On the U.S. mainland, big-box retailers have been offering discount or wholesale prices on a spectrum of different goods and services for several years.  Customers find that the prices, quality, and affordability of these retailers make for a comfortably lifestyle at bargain basement prices.  The island of Oahu is just the same.  A large portion of real estate in Hawaii is devoted to big-box retailers and wholesalers that provide consumers with quality goods and cheap prices.  These stores have allowed Honolulu and its residents to be able to afford the relatively high cost of living in the urban center of the state.

Costco, which operates two locations in Honolulu, is one of the most popular.  It operates establishments in the Hawaii Kai and Iwilei neighborhoods.  Costco is a members-only wholesaler club that keeps prices low by using a warehouse-style set-up and only selling goods in bulk.  Kmart and its “Big K” brand has a long established store near Honolulu Harbor.  Wal-Mart is another big retailer in Honolulu and recently just opened its latest location near Ala Moana.  Wal-Mart’s warehousing and members-only wholesale offshoot Sam’s Club also operates a store at the Ala Moana location.  Target Stores, a highly anticipated discount store, finally opened locations on Oahu, although neither of them are actually located in the Honolulu area.