Staying in Ko Olina can often feel like being in a resort bubble. This is great when you want to be unbothered by the outside world, but sometimes you need fresh scenery, some [relatively] affordable essentials, and different food. That’s why we love the Ka Makana Aliʻi shopping center, which is just fifteen minutes away from Ko Olina.
This great mall and entertainment center is the perfect place for Ko Olina guests to enjoy a taste of local food, grab some cheaper gear, and get off their hotel grounds for a bit – without having to trek to Honolulu.
Where is Ka Makana Aliʻi
You’ll find Ka Makana Aliʻi in the town of Kapolei, which is in western Oahu. It’s in a residential and retail area and is close to golf courses, Costco, and Coral Crater Adventure Park.
Though it’s incredibly convenient for Ko Olina Resort guests, it’s also worth the trip from Waikiki or the North Shore. After all, stocking up on Costco supplies is an essential task for many long-term visitors, and there’s a lot of great dining and shopping in the area.
Why We Love This Oahu Shopping Area
Ready to plan your shopping trip to Ka Makana Aliʻi? Here are some of the many things we love about this West Oahu shopping and dining destination:
- The center’s name, Ka Makana Alii, means “The Royal Gift” and pays tribute to Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole, who conceived of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act allotting hundreds of thousands of acres of government land to Native Hawaiians. This permanent homeland is a perpetual gift and legacy that lives on today.
- The 1.4 million-square-foot regional mall features over 100 stores and restaurants.
- The mall also houses a state-of-the-art Consolidated Theatres.
- You’ll also find the state’s first Hampton Inn & Suites on the property. It offers free breakfast, Wi-Fi, and parking.
- Kapolei is one of Oahu’s fastest-growing communities. The mall serves the area’s residents along with visitors to the Ko Olina resort area.
- The shopping center financially supports programs benefiting Native Hawaiian interests statewide.
Shops & Restaurants at Ka Makana Aliʻi
Macy’s is the mall’s anchor store. But, lots of other stores draw many shoppers to Ka Makana Aliʻi.
You can check out Bath & Body Works, H&M, Sephora, Kay Jewelers, Rip Curl, Old Navy, Reyn Spooner, Hapa Girls, SoHa Living, Victoria’s Secret, and Hawaii’s Finest.
Some popular restaurants at the center include The Cheesecake Factory, Moani Bistro & Bar, California Pizza Kitchen, Mahi ‘ai Table, Five Guys Burgers & Fries, Jollibee, Kickin Kajun, and L&L BBQ.
Special Events
Other featured events at the shopping center include a twice-weekly Farmers Market. You can check it out on Wednesdays from 3 PM to 7 PM or Sundays from 11 AM to 3 PM.
There are delicious organic local fruits and vegetables, tropical plants and flowers, locally-made treats, and prepared foods. Enjoy a stroll through the center as you sample products and discover unique handcrafted merchandise. Stay awhile and enjoy live local Hawaiian music, hula performances, entertainment, and more!
If you’re a frequent traveler to Hawaii, you can also take advantage of the shopping center’s Makana Kids program. Makana Kids Club is a free program for keiki up to the age of 10, offering monthly entertainment, special discounts, and more.
Ka Makana Aliʻi: Worth the Visit
Whether you’re staying in Ko Olina and are looking for a nearby shopping destination or just want to experience a fun new shopping center, you’ll love Ka Makana Alii. This is a modern, transformative, fun place to spend a day dedicated to shopping.
So, add a shopping excursion to your vacation “to-do” list, and visit the newest and finest shopping center in Hawaii!
