Aloha Stadium Swap Meet

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The Aloha Stadium Swap Meet is best described as a Hawaiiana shopping extravaganza, that’s both entertaining and overwhelming at the same time.  This Oahu shopping event is sometimes referred to as the Aloha Flea Market, and is a world all on its own.

Every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, hundred of vendors start first thing in the morning setting up their booths in the dark around the stadium, encircling it multiple times to fit everyone in rows that are easily a mile long. It is an absolute  "Hawaiiana" bazaar where you can find anything and everything your heart desires.

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A Journey Through the Swap Meet

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My advice is to show up early and don’t plan on conquering it all.  The booths will seem endless as you start your stroll into the Aloha Flea Market.

You will no doubt second guess yourself whether you’ve started off in the right direction, and in the right row for that matter…trust me everyone does!

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What you'll find...

You’ll also find a wide variety of Hawaiian jewelry, handbags, locally designed and designer knockoff cloths, martial art weapons, house hold items, local artwork, and just about EVERYTHING Hawaiiana.  

Discounts, discounts, and more discounts…without a doubt you’re going to find some good discounts!

And I promise you that once you have purchased something, you will find it again in a different booth for a cheaper price, so it might be worth it to browse and take note of which booths you'll want to come back to after checking out multiple stalls that sell the same items. 

Stay patient and continue to shop around once you’ve found something that you like, or learn how to bargain!  Almost everything is negotiable!

And by the way, I always negotiate for a discount, and you should too if purchasing multiple items. You would be surprised at how willing the vendors are to give in to your haggling especially when it's nearing closing time.   But if you feel awkward trying to get a discount, you can at least feel good knowing you most definitely purchased your items at a cheaper price than what you'll find in Waikiki.  So it's all good!

Did I mention there are some great local food booths as well, selling fresh local produce, flavorful island treats, and tempting lunch items.

And don’t pass up on some refreshing coconut water that is cut open in front of you with a machete, and handed back over with a straw!

Treat yourself to a fresh mango, papaya, or some pineapple.  My favorite food vendors are the Crack Seed (dried fruit) and Japanese rice cracker (also known as Kakimochi) booths.

Kakimochi is so popular on Oahu that you’ll sometimes find it mixed in with your popcorn at the movie theaters.  Crack seed can be an acquired taste.  There are different styles such as dried or pickled, and many different flavors to discover.

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Local Artwork on Display

This is also a special marketplace where you’ll find local artists displaying their original artwork pieces in all different types of media.

Wood carvers, quilt weavers, painters, jewelry makers are just a few that make up diverse creativity that’s on display.  If you’re lucky, you’ll get to see some of the crafters busy at work, bringing to life their next masterpiece.

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The Aloha Stadium Swap Meet is such a fun experience with so much to offer! And it continues to evolve over the years.

Some folks come to discover the best deals to be found outside of Waikiki, while others are here to find that unique, special gift or Hawaii souvenirs that you just don’t find anywhere.  Whatever draws you here, consider it one of the best Oahu shopping experiences on the island!

Days & Hours of Operations:  Wed, Sat & Sun – 8 am to 3 pm
Information:  (808) 468-6704

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Getting to the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet

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Waikiki Trolley 

Tickets start around $31.50 for a Child 1-day All Lines pass and  $57.75 for an Adult 1-day All Lines pass. You can also purchase the multiple-day passes for not much more if you plan on exploring the island in this mode of transportation for more than one day!

Purchase your pass now

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Driving Directions

Follow signs leading you into the Aloha Stadium parking lot

99-500 Salt Lake Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96818

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By Oahu Bus

From Waikiki it will take about an hour on the Oahu Bus
Take the number 20 or 42 Honolulu Bus from Kuhio Ave
It will take you a little over an hour to get there
Ask the bus driver to notify you where to get off

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Oahu Map to Aloha Stadium

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Aloha Stadium Swap Meet Tips

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Start Early - I can’t stress enough to arrive in the morning!  The sun tends to get hot around the stadium…maybe its do to all the surrounding concrete!  Whatever the reason…you’ll feel the heat quickly if you arrive midday.
Bring a hat, sunscreen, water, and maybe some sunglasses…or plan on purchasing these items at the Aloha Flea Market.
Have an exit plan – don’t plan on seeing it all…you’ll regret it!  You’ll find many good booths and deals in a short period of time.  Decide what time to leave before getting started, and stick to it!
Parking – remember where you parked!  Once you start walking around the stadium, your location and parking spot can become confusing.  Take a picture on your phone of the section where you parked.

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In the Area

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Waikele Premium Outlets

Enjoy up to a 5-hour shopping spree outside of Waikiki with transportation at the Waikele Premium Outlets & Shopping Center.

Continue your shopping on Oahu adventure and grab a bit to eat across the way at the Waikele Center. More details here…

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Pearl Harbor

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Bishop Museum

The Hawaiian Hall and Kalihi Room are rich in Polynesian and Hawaiian artifacts that are not found collectively in many other places.

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Chinatown Honolulu

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