One stroll around Ala Moana Center, and you'll know you aren't in Kansas anymore! Its balmy outdoor setting, tropical gardens, and koi ponds gracing the center's walkways make Ala Moana the loveliest mall of them all.

Need more proof? With 290 shops and 70 restaurants, the coolest thing about shopping at Ala Moana is the many stores that you won’t find anywhere else, and their wide range of merchandise. The center offers everything from Hawaiian gift items to surf apparel to custom Hawaiian heirloom jewelry.

To catch the latest in surf fashion—which is in style year-round on Oahu—head to locally owned Hawaiian Island Creations, Town & Country Surf Design or Sera’s Surf ‘N Shore. Other Hawaii and island-inspired products at Ala Moana Center include:

• Nordstrom's exclusive diffuser named "Ala Moana" (genius!). Night blooming jasmine, plumeria, tuberose, and gardenia create an intoxicating floral experience. Refreshing lush green notes and a crisp, clean infusion brighten this luscious scent.
• LeSportsac's half-dozen Hawaii-exclusive bags, some island print and some not.
• Philip Rickard's traditional and heirloom-worthy heavy weight 14k yellow gold Hawaiian bangle featuring deeply engraved Old English scrolling and the Hawaiian word for sweetheart—Kuuipo—written in high quality diamonds.  
• Chanel's classic metallic clutch with silver frame, for day to night.  
• Tiffany & Co.'s sterling silver lock charm with WAIKIKI imprinted on it.
• Sanrio's exclusive Hawaiian Hello Kitty merchandise, where suntanned Kitty is dressed in a hula costume and carries an ukulele.
• Martin & MacArthur, the leading practitioner of Hawaiian furniture and custom woodworking, offers heirloom quality koa wood furniture.
• Tori Richard, Kahala, and Reyn's feature the best in refined aloha and resort wear.

A collection of Hawaii-exclusive bags adorn the window of LeSportsac. 

I can literally spend hours upon hours shopping at Ala Moana Center, and still uncover special bargains, unexpected finds, and stuff that makes you go "Ooh!"

Could shopping in Hawaii be any more fun? Didn't think so.

--RAP