Margret C.
Yelp
If you're coming here, you gotta be clear on which center (boasts over 135 restaurants & shops), because there are several different centers (five), spread out, still close if you're driving, but quite a walk when you're not relying on a bus or trolley.
Saturdays- Farmer's Market- 8 am-12 noon
According to the Directory,
#1- Queen St.- cross street
Restaurants: California Beach, McDonald's Express, Ba-Le Sandwich & Bakery (yummy and reasonable), Real- gastropub, Wahoo's Fish Taco (meh), Jamba Juice, Starbucks, Summer's LavaDogs
Stores: Ross (hit or miss), The Sports Authority, Marukai Marketplace (changed but still worth checking out), Patagonia
#2- Queen St./Kamake'e St./Auahi St.- cross streets
Restaurants: L & L (we've got a few where we live), Starbucks, Panda Express, Big City Diner (yummy and reasonable- would love to dine here again), Buca Di Beppo (good, but we've got a couple where we live), Dave & Busters (good, but we visit the one in Southern Cali)
Stores: Office Depot, Men's Warehouse, Ralz Salon, Bose Entertainment Center, Ward 16 Theatres
#3- Queen St./Kamake'e St.- cross streets
Stores: Nordstrom Rack (I really like this store; it's a must-visit), Pier 1 Imports, TJ Maxx (selection is pretty small but the elevator is large and impressive!)
#4- Ward Ave./Ala Moana Blvd. (this is the long stretch)
Restaurants: Subway, Sushi at Ward, Brian's Hawaiian Kitchen, Mr. Egg Roll, Korean BBQ Express, Snacks: Honolulu Cookie Cafe, Menchie's Frozen Yogurt (got samples once, fairly good), Dairy Queen- opposite end: Pa'ina Cafe, The Patisserie, Diem Cafe, Sumo Ramen & Curry
Stores: Native Books, Bobby & Guy Beauty Supply, Salon Bobbi & Guy, Taj Clubhouse, Island Slipper, Merle Norman Cosmetics, Ultimate Foot Store, Liquor Collection, Local Fever (reasonable priced clothing), Tiare Teiti, Crafts Way, Happy Haleiwa, Downtown Gifthings, Ocean Queen, Hakubundo, The Gold Guys, Loco Boutique, CaraMia, T & C Surf Designs, Chelsea, Flags Flying, InSpecs Eyewear, Island Gold Collection, As Seen On TV, Cookies Clothing Co., Island Soaps & Candle Works, Chai Studio, C. June Shoes, Calista, Rix Island Wear, Nail Tek, Novel-T World, Eden in Love The Wedding Cafe, Sunglass Hut, Cinnamon Girl (local designs, cute stuff), Nohea Gallery, Pictures Plus, THEFACESHOP, Quiksilver, Clay Cafe
#5- Kamake'e St./Auahi St.- cross streets (this center's partly inside & there is a parking garage- narrow inside- can't back into spaces- with elevator access)
Restaurants: Kaka'ako Kitchen (alright), Kua'Aina (yummy & reasonable), Pearl's Korean BBQ (had it in Maui, really good), ZPizza, Ninja Sushi, Mocha Java Cafe, Genki Sushi (alright), Goma Tei Ramen, (2nd floor) - Ryan's Grill, Grand Leyenda Cantina
Stores: Martin & MacArthur, Famous Footwear (good sized store, with aisles (but it's not narrow inside, and also many good selections), Manoa Hawaii Boutique, KenMore Gift Shop, MisFortune Hawaii, The Watch & Jewelry Company, The Gallery at Ward Centre, Jewel Flair, Rainbowtique UH Hawaii (hubby's purchased many items over the years), Noa Noa, Brookstone, Jams World, Paul Brown Salon & Day Spa, Island Olive Oil Company, Sedona, Dolce, New York Lux, (2nd floor) Bed Bath & Beyond
We've been to all five centers many times over the years since 2005. Each one has something different to offer, not counting the two starbucks locations, of course. There is a bathroom conveniently located in #5, near the cafe (located inside). If you're headed there on foot, bring your most comfortable pair of walking shoes, because it's all spread out.