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Aloha Stadium Swap Meet
The Aloha Stadium
Swap Meet
is best described as a Hawaiiana shopping
spectacle, 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.
On Wednesdays, Saturday and Sundays, hundred of vendors start first
thing in the morning setting up their tents in the dark around the
stadium, circling around it almost a mile long multiple times to fit
everyone in…thus creating an Aloha Stadium Swap Meet bazaar, and the best Shopping finds on .
A Journey Through the Swap Meet
My advise 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!
If you are only going to have one shopping
on Oahu extravaganza, this might be the right choice. You’ll find just about everything here,
from Aloha shirts to used surfboards.
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.
And lets not forget some hibiscus printed luggage or bags to ship everything back in. Good luck on trying to only choose one...!
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 the market at a cheaper
price...and also cheaper than what you'll find in Waikiki.
Stay patient and continue to shop around once you’ve found
something that you like, or learn how
to bargain! Almost everything is negotiable…!
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.
Consider taking some of these
unusual local treats home to your
family and friends to try. Whether or not they’ll like it, I’m
sure it will make for a great conversation and memories.
Local Artwork on Display
This is also a special marketplace where you’ll find local artist displaying their artwork pieces and different types of creations.
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.
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 experience on the island!
Days
& Hours of Operations: Wed, Sat & Sun – 8 am to 3 pm
Information: (808) 468-6704
Getting to the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet
Waikiki Trolley
The Waikiki Trolley visits many Honolulu Attractions including ones surrounding Diamond Head, Waikiki, Ala Moana, Aloha Stadium and more. There are 4 different routes to explore: Scenic Tour, Historic Tour, Shopping Tour, and the Island Tour. Tickets start around $30 for a child day pass, and go up to $55 - $75 for an Adult 7 day pass.
Driving Directions
- From Waikiki: It will take about 20 minutes
- Take the H-1 Freeway and head west
- Take the H-201 Freeway towards the airport
- Exit once you reach Salt Lake (about 10 minutes) at Kahuapaani (Exit 1D)
- Continue on the Ulune extension
- Turn Left on Kahuapaani St
Follow signs leading you into the Aloha Stadium parking lot
99-500 Salt Lake Boulevard, Honolulu,
HI 96818
Need a good rental car option for the day?
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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
Oahu Map to Aloha Stadium
Aloha Stadium Swap Meet Tips
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.
In the Area
Waikele Premium Outlets
Enjoy up to a 5-hour shopping spree outside of Waikiki with transportation at the Waikele
Premium Outlets & Shopping Center.
Explore discounted merchandise from over 50 name brand stores spread out over 5 sections within the outlet center. Included in the lineup you will find Armani, Coach, Ralph Lauren, Converse, Kate Spade, and Saks Fifth Ave.
Continue your shopping on Oahu adventure and grab a bit to eat across the way at the Waikele Center. More details here…
Pearl Harbor
The Pearl Harbor Visitors Center is just 5 minutes down the
road. Take a ferry ride across the bay to view the Arizona
Memorial, or take a shuttle bus across the Pearl Island Bridge to climb
aboard the Battleship Missouri.
The popular USS Bowfin Submarine,
and the Pacific Aviation Museum are also available for viewing.
Bishop Museum
10 minutes away and the price of admission will transport you into
Hawaii’s past, culture, monarchy, and much much more. I can’t
tell you how much of a treat the Bishop
Museum is.
The Hawaiian Hall and Kalihi Room are rich in
Polynesian and Hawaiian artifacts that are not found collectively in
many other places.
Chinatown Honolulu
Downtown Chinatown is another fun
eye opening shopping
experience! Get lost in the historic Chinatown district,
and
explore the art galleries, Asian gift shops, local produce stands, and
the diverse restaurants, which surrounds it all.
Also don’t miss
the colorful lei shops that help gives Chinatown Honolulu its flare.
Aloha & Enjoy!
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