HAWAII STATE - The retail landscape in the Hawaiian Islands is facing a unique set of challenges this spring. Beyond the national trend of bankruptcy liquidations, Hawaii's market is being reshaped by a downturn in international tourism and a shift in luxury retail strategy. From the premium storefronts of Waikiki to the surf-centric shops of Maui, the islands are seeing some of their most iconic retailers depart this month.
Here are the five major retail chains closing doors in Hawaii this April.
1. Honolua Surf Co. (and affiliated brands)
In a major blow to the islands' surf culture, Liberated Brands—the operator behind several iconic surfing and skateboarding labels—filed for bankruptcy earlier this year. As a result, 10 surf stores on Maui are in the final stages of liquidation. The Honolua Surf Co. at The Shops at Wailea is scheduled to close permanently by the end of April, along with multiple Quiksilver, Volcom, and Billabong locations at Whalers Village and in Pāʻia and Kīhei.
2. DFS Hawaii (T Galleria)
After more than 60 years of operation in the islands, the luxury travel retailer DFS Hawaii is exiting the market. Driven by a decline in high-spending international visitors and a "mild recession" forecast for the state, DFS is shuttering its three primary locations this year. The massive T Galleria by DFS in Waikiki is finalizing its wind-down this month, marking a significant end to an era for luxury duty-free shopping in Honolulu.
3. Francesca’s
The boutique fashion chain is completing its total nationwide liquidation this April following a collapse in its corporate financing. In Hawaii, the final "Going Out of Business" sales are reaching their conclusion. The brand is vacating its high-traffic locations, including its prominent boutique at Ala Moana Center, as it prepares to shut down all 450+ physical stores across the U.S.
4. Walgreens
Following its "footprint optimization" plan to shutter 1,200 stores by 2027, Walgreens is continuing to trim its presence in the islands. This April, the company is focusing on closing older or underperforming branches to consolidate patients into modernized hubs. While many locations remain, residents in Honolulu are seeing targeted closures where leases are expiring and store density is high, as the company prioritizes profitability over expansive physical coverage.
5. Express
Following its bankruptcy reorganization and subsequent sale, Express is "right-sizing" its mall-based footprint to focus on its highest-earning "Power Stores." As part of this national strategy, the brand is exiting several secondary locations. The Pearlridge Center location in Honolulu is finalized for closure this month, as the company pivots toward a digital-heavy model and flagship investments at larger hubs like Ala Moana.
Important Information for Hawaii Shoppers
- Liquidation Savings: At Honolua Surf Co. and Francesca’s, inventory markdowns have likely reached the 70% to 90% range. Note that all sales at these closing locations are final.
- Gift Card Deadlines: If you hold gift cards for Francesca's or Express, it is highly recommended to use them immediately. In many bankruptcy cases, gift cards may not be honored in-store once the final liquidation phase concludes.
- Prescription Transfers: For any closing Walgreens locations, pharmacy records are typically moved automatically to the nearest surviving branch. You can use the Walgreens mobile app to confirm your new pickup location before your next refill.
