Favorite Shopping Center

[Pomai]

Where's your favorite shopping center or mall? (see poll)

What do you like about it? Layout? Ambience? Store selection? Price? Convenience? Parking? The people that go or work there? Other?

There's a poll for the major shopping centers located on Oahu, Hawaii, but mention any one you like, wherever your neck of the woods are. Even the small ones like the neighborhood strip mall or plaza.

Go into the details. Each store. Each restaurant. Each business. The security. The management. The lease rent. Fun factor. Deal factor. Other factor.

[helen]

Ala Moana shopping center is in walking distance to me plus a major bus stop.

[Pomai]

For the record, I pretty much DESPISE shopping centers. "Mall Phobia" if you will. I'm a purpose-driven consumer. NOT a "shopper".

While it's a nice place to watch beautiful women doing what they love most (shopping), the whole "scene" isn't my thing. I've never worked in a mall, and God forbid, never will.

Still, my visit to Ala Moana Center tonight inspired the thought of what makes shopping centers such a draw. The responses to this thread will surely be interesting to read.

Secondly, I purposely left out Victoria Ward Center in the poll, because it's too spread out of a "facility" to be considered one cohesive "shopping center", and their major growth has only been recent (within the last 10 years). But indeed include it in your "other" response, if you like it there. I do. Mainly for Farmer's Market. As you might know, they're owned by General Growth, who also owns Ala Moana Center.

[Pua'i Mana'o]

you couldn't chain me to a bumper and drag me to Pearlridge or Waikele.

[tutusue]

For the record, I pretty much DESPISE shopping centers. "Mall Phobia" if you will. I'm a purpose-driven consumer. NOT a "shopper".[...]
That's me to a "T"!!! I just don't understand recreational shopping. I'd rather have a root canal! With that in mind, for clothing or gifts I'll opt for Ward Warehouse. I have one clothing store I like at AMC and will usually check it out in conjunction with a ProCare appt. at the Apple Store. The Apple Store is the only reason I go to AMC.

I prefer to combine errands so will usually hit up Longs and Safeway back to back at the non-shopping center on the corner of Pali and Vineyard or at Kapolei...whatever that shopping center is called!

I much prefer online shopping for gifts and household items but, even then, I get bored within 30 minutes! I actually use a personal shopper when I have a somewhat lengthy Costco list. The added benefit is he schleps everything upstairs to my office! I'm too impulsive in Costco so, even with the personal shopper's fee, I know I'm saving money in the long run! :o

[Random]

For shopping, Pearlridge or Ward. Ideally, Waikele but too far and need to make one bus transfer per one-way trip. Rail better take me from Dillingham to Waikele in one trip.

For people-watching, Ala Moana, especially on very hot and humid days.

[Menehune Man]

Shopping Ughhh!

[Da Rolling Eye]

If I go to a mall, it's only because of the family and it's usually Windward Mall, if I had to pick a favorite. Like Pomai, I'm also PD. When we do go I always make sure I get over to the Sears tool dept., though. :D

Windward Mall may be a farther drive than Pearlridge, but it always has parking and is usually more laid back than, say, AMSC. No frenzied tourists and upscale shops. Also, it's quieter. For some reason, Pearlridge draws out the animals with the mega subwoofers and they constantly cruise the parking lots blasting gansta rap with everyother word starting with "F" or "Mutha...." :mad:

As for good eats it's pretty dismal, but we usually make do with what they have which is still way better than Pearlridge, IMO. We have yet to try the new IHOP and the the new Farrels didn't impress us much. AMSC or the Ward compex probably has the best eats.:)

[Pomai]

If I go to a mall, it's only because of the family and it's usually Windward Mall, if I had to pick a favorite. Like Pomai, I'm also PD. When we do go I always make sure I get over to the Sears tool dept., though. :D It's probably safe to say most of the (straight) fellahz here are "purpose-driven consumers", not "shoppers".

Here's my M.O.: Need new work slacks. Who has the deals? Sears and Ross. Get in car, drive to Ross. Look through selection. Try pants on. Buy. Leave Ross. Leave mall. Pau. Go home.

On the contrary, I can drop my aunt off at Kahala Mall and leave her there the whole day and she's a happy camper. She'll slowly make her way through EVERY STORE just to browse. Sometimes buy, but mostly browse.

God, if I had to endure a day with her in the mall, I'd probably hang myself. :eek: :D

[tutusue]

[...]On the contrary, I can drop my aunt off at Kahala Mall and leave her there the whole day and she's a happy camper. She'll slowly make her way through EVERY STORE just to browse. Sometimes buy, but mostly browse.

God, if I had to endure a day with her in the mall, I'd probably hang myself. :eek: :D
Egads...I'd take 2 root canals over that!!! I don't mind Kahala Mall, tho', 'cuz it's small and, for the most part, not crowded. Still, it's a get in and get out proposition!

I have friends who visit me from Georgia for a month every year or 2. Every day is spent cruising malls. Every...single...day! :eek: They love buying things in general but especially for their grandkids. At least 2 times during their Hawaii stay they end up boxing up their purchases and shipping them back to Georgia!

Different strokes for different folks!

[Pomai]

I have friends who visit me from Georgia for a month every year or 2. Every day is spent cruising malls. Every...single...day! :eek:Been there, seen that. Just a few weeks ago when my other aunt came in from Maryland. That's all she and her friends did. Shop. Site seeing just one day, and the rest of the week shopping. :eek:

Here's the places I frequent on a regular basis, with the stores most specific to my needs:


Hawaii Kai Towne Center: Costco, Ross, City Mill, NAPA Auto Parts, Kaiser Clinic
Hawaii Kai Shopping Center: Safeway, Long's, The Shack
Aina Haina Shopping Center: Foodland, FHB, Post Office, Chucky Cheese.. just kidding. :D
Ala Moana Center: Shirokiya, Sears, Long's Sam Goody, Food Court, Mai Tai Bar (on Fridays to watch Kimo play)
Victoria Ward Center: Marukai, Tropic Fish & Vegetable Market



I don't care for Kahala Mall. The enclosed hallway-like layout is a bit confusing and kinda' claustrophobic, IMO. And the parking is usually tight. I like malls where I can pull in without having to circle the lot for 5 minutes just to get a stall.

[LikaNui]

Count me in with the "purpose-driven" contingent, please. I know exactly what I want and (usually) exactly where to get it. In, purchase, out, pau.
If I have to get something at Ward Center, every now and then I'll mosey into a few other shops if their window displays entice me, just to see what's on the market these days. And living on the windward side, it's Windward Mall for me if I have to get something, but again in and out.
And any trip to a mall I'll only do early and on a weekday, to avoid crowds and teens.
Also, the occasional (rare) quick run to the swap meet at Aloha Stadium if I need something they might have.
Overall, though, I try to support mom-and-pop stores whenever possible.

[tutusue]

[...]I don't care for Kahala Mall. The enclosed hallway-like layout is a bit confusing and kinda' claustrophobic, IMO.
That's the difference between a mall and a shopping center! If it's raining I prefer a mall.
And the parking is usually tight. I like malls where I can pull in without having to circle the lot for 5 minutes just to get a stall.
With the exception of the holidays I've found parking availability to be one of the reasons I'll stop at Kahala Mall...esp. since the extra decks were added a few years ago. I tend to avoid week-ends, tho'.

Hey! Why didn't Waianae Mall (even tho' it's a shopping center!) make the poll list? :p It has a Longs, City Mill, Blockbusters, Radio Shack, Burger King, Subway and a few other shops that escape my memory! :D

[DannyWilliams]

A mall is a mall and ya know I had no particular faves but my heart leans to PEARLRIDGE of course! Well thats the ONLY mall where da braddahs and sistas converge together while there.

I like Ala Moana Center but they were turning gradually into Tourist Central. Since leaving Oahu in mid 1998 I know AMC has changed a lot since then.
The pics that I have seen look NIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIICEEEEEEEEEEEE and if I do find myself back I will be just so dizzy with the changes around me.


Kahala was awright. The only thing goin for me was when I used to check out TOWERS before they went *POOF* and mozied over to BARNES AND NOBLES that was there also.


I am not much of a shopping guy. Mostly its LONGS DRUGS, what was out musicwise at Sam Goodys (who I used to work for), or what was at the now defunct Tower Records or what deals I could find at Ross Dress For Less thats over at Pearlridge.

[Leo Lakio]

I like the malls that play my music mixes. :D






What?

[tikiyaki]

Malls...UGH...what a nightmare. The only reason I like Ala Moana Center was

a) Free Parking, then walk around town or take the bus.

b) It's in Hawaii, so I'll take a mall in Hawaii, because it's well...in HAWAII :D

I hate all the "upscale shopping" there...Armani, Luis Vuitton etc....UGH...KILL ME first.

My fiancee' can't understand why I don't want to go with her and her daughter when they look at clothes....WHAT???
What's not to understand, I'm a GUY !!!

I tell her, OK, the next time the NAMM show comes to town (National Association of Music Merchants) I'm going to take her and make her spend 4 hours in there while I look at all the new music equipment coming out.
or say , "You wanna spend 4 hours with me in Guitar Center ?"


Sightseeing for one day, and shopping for the rest of the week ? Insanity.
I don't understand the tourists going to Hawaii, staying in Waikiki and spending all their time at places Like Ala Moana...With all the beauty Hawaii has, all you can do is SHOP ?

[DannyWilliams]

My fiancee' can't understand why I don't want to go with her and her daughter when they look at clothes....WHAT???
What's not to understand, I'm a GUY !!!

I tell her, OK, the next time the NAMM show comes to town (National Association of Music Merchants) I'm going to take her and make her spend 4 hours in there while I look at all the new music equipment coming out.
or say , "You wanna spend 4 hours with me in Guitar Center ?"


Sightseeing for one day, and shopping for the rest of the week ? Insanity.
I don't understand the tourists going to Hawaii, staying in Waikiki and spending all their time at places Like Ala Moana...With all the beauty Hawaii has, all you can do is SHOP ?




So it is true that if guys go clothes shopping they just wanna grab whats needed and goooooooo. The looking, trying on is soooooo time wasting. :D

I myself just search out what I need and mission accomplished.
I like to window shop but more on stuff like when House Of Music used to be by the stage side area or Honolulu Book Shops stuff.
Why look at those inflated designer stuff I know I will never afford?

And *GASP* On the why do Tourists continuing to come to Hawaii response :eek:

[Mike_Lowery]

I shop online more than anywhere else, but I'd have to say Kahala or Pearlridge. They got hotter Asian chicks :D

[Palama Kid]

For people-watching, Ala Moana, especially on very hot and humid days.

I quite agree. AMC, all da way; forget da shopping part - I no shop, much.

In da early '70s, while working for Sears flower shop (makai side, street level), I was so jealous of da makule guys sitting in da cool shade around Long's Drugs . . . um, people watching. Now, when I'm home, I are one.

[modpirate]

I voted Ala Moana, which is probably lame 'cuz I haven't seen it in twenty years. But it was my favorite at the time.

[adrian]

Either Pearlridge, Ala Moana, or Waikele for me.

Hopefully, I can visit the other malls now that I have a car.

[Hellbent]

ala moana, circa 1985 =p
still felt local, still had farrels, tilt, etc.

[Pomai]

I need to think out my polls more thoroughly (that sounds weird) before starting it.

Shoulda' added a "The Neighborhood Strip Mall" to the list, as Tutusue pointed out in regards to Waianae Mall. Most folks are going there first, before heading to the "big 4" (or "big 5" if you want to add Victoria Ward to the mix).

Should've also checked the option to show who voted for what and multiple choice voting. Ah, next time.

Anyway, I grew in Alii Shores in Kaneohe, which is just across the street from Windward Mall. We watched that mall get built. Before the building went up, the open, paved concourse was THE PLACE for all the neighborhood kids to ride skateboard and BMX bikes. Before Windward Mall was even a thought, that whole area was just overgrown grass, with a few "mysterious" old homes in the middle, along with that more-than-spookey graveyard (just behind Heeia Elementary), which the Mall had to build around, and is still there today.

How many malls have you been to that has a graveyard in the middle of the parking lot? :eek: :D

[Mike_Lowery]

ala moana, circa 1985 =p
still felt local, still had farrels, tilt, etc.
and the Hawaiian food at Poi Bowl tasted good. Oh, and the mannequins at The Ritz were already losing their hair.

[TATTRAT]

AF is very ecstatic that we will be living in walking distance to the Ala Mona center. I have not been there ever before, so I will go to see it, but not spend the weekends there, as she might, lol. AF is quite the shopper. I do not like the crowds.

Still looking forward to seeing new things though, regardless.

[Da Rolling Eye]

AF is very ecstatic that we will be living in walking distance to the Ala Mona center. I have not been there ever before, so I will go to see it, but not spend the weekends there, as she might, lol. AF is quite the shopper. I do not like the crowds.

Still looking forward to seeing new things though, regardless.
Just curious. Whereabouts did you find housing? :)

[TATTRAT]

Discovery Bay. I don't know too much about it.

[tutusue]

Just curious. Whereabouts did you find housing? :)
I'll hazard a guess...Don Quixote/Daiai/Holiday Mart area? Hopefully not next door to anyone who leaves candles unattended! :eek:

[tutusue]

Discovery Bay. I don't know too much about it.
Which tower...neighbor?!!!

Yes...walkable to AMC but a bit of a hike back to D.Bay with a whole bunch of packages!

[TATTRAT]

Which tower...neighbor?!!!

Yes...walkable to AMC but a bit of a hike back to D.Bay with a whole bunch of packages!


Good question! I'll have to ask AF.

[tutusue]

Good question! I'll have to ask AF.
There are 2...Endeavor and Resolution.

[TATTRAT]

O.K., Resolution, the Diamond Head side.

[tutusue]

O.K., Resolution, the Diamond Head side.
Yep! Endeavor=Ewa side. We're in different towers!

Oh...wait! This thread is about shopping malls. There's a mini-mini mall on the lower floors of Discovery Bay! Restaurants (including a Starbucks but no Jamba Juice!), shopping (clothing, gifts), manicurist, drop in health clinic, attorney, realtor, Alamo RAC, etc.

[craigwatanabe]

For me it's always been Kahala Mall because it's been my stomping grounds since it was called the Waialae Shopping Center. Too bad about Star Market. Now it will only be Longs as the only store since the mall opened. Even Bank of Hawaii wasn't built till later on. The grounds of BoH was where we held our annual Bon Dance in the 60's.

[Kalihiboy]

I think Discovery Bay dates to 1980 or so as does Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center. Ala Moana 1959, Kam Shopping Center, Pearlridge 1971, Windward Mall 1982, I think Waialae Shopping Center became Kahala Mall in 1973. Feel free to correct me on the dates, even add malls I forgot and such.

KalihiBoy

[tutusue]

I think Discovery Bay dates to 1980[...]
You're not far off! I vacationed at Discovery Bay a few months before I moved to Hawaii, early 1978, and it was about a year old then.

[Kalihiboy]

I meant to say Kam Shopping Center I think was built in 1959 too.

I wonder when the old Kalihi Shopping Center was built, it's in the process of being torn down now.

Aj

[Mista Bumpy]

I just don't understand recreational shopping. I'd rather have a root canal!

You just don't unnerstand the real importance of places like Ala Moana -

FOOD COURT !!!

ROOFTOP WATERING HOLES!!

That's it. Tons of sweet sour pork, poi, Thai snacks, and pizza followed by a couple beers up on the roof. Everything in between is irrelavent. I can live without a new Rolex or the latest gadget from the Sharper Image store. I suppose I could even live without Longs - if I had to, I guess. but I gotta have my egg rolls and Miller.

Aloha!

[mel]

I just voted for Ala Moana Center because it is the one I have been going to the most since I moved to Oahu. I have seen a lot of changes at Ala Moana where the center was re-focused from local shopping destination to one catering mostly to high end tourists and lately high end dining for tourists and locals who want to spend. Good for the center and General Growth Properties if they are making money with this concept. Kind of not so good for a bargain shopper like me.

My favorite stores at Ala Moana Shopping Center used to be: Woolworth, DJ's Sound City, Shirokiya, JC Penney, Sears, Longs, Honolulu Book Store and as a little kid Keiki Land.

Today my favorite stores at AMC are: Longs, Shirokiya and Sears. The only high end store that I like is the Apple Store. I also go to Radio Shack once in a while.

As for eating, sometimes the Food Court, Zippys or McDonalds; once in a blue moon one of those fancier places upstairs.

Reason for liking Ala Moana Center: Plenty of free parking. Plentiful parking is one of the hallmarks that make a shopping center popular. If you ain't got free parking it is harder for customers to get to or justify going to your business. Another reason is I live close by.

I agree with the guys who dislike clothes shopping. I hated it from when I was little when my mom and sisters could spend hours on end looking at and trying on different clothes. If I have to clothes shop I go in and look for what I need and if they have it and it's reasonably priced, I buy it and get out.

Today I usually buy clothes from WalMart or Ross. Except for Sears, clothes sold at Ala Moana are way too pricey for me.

Forgot to mention that the Ala Moana Center Post Office is open all day on Saturdays and Sat-Sun during the busy Christmas holiday season.

[DannyWilliams]

My favorite stores at Ala Moana Shopping Center used to be: Woolworth, DJ's Sound City, Shirokiya, JC Penney, Sears, Longs, Honolulu Book Store and as a little kid Keiki Land.

Today my favorite stores at AMC are: Longs, Shirokiya and Sears.


awww Mel ya take me down to memory lane here with Woolworths when it was on da udda side, Mauka that is, DJ's Sound City w/ their circular like displays of LP's (whats that?) :wink: and what tenant is in there now? I am curious..... And SHIROKIYA still there? I thought they folded?

[cezanne]

Windward Mall is down the road from me. I hear comments from people at work like: that place is so dead compared to blah blah... that's why I like it... its pretty laid back. Don't go to the mall much tho except to eat or to go to Sear's hardware dept.

[helen]

awww Mel ya take me down to memory lane here with Woolworths when it was on da udda side, Mauka that is, DJ's Sound City w/ their circular like displays of LP's (whats that?) :wink: and what tenant is in there now? I am curious..... And SHIROKIYA still there? I thought they folded?

Old Navy is in the place Woolworths last occupied which is on the lower level, ocean side next to Sears. I remember Woolworths being on the mountain side and having 2 levels back in the late 70's.

Shirokiya is still there.

[cezanne]

I remember Woolworths being on the mountain side and having 2 levels back in the late 70's.



Ohhh yer old!!! I remember that too:eek: . I was a kid and had to tag along with my mom and sisters so they could get their patterns and material to make their clothes. My fave dept was the toy section and staring at the fried chicken behind the glass while they did their thing.

[DannyWilliams]

Ohhh yer old!!! I remember that too:eek:.


awww man now YOURE making me SUPA old for pointing that out...:D

Yeah I remember there were video games patrons played and hanged out at and was next to their electronics section I believe facing the mauka street side of AMC.

And Yes I did read that OLD NAVY took over Woolworths when they were over the Ocean Side....... I still wanna know where DJ SOUND CITY was during their heydays...... I wanna say KAY BEE TOYS which I used to work there btw but I may be getting it wrong.:rolleyes:

[modpirate]

I remember the old Woolworth's too. Actually I may even be able to top that: when I was a kid I would get a hamburger at Jon's, then ice cream at Ed and Don's, and then I would play in the sandbox next to Iida's.

[Honoruru]

Jon's. That brought back memories. I loved their burgers, but I loved their mini curry bowls even more. It was just enough to satisfy, without filling you up. And very close in style to the Kanda lunch wagon (http://starbulletin.com/2003/12/19/news/story8.html) curry plates at Kewalo Basin, my all-time favorite local-style beef curry plate.

And the price (at both places) was good, too!