranch and Kualoa Beach Park conveniently located right next door to the Mac Farm.



Address: 49-227 Kamehameha Hwy

Kaneohe, HI 96744

website.

Aloha Stadium Swap Meet

Located just 20 minutes away from Waikiki, the Aloha Stadium is Hawaii’s largest open air flea market. The swapmeet is a shopping mecca featuring unique treasures where the locals often go for the best deals in town.


Admission is only a 1$ per buyer and they are open Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday 8am-3pm ( 630am-3pm Sunday.)

The endless rows of over 700 local merchants offer the best value on imported merchandise, hand made items, eclectic art pieces, popular local snacks, and other made in Hawaii products.

 

Our first stop was one of the many local fruit stands where they were selling  fresh coconut.

Next we stopped at the Hawaiian shirt stand where 8$ gets you an aloha shirt or dress made in Hawaii.

There is plenty of fresh local produce at great prices.

 

There is a large offering of Hawaiian crafts from various vendors like these Ukuleles.

Kids love the selection of cheap toys.

 
  Moms will love the selection of crafts, jewelry, and handbags.
 

This is sure to be your one stop destination to find that special gift or souvenir for everyone on your list.

 Tip: Since there is plenty of competition, you can barter with most of the merchants for the best price.


For transportation to the Swap meet click on the following link: Aloha Flea Market.

Directions:
From East Oahu, Waikiki /Honolulu: Take H-1 freeway West, exit 1E – Take the “Stadium” exit.

From West Oahu, Koolina, Kapolei: Take H-1 freeway East, exit 13B – Take the “Stadium” exit 1b.

Waialua Sugar Mill

Located near the North Shore of Oahu, the historical Waialua Sugar Mill is home to more than 30 different local shops and factories. Everything here is made in Hawaii- perfect for those looking for a unique Hawaiian gift to take home. The list of tenants consists of Surfboard Shapers, Glassers, Artists, Industrial, Natural Soap, Natural Snack Foods, World famous Waialua Coffee, and handmade chocolate from cocoa beans grown on site.

Most of the buildings are open to the public with great shopping areas full of rich history and pictures of the sugarcane past.

                                    

The most popular shops at the mill are the North Shore Soap Factory, Island X, North Shore Country Store, and the Waialua Farmers Market.

North Shore Soap Factory is essentially a Hawaiian version of Bath and BodyWorks.  Their handcrafted soaps each contain  unique island-grown ingredients such as Hawaiian Kukui & Macadamia Nut Oils, honey, papaya, tangerines, coffee, & guava. Many products also feature organic ingredients such as organic oatmeal, rice flour, blue cornmeal, and organic spices.

The lobby in the store features all kinds of historical photos and memorabilia of the sugar mill.

Inside the store, visitors can get an idea of how their all natural soaps are made.

Next to the Soap Factory, the family can check out Island X and sample some Wailua Coffee or delicious handmade chocolate.

Island X actually produces the coffee Dole Plantation Sells.

As the photo depicts, a lot of attention to detail goes into making these handmade chocolates from the temperature they are stored in, to their packaging.

The end result is chocolate that will take your breath away and rivals some of the best chocolate artisans in Europe.

Free samples of their coffee produced from beans grown on site. The soil in the area gives the beans a distinct smoothness with minimal acidity. In my opinion, this is some of the best coffee in the world.

In addition to their great coffee, Island X also sell local gourmet items that would make a great gift to take back home to loved ones you won't find anywhere else in the world.

Out back behind the store, mini tours are offered explaining how the coffee and cocoa beans are produced to make some of the world's finest coffee and chocolate.

They even have a cocoa pod out to see where the beans come from.

 
  The Waialua Sugar Mill provides great shopping on the North Shore of Oahu local style and is a highly recommended stop while visiting the surrounding area.
 
Directions for shopping in the Waialua Sugar Mill.


If your coming from Haleiwa come down Waialua Beach road and turn left on Goodale Ave. Turn right on Kealohanui St. and you are at the front gate of the Waialua Sugar Mill.

If you are coming from Honolulu side, follow the H2 to the town of Waialua. Pass Eric's gas station and go to the right at the traffic circle. This road has no signage but it is Goodale Ave. Start looking for the smoke stack and turn left at Lulu's lunch wagon. Your now on Kealohanui St. and you will see the large sugar mill buildings at the front of the park.

The Waialua Sugar Mill
address is:
67-106 Kealohanui St. Waialua 96791

Pearl Ridge Mall

Last week we took a trip to Pearl Ridge Mall,  home to the island's only monorail. Visitors can enjoy a scenic ride between the downtown and uptown centers while enjoying views of historic Pearl Harbor and the Arizona Memorial. Pearl Ridge Mall is also home to Macy's, Bed Bath & Beyond®, Sears, and the State's only Toys "R" Us.

Pearlridge Center is the largest enclosed shopping center in the State of Hawaii and is also home to more than 170 stores, restaurants and services. In addition to the monorail, Pearlridge has 2 food courts, 12 full-service restaurants, a miniature golf course, 2 arcades, and 16 theaters.

On the second floor of uptown by Border's Books, we found a place called 808 bounce. 808 bounce is packed with massive and bright colored inflatables including slides, obstacle courses, bounce houses, joust, and a carousel. For $8.75 Children get a wristband and can come and go all day. Entry is free for adults and accompanying children.

808 Bounce would be a great place to bring the kids to celebrate a birthday party. Parents can call to reserve the party area and bring their own food, drinks, balloons and decorations, gift and party favors. For more information check our post on 808 Bounce.

In the middle of the uptown mall there is a map of the Hawaiian Islands our kids found to be very entertaining. It is also conveniently located next to the food court so parents can take a rest and watch the kids have fun.

Upon closer inspection, I found the map was actually British Captain James Cook's route when he discovered the Hawaiian Islands in 1778.

 A monument statue of James Cook stands in Waimea, Kauai commemorating his first contact with the Hawaiian Islands at the town's harbour on January 1778.

 

  Down town Pearl Ridge is home to the Movie Theater, Ross, California Pizza Kitchen, food courts and a Fun Factory. Fun factory is an arcade for kids to play with plenty of entertainment for the family. Think Chuckie Cheeze without the mouse.

  
    There is always some kind of event for kids happening at Pearl Ridge Mall. In fact, there is a free membership program for children ages 0 to 12 years old called the Keiki Club. Every Tuesday for free, kid-friendly entertainment from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Activities include crafts, storytelling, face-painting, songs and more.

 Members receive a Keiki Club Card which can be presented at participating merchants throughout Pearlridge Center for special discounts and offers. This past week kids had a chance to get a photo op with the Easter Bunny for 20$. The Pearl Ridge mall is located at 98-1005 Moanalua Rd. #231Aiea, HI 96701

For more information on upcoming events and coupons for retailers at Pearl Ridge Mall visit their website.

Oahu Family Activities Waikiki Beach

Canoe racing is quite popular on Waikiki Beach. Waikīkī Beach is one of the only places in the world where you can race down a wave with the family on an outrigger canoe. There are various valets on the beach that offer outrigger canoe rides, surfboard rentals, etc.  Another great idea would be to take the family on the  Waikiki Trade Wind Sail tour to take in the picturesque view of the Waikiki shoreline.




If canoe racing doesn't appeal to the family, why not try the Oahu Hawaiian Stand Up Paddling Adventure or the Outrigger Catamaran Cruise, Snorkel, Sail MIX?

There is plenty of world class shopping along the main strip in Waikiki . All of the world renown brands can be found on Luxury row right on the main strip. Coach, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany and Co, Yves Saint Laurent, Chanel, Gucci, and anything else one's heart desires can all be found here. Fashionista Moms will certainly appreciate the world class selection of shopping steps away from the major hotels near the beach.

This is the famous local legend "Duke" statue. Duke is known in Hawaii as the father of modern surfing.

                 Waikiki Beach is a great place for a relaxing  stroll with your keikis. The Honolulu Zoo, Waikiki Aquarium, and Queen Kapiolani Park are all in walking distance of Waikiki Beach. At night time, the city lights gas torches along the streets of Waikiki giving visitors a true island feel.

Every Friday Evening the Hilton Hawaiian Village puts on a free cornucopia display of fireworks that starts at 7:45 PM and lasts around 10 minutes the family won't want to miss.







 

   

       Waikiki Beach offers a beautiful view of Diamond Head, a mountain that you can hike with breathtaking views. Take a look at our  Diamond Hike excursion for helpful tips and info. The Unforgettable view is worth the 1 hour trek up the stairs.

 

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If the family is hungry while visiting Waikiki Beach, I recommend stopping by Duke's Restaurant. Duke's is kid friendly, located right on the beach, and they even have kids favorite: waffle fries! Their brunch is also fantastic.

                Another great thing about Waikiki beach is there are always other kids to entertain your little one(s)

For family tours and more ideas for cool things to do in Waikiki click on the following link:  Family Fun on the island of Oahu.