New mall coming to Kapolei near Aulani

[alohamom]

Just a head up for anyone travelling to Aulani area in the fall, there is a new mall set to open in the Kapolei area. I looked at the map of Kapolei and I think it will be north of the Safeway. Should make for some more choices to eat off the resort at least....here is the link, just an fyi to help with planning

http://kamakanaalii.com/index.html

 

[ihearthawaii]

Just a head up for anyone travelling to Aulani area in the fall, there is a new mall set to open in the Kapolei area. I looked at the map of Kapolei and I think it will be north of the Safeway. Should make for some more choices to eat off the resort at least....here is the link, just an fyi to help with planning

http://kamakanaalii.com/index.html

I hope they are open when we go in October!

 

[nkereina]

Awesome! Anyone know how far along it is? Looks like some big name tenants based on the drawings on the web site. We'll be there in late September, hoping its open then!

 

[eeyorefanuk]

Where did you find list of shops

If putting lots houses as well going to spoil it?

How far by car will it be to Aulani please

 

[alohamom]

If you go to the tab entitled "news" there are some of the stores listed, you need to click on the years below to see more (2016,2015, 2104) and that gives you more. It is in the same town as Costco, WalMart, Target which is about 5 minutes by car or one stop east on the highway. I think they will probably add shopping shuttles that go on a regular basis.

 

[nkereina]

Where did you find list of shops

I was just viewing the renderings that flash on the main page. It showed H&M, Forever 21, Macy's, MAC, etc. But the News section does list more. It has restaurants like Five Guys and California Pizza Kitchen. I think it will be a good addition for more options.

 

[eeyorefanuk]

Are there restaurants in that area at the moment?

Has anyone caught a taxi from Aulani to that area? Wondering on cost

 

[nkereina]

Are there restaurants in that area at the moment?

Has anyone caught a taxi from Aulani to that area? Wondering on cost

Lots of restaurants - tons of chains. It's a commercial area, and I believe its near the outlet mall. It's about 15 minutes/5 miles from Aulani, and Taxi Fare Finder estimates about a $25 cab ride.

 

[Gorechick]

Wish they would put a Disneystore at that location too, seeing how it is close to Aulani.

 

[eeyorefanuk]

Ooooch bit more expensive than hoped. Assume that price one way?

Is there a link to what is in that area (exc new mall)

 

[nkereina]

Ooooch bit more expensive than hoped. Assume that price one way?

Is there a link to what is in that area (exc new mall)

Yep, one way. Here's a link to what's in Kapolei Commons: http://www.thekapoleicommons.com/

There's other things in the vicinity, not part of this particular plaza. Also, I referenced an outlet mall above but that appears to be further away than I thought.

 

[eeyorefanuk]

Thank you

We were thinking of hiring car when at Aulani only for this reason so if we only go twice it will still be a lot cheaper than hiring a car

 

[nkereina]

Thank you

We were thinking of hiring car when at Aulani only for this reason so if we only go twice it will still be a lot cheaper than hiring a car

You can also rent a car for the day through Alamo right at Aulani. I'd imagine a one day rental would work out the same or cheaper than a taxi, and you'd have the freedom to make more stops and take as long as you want.

 

[happymommy]

I can't imagine not having a rental car, but also most folks that do shopping, especially outlet shopping, on Oahu are either local (I used to be) or Asian tourists, who can get things unique and cheaper than at home.

I don't go all the way back home to Oahu to outlet shop personally, but new restaurants are always fun (although we have our favorites already nearby, and do most of our own cooking at Ko Olina).

Just my two cents!

Edited to add: It's a mall offering most stuff we have back home. Applebee's? No thank you. But some familiar eateries for those interested - still I'd go back to Sushi Bay every day instead (we usually do go every other day when my son is along - sushi is great and super cheap).

 

[BCV23]

It doesn't appear to be an outlet mall. It is a great addition to the area for locals and should be a plus for anyone who needs a bit of retail therapy while on vacation.

Rental cars are such an individual decision. We have never been to HI without one until the first few days of our last Ko' Olina vacation. I missed it enough that I have one booked for all but arrival and departure day next trip. However, it is a splurge as most days it will probably sit in the parking garage.

Cooking in a villa is the same IMO. Such an individual call. Although I enjoy cooking, on vacation I rarely do. The stove becomes a kitchen ornament in DISspeak. On the other hand, I use the w/d every single day with joy.

No right or wrong way to vacation in my book. It is all good.

 

[happymommy]

You're right - I was just referring to the Waikele outlet mall that's also close by. I used to shop there when we lived on Oahu, but otherwise there isn't much there that you can't get on the mainland.

I know rental car is something some folks don't want to do, especially coming from somewhere that they drive on the other side of the road as the US.

Much of our cooking is grilling overlooking the ocean. Costco carries some very nice fresh fish!

The mall will bring jobs to the area, and for those who enjoy shopping on vacation, it will eliminate the need to go to Ala Moana (although they have fun places to eat there).

 

[BCV23]

Grilling while gazing at the Pacific.....sweet duty.

 

[alohamom]

The mall will bring jobs to the area, and for those who enjoy shopping on vacation, it will eliminate the need to go to Ala Moana (although they have fun places to eat there).

Fun places to eat indeed! I just saw that the Genki Sushi at AlaMoana has this little car that shoot around a track to bring you your sushi! How much fun is that? I think it is at a couple of other locations too and I know the quality of Genki isnt as good as Sushi Bay or other places but I think we might just have to visit for a "quick" lunch on day (LOL)
http://www.genkisushiusa.com/index.html

 

[ihearthawaii]

Fun places to eat indeed! I just saw that the Genki Sushi at AlaMoana has this little car that shoot around a track to bring you your sushi! How much fun is that? I think it is at a couple of other locations too and I know the quality of Genki isnt as good as Sushi Bay or other places but I think we might just have to visit for a "quick" lunch on day (LOL)
http://www.genkisushiusa.com/index.html

Have you checked out Shirokiya at the Ala Moana mall? It is a huge Japanese Marketplace with tons of vendors. It just went through a major renovation. Haven't been there yet but I'm looking forward to visiting it on our next trip.

 

[nkereina]

I can't imagine not having a rental car, but also most folks that do shopping, especially outlet shopping, on Oahu are either local (I used to be) or Asian tourists, who can get things unique and cheaper than at home.

I don't go all the way back home to Oahu to outlet shop personally, but new restaurants are always fun (although we have our favorites already nearby, and do most of our own cooking at Ko Olina).

Just my two cents!

Edited to add: It's a mall offering most stuff we have back home. Applebee's? No thank you. But some familiar eateries for those interested - still I'd go back to Sushi Bay every day instead (we usually do go every other day when my son is along - sushi is great and super cheap).

I agree with you, but I've seen several threads with people specifically looking for chains like Applebees or Fridays. Not only for familiarity but also because they're more budget friendly. People know what to expect in terms of prices, menu, quality. Sometimes having a quick meal at a chain like that is good for a family with picky eaters after a long day, and they don't want to go into a local place blindly. I know for us East coasters, we're also a little intimidated by some of the local Hawaiian flavors and fares that we aren't used to so we may default to a chain if we have to.

As far as shopping, I agree both this new mall and the outlet mall will be ideal for foreign travelers or folks from small communities that don't see these stores at home.