Find Out Your “R Style” at Royal Hawaiian

Royal Hawaiian Center (RHC) goes "social" for a night of shopping and sampling.

If you’ve been to Ala Moana Shopping Center, then you've probably seen their monthly style magazine. It highlights current trends and fashions available at their stores. "R Magazine" does just that for RHC. The new Waikīkī publication features 100 of the center's stores, which sprawl across its three buildings – from  PF Chang’s to Forever 21. 

And to promote the new Fall/Winter issue, RHC held a scavenger hunt of sorts designed to take you to all parts of the center. Upon checking in, I received a gift bag, map and a ticket that was to be stamped by 13 participating stores within a two-hour time frame. These stores greeted us with samples, specials, champaign and a model wearing the latest look. 

I’ve been to RWC many times, but I tend to go to only a few of my favorite stores. I’ve never really explored all the center has to offer. The evening’s effort succeeded in its intended purpose, as I discovered some shops I’d like to return to. The first of which being Allure Swimwear. I ran into the manager, who was proud to show off an exclusive beaded bikini by Miss Bikini. He said his store was the only in the nation to carry that brand, and the only store in Hawai‘i to sell the La Perla brand. Although the store is small, what it has to offer is, WOW!

I know the Japanese are very serious about cosmetics, so I gladly went into Love Renaissance. It's a premiere skincare line from Tokyo, with its only American store in Hawai‘i. They generously gave me a sample pack, and I was relieved to find that their prices are comparable to higher-end products. This is good news because I just might need to get their Tomorrow Clear Oil. I’ve been using a sample of it for a few days now.

Hawai’i-born and bred Aloha Aina Boutique is a standby for me that I’ve already written about. I always like to revisit it, however, because they offer locally-made products – including gauzy dresses, fresh jewelry, accessories and an adorable children’s line. 

Following that, I headed to the third floor (I’ve never been up there!) and discovered several sports-oriented stores. It's definitely a good place to send the hubby while you shop the lower levels. 

This complex is sprawling, like I mentioned, and can be tricky to navigate across three buildings and three levels. I recommend sticking to one building at a time and using the elevators instead of the escalators. They also have very reasonable parking rates in their garage if you're driving to RHC; otherwise, the center is within walking distance of most hotels along the strip. 

Posted by Katherine Finch Follow me on Twitter @kfinches

Published by Bruce Fisher

Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which, create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. Postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.

Entry Filed under: Hawaii Shopping Tips

November 19th, 2012