Brookfield Properties signs leases at Ala Moana Center with a fresh wave of tenants, reinforcing the Honolulu landmark’s position as a primary driver of Hawaii’s retail economy. The latest agreements introduce a blend of local culinary staples and international trends to the 2.4 million-square-foot open-air shopping destination, signaling a continued push toward diversifying the center’s tenant mix to attract both residents and global travelers.
Among the newest additions, L&L Hawaiian Barbecue and Supreme Dumplings are slated to open their doors in May, while Molly Tea is expected to debut in July. These arrivals reflect a strategic emphasis on the “foodie” experience, a critical component for modern shopping centers attempting to increase dwell time and foot traffic in a post-pandemic retail environment.
The expansion comes as Ala Moana Center continues to evolve its layout, balancing recent arrivals with the strategic repositioning of existing brands. Several established retailers have recently relocated to larger footprints or undergone significant renovations to modernize their customer experience, suggesting a broader trend of “right-sizing” within the center to meet shifting consumer behaviors.
A Diversified Approach to Retail Growth
The recent influx of tenants is not limited to the upcoming summer openings. A series of brands have already established their presence at the center, broadening the appeal across various categories from outdoor gear to specialty fashion. Recently opened stores include Columbia Sportswear, Eyeland Hawai’i, Always A.Line, Space 62, and Tandoori Express.
The inclusion of brands like Columbia Sportswear aligns with Honolulu’s unique intersection of urban living and outdoor adventure, while the addition of Tandoori Express expands the center’s diverse dining portfolio. This curation suggests that Brookfield Properties is focusing on a “lifestyle” ecosystem rather than a traditional mall model, ensuring that the center remains a destination for a variety of needs—from high-end luxury to everyday utility.
Strategic Relocations and Store Modernization
Beyond new leases, the center is seeing a internal migration of brands. Retailers such as Aesop, Ben Bridge Jeweler, Evo Gadgets, Hollister, Laine Honolulu, L’Occitane, NOHO HOME, and Windsor have either moved into larger spaces or completed comprehensive renovations.
In the retail industry, these relocations often indicate a brand’s growth in a specific market or a shift in the center’s zoning to group similar luxury or lifestyle brands together. For high-end skincare and fragrance brands like Aesop and L’Occitane, a renovated space often allows for a more immersive “sensory” shopping experience, which has become a prerequisite for competing with e-commerce.
| Tenant | Status | Expected/Actual Opening |
|---|---|---|
| L&L Hawaiian Barbecue | Signed Lease | May |
| Supreme Dumplings | Signed Lease | May |
| Molly Tea | Signed Lease | July |
| Columbia Sportswear | Opened | Recent |
| Tandoori Express | Opened | Recent |
The Legacy and Scale of Ala Moana
Since its opening in 1959, Ala Moana Center has grown into one of the largest open-air centers in the world. Its design is uniquely suited to the Hawaiian climate, providing a breezy, walkable environment that avoids the enclosed feel of traditional American malls. Today, the center hosts more than 350 stores and restaurants, serving as a critical hub for Honolulu’s commercial activity.
The center’s stability is anchored by five major retail giants: Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Macy’s, and Target. These anchors provide a steady baseline of traffic, allowing smaller specialty boutiques and new tenants to thrive in the surrounding corridors. The synergy between these massive anchors and the smaller, agile tenants allows the center to pivot quickly to new trends, such as the current rise in specialty tea and fusion dining.
Economic Implications for Honolulu Retail
The ongoing expansion and tenant shuffling at Ala Moana Center are indicative of the broader health of the Hawaii economy, which relies heavily on the intersection of local spending and tourism. By signing leases with both local favorites like L&L and international concepts, Brookfield Properties is hedging its bets, ensuring the center remains relevant regardless of fluctuations in tourism numbers.
Retail analysts often view the relocation of stores to larger spaces as a “bullish” sign. When a brand like Hollister or Ben Bridge Jeweler expands its footprint, it typically indicates that the current location is performing above expectations and that there is untapped demand within the center’s demographic.
As the center moves toward its summer milestones, the focus remains on the seamless integration of these new culinary and retail experiences. The next confirmed checkpoints for visitors will be the official opening dates for L&L Hawaiian Barbecue and Supreme Dumplings in May, followed by the debut of Molly Tea in July.
Do you have a favorite spot at Ala Moana or a brand you’re hoping to see arrive in Honolulu? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
