*** Waikele Premium Outlets Updated February 2020 ***
Finding a bargain in Hawaii is not as easy as it used to be. The decreased buying power of the AUD is largely to blame, but that doesn’t mean all is lost. If you are savvy you can still fill your suitcase for a fraction of the cost that you could at home. One of my favourite places to bag a bargain is Waikele Premium Outlets. Filled with brand name stores, it’s worth leaving Waikiki for a few hours of retail therapy. Read on for all the details …
Waikele Premium Outlets Overview
Up until about a decade ago I had written off outlet shopping as a complete waste of time after visiting a few in Sydney. I was greeted by haphazard racks and bargain bins that meant finding a gem among everyone else’s left overs was akin to finding a needle in a haystack. Soured by the whole experience, I didn’t venture back until I visited Woodbury Common Premium Outlets in NY which changed my view on outlet shopping forever. I am still not a fan of Aussie outlets, but outlets in the USA are a whole different ball game and definitely worth a look. Waikele Premium Outlets (pronounced why-kel-ee) are owned by the same group as Woodbury Common and while no where near as big are certainly worth a visit while you are in the Aloha state. I’ve been to Hawaii more than a dozen times and made at least five visits to Waikele so I have my shopping game down pat.
Getting To Waikele Premium Outlets
We hired a car through Airport Rentals on our last visit and drove ourselves to Waikele. It takes about 30 minutes and free parking is plentiful so you can keep heading back to deposit your purchases throughout the day which is handy if you are buying big. If you are not so lucky, the easiest and most economical way is the Waikele Outlet Shopping Shuttle. At only $18 per adult for the return journey it really is great value. Buses leave Waikiki at either 9am and 10am and the only downside is the last bus leaves Waikele at 4.30pm so you might not get everything done. We’ve took the bus the last time we stayed at the Sheraton Waikiki which was a stop on the pick up route. Every passenger on the shuttle and Waikele members get a VIP Shopping Booklet (pick it up from the kiosk on arrival) with a tonne of discount coupons. I’ve saved heaps using these, but if you don’t qualify, don’t worry, there are lots of electronic discount coupons you can use. A cab will set you back about $50 each way, but you may get a better rate through Uber. You can get the local bus (actually called The Bus), but it will take over and hour and involve multiple changes.
Waikele Premium Outlet Map
A simple layout means getting around is a breeze. Try to resist the urge to keep ducking across to certain stores and instead do the loop all the way around. The bus drops off in the middle near Coach and picks up at the rear of Nine West. Insider Tips: 1) The toilets in the middle always have a queue, head to the ones around the back of Godiva and you should have better luck. 2) The food court in the centre is limited. Exit Waikele near Armani and go across the road where you will have a number of fast food options to choose from.
My Picks & Purchases
True Religion was my absolute favourite store in Waikele. I used to buy up big every visit. It was always the first store I headed to and it set the tone for the rest of my day. So imagine my absolute horror when I headed to the place where True Religion always was this visit only to find the windows covered in brown paper and no sign of life. I headed to the directory and my fears were confirmed. It hadn’t just moved. It was closed. I tried to make the most of the rest of my day, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t devastated. The closing of True Religion will make me seriously rethink future visits to Waikele Premium Outlets.
Michael Kors – The last MK bag I bought in Sydney cost me AUD$650. I picked up 3 bags here for just under USD$400 a few years ago; a cute grey everyday cross body, a funky tasseled black beauty and a pale blue studded number. If you ask for dust bags at checkout they will usually give them to you even if they are not normally included. I also picked up this grey snakeskin tote on a previous visit.
Saks Off 5Th – This one is a bit more hit and miss. I usually look here for shorts and have been lucky in the past, but have come out empty handed on my last two visits. The store smells a bit funny, but don’t let it put you off. A little more rummaging through bargain bins and random racks than I like, but serious shoppers will come up with the goods.
Kate Spade – There is always a queue out the front, but it moves quickly so don’t be deterred. Unfortunately for me most Kate Spade bags come with gold hardware which I hate. I keep looking for that elusive silver hardware, but I have only been successful once with this black tote. I continue to live in hope. If you are not as offended by gold as I am you will find lots to love. RIP Kate Spade.
Converse – I have visited every time we have been to Waikele Premium Outlets, but have never purchased anything for myself until recently. I always thought they looked kinda weird on my feet so despite trying on a million pairs I always left empty handed. I got over my phobia of weird looking feet and grabbed these tie dye grey chucks (worn here) for $30 and the sparkly purple cuties below (worn here) were $7. Yep $7! The Hubs always stocks up on plenty of bargain T-Shirts.
Clarins – Another one where you savings will depend on the day you visit. The standard prices are not that much under retail, but it’s the bundle deals where you can score some real bargains. This trip I bagged some eye cream and serum and got a couple of freebies thrown in.
Calvin Klein – Great for work basics and this is where I picked up my famous Wednesday Pants a few years ago. I liked them so much I wore them everyday for a year on the blog. Also great for work shirts, T-Shirts and underwear. Another one to use you coupon book in.
Vans – My youngest son is a fan of the shoes and I always manage to get him a few pairs and stock up on the great value men’s T-shirts and socks.
Levis – The Hubs likes Levi’s for great value work jeans. Last visit we scored a pair each. It didn’t completely make up for my lack of True Religion, but it did help a little. The Hubs grabbed a couple of T-Shirts for good measure.
Coach – Always worth a look, but be aware that a lot of the stock is ‘made for outlet’. You will find a few hidden gems from the regular Coach line, but you’ll have to hunt for them. Coach is a favourite of Japanese tourists so don’t be alarmed when they buy 10 bags at a time. I picked up a black cross body a few years ago (worn here, here, here and here) that has been my everyday bag ever since.
Guess – I always have instructions to pick up some T-shirts for the mini-enablers. This visit I managed to grab them two each for under USD$40. That’s not bad at all.
Asics – Stock up on shoes. My sneakers were only USD$99 as opposed to about AUD$280 at home. And they are purple 🙂
Adidas – The Hubs usually manages to find some tracksuits pants he likes but not this time. When we were here last year The Co-Conspirator boys went nuts in here!
Banana Republic – Only if you have time. Rummaging is required. May the force be with you 🙂
Lacoste – I always check here because my son’s like the T-Shirts (not the polos!). Sometimes I’m lucky, sometimes I’m not. Last trip I got two for USD$70.
Tommy Hilfiger Another one for my boys. We got four T-shirts from here last visit for USD$90 after using the coupon.
Polo Ralph Lauren We grabbed a T-shirt and a hoodie last visit for USD$100 after the 20% off coupon. Not bad at all.
I have wandered into the other stores on the odd occasion, but have never had any luck so I tend to given them a wide berth these days particularly because we are always struggling to get everything done. Have you been to Waikele Premium Outlets? Tell me about your bargain buys in the comments below.
Until Next Time …
Pin Waikele Premium Outlets For Later
Disclosure Statement: This article is not sponsored and I paid for all my purchases in full. The information in this article is based on my own personal experiences and has not been influenced in any way by the brands featured. This post may contain affiliate links which if clicked may earn me a small commission on purchases at no extra cost to you.
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FS says
Hey thanks for sharing. Looks like a cool place to shop. Will keep this in mind.
Kreete says
This sounds like an awesome place! I’m willing to fly in now just for all the bargains ha! I have not yet found an outlet store I loved. There’s hardly any in Estonia and I agree that the ones in Australia ain’t that good either. I’ll pin this for the future so I know where to go shopping when I’m in that part of the world! Awesome! Thanks for sharing!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Can’t speak for Estonia but yep Aussie ones are rubbish. This is one area that the USA has it over is every day of the week!
Sasha says
Wow, I am blown away by how much you saved! I visited the outlets back in 2012 and wasn’t that impressed but now I want to go back and be as savvy as you! Can’t believe the price difference in Michael Korrs!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
It’s always hit and miss Sasha. This trip wasn’t even my best work lol When I was at Woodbury Common with a GF we could barely herbicide purchases in the bus. And yes all the other passengers did laugh at us as we struggled on lol
Sara Essop says
Love the bags. Although I’m not a big shopper, I love bargain outlets and have picked up some great bargains on my travels. I haven’t been to Hawaii yet though.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Funny thing is I only tend to shop when I travel lol Shopping is no fun at home and there is something really cool about being able to say ‘this old thing? Yeah I bought it in NY, Hawaii, Bangkok etc’ lol
Ticking the Bucketlist says
The collection looks good. I want the MK bag 🙂 Thanks for the store map!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
I really lucked out at MK this time. I’m not always so lucky ?
Faith Coates says
I do love a good outlet but get so screamingly frustrated with all the places that don’t go over a size 14, given that the average American woman is now a size 16 and up this can drive you nutso. But at least there are shoes and bags and other stuff to buy, not to mention my husband is a shoe freak and has way more than I do so he really appreciates a good outlet.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
That’s crazy Faith! I never noticed that. Surely they will have to change that soon unless they want to cut out a massive portion of the buying public! I am a sucker for shoes and bags though ?
Kate Carter Hickey says
What an awesome guide! That definitely makes shopping much easier when you know where you have to dig! Those Converse kicks are to die for. Asics are always pricy too so good on you!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
That’s what I love about Waikele (and US outlets in general) they are like regular shops and you don’t have to look too hard to find a bargain!
Lauren West says
I just love outlets, period, but this looks A M A Z I N G. Those True Religion deals are seriously out of this world. And that Kors bag is too cute. I really want to go here–but then again, I might just buy the whole place out if I do!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
It is dangerous Lauren. I spend up big there but I don’t but much in Oz anymore. That’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it lol
Andi says
You’ve just given me another excuse to plan a future trip to Hawaii. Love the shopping in the States. Sooooo much cheap than Australia. Sigh!!!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
I know! It’s just not fair lol!
Beth | AlmostPosh.com says
I have been there! Although Hawaii is more expensive than the mainland US, it’s still waaaay cheaper than here so it’s easy to nab bargains galore! I can’t remember what I bought but I know i was happy.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Agree Beth. I also love the Outlets in Vegas and NY. I’ve been to s few others but these are my standouts and everything is always cheaper OS lol
Janna Herrington says
Aloha from Waikele Premium Outlets.
Thank you for visiting us! You really know our center and we’re lucky to have you as a customer. We hope you can visit us again soon. When you do, send us a message on our FB, Twitter or Instagram page and we’ll help to make you time even more enjoyable. A hui hou!i
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
I have been quite a few times Janna and always enjoy the visit! I’ll be sure to let you know when I am next in town ?
Janna Herrington says
Aloha from Waikele Premium Outlets.
Thank you for visiting us! You really know our center and we’re lucky to have you as a customer. We hope you can visit us again soon. When you do, send us a message on our FB, Twitter or Instagram page and we’ll help to make you time even more enjoyable. A hui hou!
Joanna says
I have actually never visited an outlet mall before. Or an outlet store in fact. The closest to me would be about two hours away and I don’t drive so that’s a bit out of the way. It seems like you had a lot of fun and visited a lot of shops. I hope you had some comfortable shoes. 🙂
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Oh Joanna you are missing out! I’d be bugging a friend to drive me and make a girls day of it lol
Lisa says
God I want to go shopping so badly right now! ha. Great post. X
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
I say go Lisa! Everyone needs a little (or you know a lot!) of retail therapy every now and then lol
Chantal says
Well, it’s certainly about who you know! What gems you have shared with us! Sounds incredible!!! My hubby and son are big on Converse too!!! Thank you!!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
You can’t beat Cons Chantal ?
Stacey says
Fantastic read! I’m seriously jealous and really need to get my but over there! Awesome!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Shopping is one of my fav activities when travelling lol. I love being able to wear things later and it brings all the memories of the trip flooding back ?
Hannah says
Wow! Hawaii is on my list. I can’t wait to have shopping spree. I love good bargain.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Don’t we all Hannah ?
Amanda says
Hawaii has always been on my travel list! And seeing this shopping adventure of yours just makes
Me want to go even more!! I can’t believe the price differences from what we pay here on Australia it’s insane!!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
It’s ridiculous isn’t it Amanda. We get so ripped off! When the dollar is good I literally go to Hawaii just to shop. The beaches and everything else Hawaii has to offer is just and added bonus lol
L J Legend says
love the mk bag, I need to get myself to Hawaii. It seems like another place I have add to my world tour next year lol your posts are gonna make me broke lol
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Lol. A world tour sounds fabulous! That’s for retirement for me I think. Or when I win the lottery ?
Arzo Travels says
Wow, you got some really great bargains. I am hardly lucky with outlet stores but you apparently are a pro (love the little black Michael Kors bag <3
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Thanks Arzo. Waikele Premium Outkets always delivers for me and I have never left empty handed. ?
Clare says
I have been to Hawaii but never visited the premium outlets. I think it’s a place to add to my list for next time. Looks like you can get some great things at bargain prices 🙂
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
I do love a bargain! I missed it the first few times I visited as well because it was out of the way a bit but it’s well worth the effort of going ?
Soumya Nambiar says
That Michael Kors deal looks just divine. Here In India, I have to pay at least 500 -600$ for one. I never knew that they arrange for transportation to outlet stores. That is something new and it will be helpful for people when they are traveling. 50$ one way for taxi does not make any sense. Your feet definitely looks fine to me.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
I know it’s crazy how cheap some things are in the US. I really need the Aussie dollar to go back up a big before I do another jig shopping spree. Thanks on the feet ?
Tina and Jimmy says
Ahh, This is great! Love the article! I am actually from the Minnesota USA, and we have so many wonderful outlets that I don’t even think I could name them all, just get in the car and drive! Retail therapy is the best and I love that you take time out while your traveling to check these places out! I used to travel for business quite a bit and it never failed, I always ended up with an overstuffed suitcase on my way home. I have found so many freaking awesome deals while on the road! Thanks for making my day and if I ever make it to Hawaii I will have to check this place out!
Maja | Mexatia says
Oh, I love American outlets! We went to Jersey Gardens and went out with a whole bag of new clothes and other goodies for less than $500. Hilfiger and Levis were my absolute favorites – I still wear some of the things I bought there. I can’t believe you got Converse for only $7! Mine were around $40 and that was still super cheap, comparing to Croatia.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
I know! How good are they ? Those Cons were the bargain of the century lol
Deni says
I’m shocked that Michael Kors is so expensive in Australia! (I mean, transporting it can’t be cheap, but $650?!) And I’m the same way with True Religion jeans. They’re easily over $300 in Canada, but I managed to get a pair for $75 and $100 in a Las Vegas outlet store. Unfortunately, they’ve sneakily made their way into my mother’s closet. It seems like the Waikele is a great outlet mall, though! I will definitely have to grab some girlfriends and do a little shop/sun/relax trip in Oahu!!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Everything is expensive in Australia lol. I bought exactly the same bag (in another colour) online from Macy’s about a week later for $250. They don’t ship MK to Oz (which Ai find highly annoying!!!!) so I had to use a friends US address and she remained it for $60 but I was still in front. I will go to extreme lengths to get a bargain lol. Before the Aussie dollar tanked I would grab a cheap flight and head to Hawaii just to shop! This trip I had to be a lot more careful with my pennies lol
Erin Southerland says
I love those purple and green Asics. They’re my go-to sneakers as well. So comfortable and last forever.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
This is my first ever pair of Asics. I have been loyal to Mizunos for a long time but at this price I had to get them. ?