Strong AUD Makes Hawaii a Shopping Mecca for Aussies

With the Australian dollar at its strongest against the greenback for years, 2008 is the year to shop in Hawaii for incredible bargains on brand-name goods.

Think of Macy’s, Nordstrom, Bergdorf-Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Sears, Banana Republic, Abercrombie & Fitch, Guess, Polo Sport, Nike, Juicy Cotoure, Sephora, Armani Exchange, Gap, Old Navy, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren – and you have the tip of the shopping iceberg.

Add to this savings of 65 per cent and above combined with the best AUD exchange rate for 20 years, and Hawaii is a shopping goldmine – surrounded by some of the most beautiful islands in the world.

On the main island of Oahu, all the major shopping centres and outlets are close to the tourist hub of Waikiki – Ala Moana Shopping Centre, Waikele Premium Outlets, Aloha Tower Marketplace, Royal Hawaiian Shopping Centre, International Marketplace and DFS Galleria in Waikiki, Ward Warehouse and Ward Centre, Pearlridge Centre, Kahala Mall and Windward Mall.

These are shop ’til you drop’ destinations with bargains that would make most Australian’s eyes water – high quality brand name products at mark down, giveaway prices.

“Shopping in Hawaii is phenomenal all year round and even more so if you are there for the After-Thanksgiving Weekend sales or the New Years sales when shops and outlets are shifting as much stock as they can,” Hawaii Tourism Oceania manager Helen Williams said.

“There are huge price markdowns across the board – Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Nike, Armani, Valentino, Boss – it is incredible value,” Williams said.

The Waikele Premium Outlets upcoming ‘After-Thanksgiving Weekend Midnight Madness Sale’ (Nov 28-30) kicks off at the stroke of midnight on Friday November 28 and runs through to 8pm on Sunday November 30.
Its 50 stores are stocked with new inventory throughout the three day sale and there are fantastic new bargains released every day.

Ala Moana Shopping Centre, a 10 minute bus ride from Waikiki and one of the largest open-air shopping centres in the world is also bargain central year round with its 200 stores constantly in sale mode. It is home to all the major international, national and local retailers and has recently expanded adding a brand new Nordstrom store, Valentino, Sketchers, Fossil and local clothing boutique Cinnamon Girl.

“Ala Moana Shopping Centre is also open till 9pm most nights which means you can kick back at the beach during the day or participate in the host activities on offer then head to the shops in the cool of the evening,” Williams said.

And literally minutes from Ala Moana is the Ward Centre – home to 120 stores including Nordstrom Rack, Nordstrom Shoes, Ross, Farmers Market, Borders and cinema complex.

“Hawaii is one of the most exciting shopping destinations in the world but importantly it is real value for money – you leave knowing you have purchased some of the best quality items in the world at prices that would be hard to beat anywhere,” Williams said.

“And 2008 is the best time ever to cash in as the AUD nears parity with the greenback,” Williams said.

For all consumer enquiries, please visit www.hawaiitourism.com.au or contact Claire Davies, Hawai`i Tourism Australia, cdavies@hawaiitourism.com.au