- Manoa Marketplace - In the heart of Manoa Valley surrounded by mountains and trees
Manoa Marketplace fruits
Manoa Marketplace is my favorite shopping center in Hawaii to go to for my daily home necessities. There's Ala Moana Center, Kahala Mall and Ward Warehouse for clothes, shoes and other things. But when it comes to groceries, household products and quick dining there is no place better than Manoa Marketplace.
Located in the heart of Manoa Valley on East Manoa Road and Woodlawn Drive on Oahu, it is only minutes away from the University of Hawaii. It is also close to Waikiki.
Mountains of Manoa in Hawaii
I don't think that too many visitors know about this place since this place is mostly frequented by the neighbors who live in the Manoa Valley. Trust me, it would be a worthwhile visit. Manoa Marketplace is surrounded by the lush, green mountains and tall trees. This area is known for its daily rainfall. It is quite common to see rainbows in Manoa Valley and that is the reason why our sports teams at the University of Hawaii are named Rainbow Warriors and Rainbow Wahine ("wahine" is "woman" in Hawaiian).
Longs Drugs
Safeway
The two anchor tenants are Safeway (recently renovated) and Longs Drugs.
There are good sales weekly at both these stores and being able to shop at both places and not worry about parking because there is plenty of it is a huge convenience.
The Farmers' Market
The Farmers' Market
Koolau Gallery featuring authentic Hawaiian art
The Farmers' Market is also popular. It is held in the courtyard on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday mornings. You can get the freshest home grown fruits, vegetables and herbs of our islands there. There is so much to choose from and some of the items, especially the fruits, are quite exotic.
I have been frequenting the Manoa Marketplace for over 15 years now. I lived in Manoa while the children were in elementary school and although I now live in Makiki it is still convenient and practical to drive to this shopping center.
All the banks are there, Bank of Hawaii, First Hawaiian Bank, American Savings and Bank of the Orient. Tenants that offer other services include a laundromat, Young's Laundry, the U.S. Post Office, Hairscape Beauty Salon, a florist, Manoa Nails, Edward Jones Investment, Natural Wellness Center (vitamins and supplements), Hawaii Island Ministries, dentists, optometrist, chiropractor and sports massage, dance studio, Transformational Living Centers and The Wedding Cafe.
There's a cute boutique called Chelsea, CaraMia that offers Sanrio goods, Baby Awearness selling unique baby products, Koolau Gallery featuring authentic Hawaiian art and Green Time Gift Shop. Interesting food shops are Soy to the World (homemade tofu and related products), Edible Arrangements (fruits are used instead of flowers to make bouquets), Wholesale Unlimited, Bakery Manoa and Kay's Crackseed.
Young Laundry & Edible
Pearl's Korean BBQ
McDonalds
Starbucks
The range of fast food places and dining in restaurants is unbelievable. Manoa Marketplace's eateries truly represent ethnic and cultural diversity, just like the Honolulu Festival. There is Island Manapua Factory (Chinese takeout), Island Subs and Burgers (includes New York deli sandwiches), Manoa Sushi, Subway, Manoa BBQ, O-Bok Korean Restaurant, Paesano Italian Restaurant, Thai Sweet Basil, Hanaki known for its Japanese buffet, McDonalds, Nishimoncho Ramen, Pearl's Korean BBQ, The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf and Starbucks. And to work all of this delicious food off you can attend classes at Manoa Yoga, Curves, The Studio by Egan Inoue, Fitness Together and Grappling Unlimited. I hope that this "Let's Talk Story" article encourages you to visit Manoa Marketplace on your next trip to Honolulu if you're a visitor. And for you local people, if you haven't been to Manoa Marketplace, it is a must. Enjoy this wonderful secluded shopping center as well as our beautiful rainbows!
