Outlet Shopping With The Kids on Oahu

Last Friday was shopping day. The weather was cloudy and the boys still needed clothes for this summer's vacations, shopping seemed a better way to spend the day. We set out for a day at the Waikele Premium Outlet in search of shorts, shirts, and shoes.

Waikele is the only real outlet mall on Oahu. It is home to many of our favorite kids' clothing and footwear brands including Polo Ralph Lauren, Carter's, OshKosh B'gosh, Converse, and Vans. Not to mention the one and only Off Fifth, which is one of my favorite outlet stores, I always find great deals there on my favorite designer brands; and this time was not exception; I managed to walk out of there with 4 pairs of shoes along with great clothing for the boys.

You'll also find Michael Kors, Coach, Calvin Klein, Banana Republic, Bebe, BCBG, and even Godiva. What more can a Savvy Nana ask for? Before we hit the stores we had to fortify ourselves with lunch at Genki Sushi. The kids love the new conveyor belt that delivers sushi and more on brightly colored sports cars!

The Waikele is really 2 different centers, the Premium Outlet and the shopping center across the street. The Outlet side has a small food court but the shopping center has more restaurants including Chili's, Genki Sushi, McDonald's, Starbucks, Jamba Juice, Little Ceasar's (located inside K-Mart), and other small places.

Old Navy, Gap, Lowe's, Petco, and other stores are located in the shopping center. A free trolley shuttles shoppers between the two centers, or you can walk or drive across. After lunch we hit our favorite shops and found some great deals. We ended up with a trunk full of shoes, shorts, shirts, and even sunglasses; but somehow we couldn't find the “right” pair of socks!

Shopping was hard work! After several trips back to the car to stow purchases they needed a snack. This time they opted for Dippin' Dots, the “space age” ice cream. The little shop is located in the Outlet's food court area.

After a short rest and ice cream we decided to head out to the new TJ Maxx in the Kapolei Shopping Center to look for socks. Thankfully we found a few pairs of the “right” pair and were able to call it a day.

A quick stop at the supermarket and we were home just in time to make dinner. I'd say we had a great day!