Shopping - Honolulu, Waikiki and Oahu - page 334

Sampling ukeleles at the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center.
Waikele Premium Outlets Just say the word Waikele and our eyes glaze over. So many shops,
so little time! There are two sections to this sprawling discount shopping mecca: the Waikele
PremiumOutlets, some 51 retailers offering designer and name-brand merchandise; and the
Waikele Value Center across the street, with another 25 stores that are more practical than
fashion-oriented ( Eagle Hardware, Sports Authority ). The 64-acre complex has made dis-
count shopping a travel pursuit in itself, with tours for visitor groups and carloads of neigh-
bor islanders and Oahu residents making pilgrimages from all corners of the state. They
come to hunt down bargains on everything from perfumes, luggage, and hardware to sport-
ing goods, fashions, vitamins, and china. Examples: ArmaniExchange,SaksFifthAvenue,
BrooksBrothers,CalvinKlein,Izod,PoloRalphLauren,BananaRepublic, and the ultrach-
ic Barneys. Monday through Friday 9am to 9pm, Sunday 10am to 6pm. Take H-1 west toward
Waianae and turn off at exit 7. Or take bus no. 42 from Waikiki to Waipahu Transit Center,
then 433 from Transit Center to Waikele. 94-790 Lumiaina St., Waikele (about 20 miles from Waikiki). &
808/678-0786 or 808/676-5656. www.premiumoutlets.com/waikele .
Ward Centre Although it has a high turnover and a changeable profile, Ward Centre is a
standout for its concentration of restaurants and shops. Ryan's and KakaakoKitchen are as
popular as ever, the former (with a Hawaiian grill menu) looking out over Ala Moana Park
and the latter (which serves plate lunches) with lanai views of the sprawling Pier1Imports
across the street. Nordstrom Rack and Office Depot have sprouted in a new development
area that includes a 16-theater movie megaplex. All these establishments are part of developer