HONOLULU Magazine’s Pop-Up Market Takes Over Ward Centre With 40+ Local Vendors This Weekend
The former Roger Dunn Golf shop at Ward Centre has been transformed into a bustling marketplace this weekend, as HONOLULU Magazine takes over the 10,000-square-foot space with more than 40 local vendors showcasing everything from handcrafted jewelry to gourmet plate lunches.
The pop-up market, running through Sunday, represents the largest curated local vendor event in Kakaako this year. Shoppers can browse aisles filled with products from established brands like Noa Noa Collective’s sustainable clothing line alongside newcomers like Maile’s Kitchen, which is debuting their signature haupia-filled malasadas exclusively at this event.
“We wanted to create something that felt like a true celebration of Hawaii’s creative community,” said Kalani Akana, HONOLULU Magazine’s events coordinator. “This isn’t just another craft fair — we’ve carefully selected vendors who represent the innovation and craftsmanship happening right here in our islands.”
Food Vendors Steal the Show
The food section has drawn steady crowds since Friday’s opening, with lines forming early for Aunty Lin’s Loco Moco variations and Poke Paradise’s build-your-own bowls. Island Spice Co. is offering tastings of their new li hing mui seasoning blends, while Tropical Treats Hawaii has set up a live demonstration station for their handmade haupia chocolates.
Local entrepreneur Marcus Nakamura, whose company Island Ferments specializes in locally-sourced kimchi and pickled vegetables, sees the pop-up as validation of the growing appetite for Hawaii-made products. His booth has been consistently busy with customers sampling his signature pineapple kimchi and lilikoi-infused pickled daikon.
“Five years ago, people weren’t necessarily seeking out local fermented foods,” Nakamura explained while restocking his display. “Now we’re seeing families come in specifically looking for products made here, with ingredients they recognize. It’s a complete shift in how people think about supporting local business.”
Artisans Showcase Island Innovation
The retail vendors occupy the market’s main floor, with sections dedicated to jewelry, home goods, clothing, and specialty items. Koa Legacy Woodworks has drawn attention with their collection of bowls and cutting boards made from storm-fallen koa trees, while Reef Safe Skincare Hawaii is introducing shoppers to their new mineral sunscreen line formulated specifically for Hawaii’s marine environment.
Several vendors are using the weekend to test new products before larger launches. Blue Ocean Designs, known for their ocean-plastic jewelry, is previewing a collaboration with local surfer Kai Tanaka that incorporates recycled surfboard foam into their signature pieces.
The clothing section features everything from Aloha Print Revival’s modern takes on vintage Hawaiian patterns to Bamboo Basics Hawaii’s eco-friendly activewear line. Many vendors report that having physical space to display their full collections, rather than relying solely on online sales, has led to higher-value purchases and more meaningful customer connections.
Supporting the Local Economy
The market represents a growing trend of established media brands partnering with local businesses to create experiential retail opportunities. Similar pop-ups have appeared across the mainland, but this weekend’s event specifically emphasizes Hawaii’s unique position as both a tourist destination and a place where local entrepreneurship is thriving.
Ward Centre management has indicated interest in hosting similar events, particularly as they work to fill vacant spaces left by national chains. The success of this weekend’s market could influence future programming at the shopping center, which has been working to balance local businesses with national retailers.
For many vendors, the pop-up provides exposure to customers who might not otherwise discover their products. Social media activity around the event has been significant, with the hashtag #HONOLULUMarket generating hundreds of posts featuring vendor spotlights and product discoveries.
The market runs through Sunday evening, with extended hours until 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday until 6 p.m. Parking is available in Ward Centre’s main structure, and several vendors are offering special weekend-only pricing on select items.
As Hawaii’s economy continues to diversify beyond tourism, events like this weekend’s pop-up demonstrate the growing sophistication and market appeal of locally-made products. Whether this translates into permanent retail opportunities for participating vendors remains to be seen, but the enthusiasm from both shoppers and business owners suggests strong demand for more local marketplace events in Honolulu.
