Although Waikiki may have made its reputation as a sun-and-sand destination, visitors will quickly notice how important shopping is as a component of the destination's tourism appeal. 
Kalakaua Avenue
is lined with high-end shops and many Japanese tourists come to Waikiki with shopping as their preferred activity.
Another major magnet for shoppers is the AlaMoana Center, which bills
itself as the world's largest open-air mall, with 260 stores, including 70
dining venues and such high-profile stores as Gucci, Bulgari and Tiffany &
Co.
The center is in the midst of a two-year retail expansion
project that will add 35 new merchants, including Hawaii's first full-line Nordstrom. The
center recently saw the opening of Tsukiji Fish Market and Restaurant, inspired
by Tokyo's
famous eponymous fish market.
A spokesperson for AlaMoanaCenter
had an interesting observation, mentioning that while visitors from major U.S. cities
will find these high-end shops familiar, those from many other parts of the
country will be impressed by the plethora of shopping options.
The center has several commissionable shopping packages,
ranging from $25 to $120, and including things like free transportation, discount
coupon books, gift cards and a complimentary shopping bag. Visit www.shopamericatours.com.
Waikiki Hotel Offers 15 Percent Commission
The Ilima, a condo-style hotel in Waikiki,
is offering agents 15 percent commission applicable to all new direct bookings
as of June 1, including bookings of discounted rates and packages. The 2007
rack rates range from $167 per night for a standard studio to $507 for the
three-bedroom penthouse suite. The agent liaison is Karen Behnke, reservations
supervisor. She can be reached at 800-801-9366 or [email protected]. Agents
must book directly with the hotel by calling 800-801-9366. Visit www.ilima.com.
