Closing Time: 6 Major Retail Chains Closing Doors in Hawaii This Year

While some areas like Ala Moana Center continue to evolve, many household names are shrinking their footprints or leaving the state entirely due to the high cost of shipping, rent, and shifting corporate strategies. For Hawaii shoppers, this means it's time to use those gift cards and prepare for empty storefronts. Based on recent bankruptcy filings, corporate restructuring announcements, and ongoing "fleet optimization" plans, here are six major retail chains closing locations in Hawaii this year.

1. DFS (Duty Free Shoppers)

This is the most significant and shocking news for Hawaii's retail and tourism sector. The luxury travel retailer announced a complete exit from the Hawaii market after more than 60 years of operation.

The closure affects the iconic T Galleria by DFS in Waikiki, as well as airport operations at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu and Kahului Airport on Maui. For decades, these stores were a staple for international visitors and locals alike. The winding down of operations marks the end of an era for high-end retail in the islands.

2. Walgreens

The pharmacy giant is in the midst of a massive plan to close roughly 1,200 stores nationwide to cut costs. Hawaii is a prime target for these corrections due to the exceptionally high operational costs in the state.

Walgreens is focusing on closing locations that are not profitable enough to sustain rising shipping and labor costs. Locations on Oahu and Maui are under review, particularly those situated too close to competitors like Longs Drugs (CVS), which dominates the local market. If you rely on a specific Walgreens for your prescriptions, keep an eye on your local branch as the company finalizes these cuts.

3. Macy’s

The iconic department store continues its strategy of exiting struggling malls to focus on its best-performing sites. Macy's has confirmed a new round of closures as part of its "Bold New Chapter" plan, aiming to close 150 stores by the end of 2026.

While major locations like Ala Moana remain safe, smaller anchor stores in regional malls—such as those on the Big Island or Kauai—are viewed by analysts as vulnerable. As the company focuses on its "luxury" banner and consolidates its presence, remote locations with high overhead remain at risk of sudden closure announcements.

4. Foot Locker

If you buy sneakers at the mall, you might need to find a new spot soon. Foot Locker is in the middle of a massive pivot, closing as many as 400 underperforming stores by 2026.

Their new strategy involves moving away from smaller, older mall-based stores. This puts the spotlight on locations in older shopping centers like Windward Mall or Prince Kuhio Plaza. As the brand prioritizes "power stores" and experiential locations, standard in-line mall stores in Hawaii are being reviewed for potential closure.

5. Big Lots

The discount furniture and pantry retailer filed for bankruptcy protection and has been aggressively shedding stores to survive. Hawaii has been swept up in these corrections.

As the company attempts to stabilize its finances, its remaining footprint in the islands is vulnerable. Shipping large furniture and goods to Hawaii is expensive, and as the brand consolidates, the Mapunapuna location and others face an uncertain future. Shoppers should be aware that if a "Store Closing" banner appears, liquidation will likely move very fast.

6. Denny’s

"America's Diner" is getting harder to find. The chain announced a plan to close roughly 150 underperforming locations nationwide to strengthen its financial health.

Hawaii has several key Denny’s locations, often serving as 24-hour hubs for locals and tourists. However, the company is shifting focus to high-volume, modernized restaurants and cutting ties with older units that require expensive renovations. The 24-hour diner you rely on for a late-night loco moco might be serving its last meal soon.