I visited the world's largest open-air shopping mall in Hawaii. Take a look inside the 2.4-million-square-foot space.

• I'm a Hawaii local who visited the Ala Moana Center, the world's largest open-air shopping mall.
• It has four levels, over 350 stores, more than 160 eateries, and activities for kids and adults.
• New stores and restaurants are always opening, and I highly recommend visiting if you're in Oahu.

Growing up on Maui, I often island-hopped to Oahu and visited the Ala Moana Center, the largest open-air shopping mall in the world.

Located in the heart of Honolulu, this shopping center has 2.4 million square feet of retail space.

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Visitors who don't have a car can take a trolley from Waikīkī hotels to the Ala Moana Center.

The mall has four levels that are full of shops, restaurants, and entertainment.

Even the more enclosed areas get plenty of natural light, making the space feel airy and open.

Water features, like koi ponds and fountains, add an element of nature to the mall.

Sculptures and other pieces of art are also placed throughout the space.

The shopping center looks out at views of the Honolulu Harbor and the city skyline.

There are five information desks where shoppers can ask for directions and access other guest services.

First-timers may need assistance, as the Ala Moana Center is home to more than 350 stores.

The shopping center is anchored by popular department stores including Bloomingdale's, Macy's, Neiman Marcus, and Nordstrom.

People can splurge on designer items at Chanel, Dior, Gucci, and many more high-end stores.

However, many of the stores in the mall are exclusive to the Aloha State.

These shops offer souvenirs, drinks, sweet treats, clothes, groceries, spa services, and more.

Some brands, like Swatch, carry products that they only sell at their Hawaii stores.

Some of the creative displays in storefronts have unique Hawaiian flairs.

Many major brands, including Anthropologie and Victoria's Secret, have opened their first Hawaii storefronts here.

The shopping center has Hawaii's only two-story Target store.

Popular food-focused brands, like IT'SUGAR, have also made their Hawaii debuts at this mall.

Shoppers with a sweet tooth can enjoy milkshakes, sundaes, and snow creams, which are a combination of shave ice and ice cream, at the Oreo Café.

New stores pop up all the time, such as Psycho Bunny and Sugar Factory, which are slated to open soon.

One of the latest additions to the retail directory is Reformation, a sustainable-fashion company.

The Ala Moana Center has more than 160 dining options, including the Makai Market Food Court, which has over 30 restaurants.

The Lānai @ Ala Moana Center is another dining space with various specialty food vendors and an agave bar.

Guests can grab a snack and drink at one of the various cafés and coffee shops, including Honolulu Coffee Co. and Island Vintage Coffee.

Inside Macy's is Liliha Bakery, a local favorite known for its Coco Puff pastries.

Fine dining options include Assaggio, Mariposa Restaurant, Morton's The Steakhouse, and Ruscello.

Casual full-service eateries like California Pizza Kitchen, Jade Dynasty Seafood Restaurant, and Gen Korean BBQ House are also available to visit.

Ho'okipa Terrace, which gets its name from the Hawaiian word for hospitality, is on the fourth floor and features a fun gathering spot called Lucky Strike Social.

The Ala Moana Centerstage hosts a free daily hula show as well as live music and other performances.

Kids can enjoy Jungle Fun Island, an arcade where I remember playing as a child.

There are plenty of other kid-friendly activities, such as a playground on the second floor.

The mall sometimes serves as a venue for special events, like pop-up markets and the annual Made in Hawaii Festival.

Modern Luxury produces a bimonthly magazine for the mall called the Ala Moana Shopping Magazine, which covers fashion, dining, and shopping trends.

Whether you're looking to shop, dine, or find other forms of entertainment, the Ala Moana Center has something for everyone to enjoy.

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