Home

Download

NO BAD **RECOMMENDATIONS**.

London, England

Red Room

Copenhagen, Denmark

Delphine

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Chez Nina Green Brasserie

The most popular restaurants in Nova Circle right now

TRENDING NOW

Guide to

During Winter

Prague 

in Finland

The Northern Lights

Winter Edition

Paris

Best bars

New York Cities

Explore curated travel guides filled with hidden gems and top recommendations to inspire your next adventure.

TRAVEL GUIDES

Discover standout moments and top picks from our vibrant community of travelers and explorers.

USER HIGHLIGHTS

Meet our most active and inspiring community members sharing unique recommendations and insights.

TOP USERS

On A Budget

5 Star Luxury Travel

You Must Visit

Eco-Friendly Hotels

Avoid Bali belly

How To:

That Are Worth The Trip

Dining Concepts

The World Is Slowing Down

Soft Travel

Stay updated with the latest travel tips, trends, and exciting updates from the Nova Circle community.

NEWS

Explore

Copenhagens Boutique Hotels

Discover

Tokyos best Ramen

Travel philosophy

The Rise of ‘Soft Travel’

Dublin Best Pubs

 Find fresh ideas and experiences to discover, from must-visit spots to unique activities.

MORE INSPIRATION

Connect with trusted partners who share our passion for unforgettable experiences and quality travel.

OUR SELECTED PARTNERS

Nova Circle is your single space for saving and sharing top recommendations around the world while getting inspired by likeminded people.

Nova Circle - No Bad Recommendations

As a valued Nova Circle member you can enjoy our exclusive partner discounts. Simply just sign in to claim the deals.

Partner Discounts

Enjoy exclusive travel partner discounts with Nova Circle.

Nova Circle Benefits - Travel Partner Discounts

Benefits

Honolulu, HI

North America

United States

# Palama Express – Convenience Store in Aloha Tower Marketplace, Honolulu, HI
Palama Express, located at Aloha Tower Marketplace in Honolulu, HI, is a convenience store that caters primarily to students and visitors. This store offers a variety of snacks, beverages, and essential items, making it a go-to spot for quick purchases. Established with a vision to provide convenience in a bustling area, Palama Express has become a staple for those frequenting the marketplace. The store is known for its organized layout and friendly staff, although it has received mixed reviews regarding customer service and pricing policies. Highlights from customer feedback emphasize its accessibility and diverse inventory, which includes everything from groceries to souvenirs.

## History
### The story of Palama Express
Palama Express was founded with the intention of serving the local community and students at Hawaii Pacific University (HPU). The vision was to create a convenient shopping experience that would meet the needs of those living and studying in the area. The store's location at Aloha Tower Marketplace was strategically chosen to attract foot traffic from both locals and tourists, ensuring a steady stream of customers.

### Milestones and growth
- Established in a prime location at Aloha Tower Marketplace.
- Expanded inventory to include a wide variety of snacks, beverages, and essential items.
- Gained popularity among students at HPU, becoming a go-to convenience store.
- Adapted to customer feedback to improve service and product offerings.

### Cultural and local influence
Palama Express has become an integral part of the local culture, especially among HPU students. The store not only provides convenience but also reflects the community's needs by offering items that resonate with local lifestyles, such as Hawaiian-themed souvenirs and snacks. Its presence in Aloha Tower Marketplace contributes to the area's vibrant atmosphere, attracting both locals and tourists.

### Continuing the tradition
As Palama Express continues to operate, it maintains its commitment to providing convenience and quality products. The store's management is focused on adapting to changing customer preferences and ensuring that it remains a relevant and valued part of the Aloha Tower Marketplace experience. This dedication to service and community involvement helps to sustain its legacy in the area.

## Community
### Community involvement
Palama Express actively engages with the local community by catering to the needs of students and residents. The store often stocks items that are specifically requested by customers, demonstrating its responsiveness to community needs. Additionally, it serves as a gathering place for students, fostering a sense of community among those who frequent the store.

### Community notion about the place
The general perception of Palama Express among the community is mixed. While many appreciate its convenience and variety, there are concerns regarding customer service and pricing policies. Some customers have reported negative experiences with staff, which has impacted the store's reputation. However, others highlight the store's positive aspects, such as its cleanliness and organization, indicating a divide in customer experiences.

### Events and gatherings
Palama Express does not host large events or gatherings, but it plays a role in the daily lives of students and visitors at Aloha Tower Marketplace. The store's layout includes a small seating area where customers can enjoy their purchases, creating an informal space for social interaction. This aspect contributes to the store's community feel, even if it does not organize formal events.

## Offerings
### What Palama Express offers
Palama Express provides a diverse range of products, making it a convenient stop for quick shopping. The store features an assortment of snacks, beverages, and essential items, catering to the needs of students and visitors alike. Its inventory includes everything from grab-and-go meals to personal care products, ensuring that customers can find what they need in one location.

### Dining and food experience
While primarily a convenience store, Palama Express offers a selection of food items, including frozen entrees, hot snacks, and beverages. The store features a F'real smoothie machine and a coffee station, allowing customers to enjoy quick refreshments. Additionally, there are options for ready-to-eat meals, appealing to those looking for a quick bite during their busy day.

### Events and packages
Palama Express does not offer formal events or packages, but it provides various promotions and discounts on select items. Customers often find deals on snacks and beverages, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious shoppers. The store's focus on convenience means that it prioritizes quick transactions over elaborate promotions.

### Facilities and features
- Organized layout for easy navigation
- Small seating area for customers
- Variety of snacks and beverages
- F'real smoothie and coffee machines
- Hot snacks and ready-to-eat meals
- Personal care products and essentials
- Souvenirs and local merchandise

## Pros and Cons
### Key insights from reviews
Customer reviews of Palama Express reveal a mixture of positive and negative experiences. Many appreciate the store's convenience and product variety, while others express dissatisfaction with customer service and pricing policies. This dichotomy highlights the need for ongoing improvements in service quality.

### Compliments and strengths
Customers frequently compliment Palama Express for its wide selection of snacks and beverages, as well as its cleanliness and organization. The store's location is also a significant advantage, making it easily accessible for students and visitors at Aloha Tower Marketplace. The friendly demeanor of some staff members has been noted positively, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere.

### Contrasts and notable mentions
On the other hand, some customers have reported negative experiences, particularly regarding customer service. Issues such as staff attitudes and the store's credit card transaction policies have drawn criticism. Additionally, there have been complaints about expired products being sold, which raises concerns about quality control.

### Summary evaluation
Overall, Palama Express offers a convenient shopping experience with a diverse product range. While it has strengths in location and inventory, customer service remains an area for improvement. Balancing these aspects will be crucial for the store's continued success.

## Location & Nearby Attractions
Palama Express is situated at 1 Aloha Tower Dr, Honolulu, HI 96813, within the bustling Aloha Tower Marketplace. This prime location places it within walking distance of various attractions, including the waterfront and local shops. The area is known for its vibrant atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for both locals and tourists. Visitors can enjoy the scenic views of the harbor while exploring the marketplace, enhancing their overall experience.

## FAQs
**What are the store hours** Palama Express typically operates daily, but hours may vary. 
**Is there parking available** Yes, there is parking available at Aloha Tower Marketplace. 
**Does Palama Express accept credit cards** Yes, but there is a minimum purchase requirement for credit card transactions. 
**Are there seating areas inside** Yes, there is a small seating area for customers. 
**What types of products are sold** The store offers snacks, beverages, personal care items, and souvenirs.

## Visit Palama Express Today
Palama Express is a convenient stop in Aloha Tower Marketplace, offering a wide range of snacks, beverages, and essential items. Its history of serving the local community and students at HPU makes it a valuable resource for quick shopping. While customer experiences vary, the store's accessibility and diverse offerings continue to attract visitors. Whether you're looking for a quick snack or a souvenir, Palama Express is worth a visit.

0cc9a845-7bd3-4788-8685-bd09f9665142

Shopping at Aloha Tower Marketplace in Honolulu, Hawaii... Between breakfast and lunch, Irene M. suggested that we look around in Palama Express... okie dokie! Because we had already found free metered street parking on a Sunday (on Bishop Street), we could take our time here... and enjoy the cool air-conditioning! Thank you! This store seems to cater to the students of HPU (Hawaii Pacific University) who may dorm and have classes here. There are great souvenirs, snacks, shirts, beverages, etc. There even was a shark among the cute plushies... because the mascot of HPU is a shark! If I were a student - roaming around Aloha Tower Marketplace - I would appreciate the pain medication and coffee drinks a lot! I'll keep this shop in mind if I need anything in the future!

37a94349-0f0d-40b8-9f2c-ad60f3b7005e

Express convenience... Palama Express is located prominently at the front of Aloha Tower Marketplace which seems placed perfectly as it provides impressive inventory of all things that you may be craving and need. The vibe here is quite but is all organized and kept clean. You can find everything from candies to frozen entrees along with icee machine, f'real smoothie machine, section filled with wide variety of instant noodles, and wall to wall of grab and go drinks. Life saving place for students and visitors with some souvenirs available as well...need a box to shop they got USPS boxes as well the convenience services level here is quite impressive and the single staff that holds down the fort was friendly and helpful as well with my questions. Thank you!

049f1924-92ed-46c6-b967-650fd5bcf3a5

$5.00 minimum on all credit card transactions here. No exceptions. Total scam. Everything is less than $5.00 in the entire store basically so you have to buy multiple items. It's a total scam. Even after I told the lady I would pay five dollars for $3.50 item she got all butt hurt and told me to leave so I'm never gonna come back here. It's a waste of time. The UH business team needs to review this place. These ridiculous fees and tactics are a thing of the past. They would be much better off saying if you buy two items you get 10% off. If you buy one item at a regular price and then adjust the prices accordingly to compensate for the credit card processing fee. This nickel and dime approach is amateur add best.

761a191d-aceb-4ac3-9f5f-168b092f56ef

Aloha! Last month my son was sick so I stopped at Palama Express at 1 Aloha Tower Dr. Honolulu 96813 Phone +1 (808) 447-7789 And bought a Häagen-Dazs Matcha Green Tea Ice cream. Later my son taste his first scoop and told me "What is this?!" so I tasted it too and it tasted so awful so I checked the expired date and it said Oct 11, 2022..... My son got sicker after that and I took pix of it to show the manager. This morning I went back there because finally I got time to go and found more expired items in there and the manager refused to refund the money after showing pix because it was last month. I think they shouldn't sell those expired items at the store and refused me for asking a refund.

0d65c0a0-b8fd-43ad-aff6-062546c069b5

A lot of options! Great Place to get a quick snack and lunch. Some of the things are a little pricey but worth it if you are in the area. Update: Closed on Sundays ~

8c49b48c-e635-44ca-a352-12ce3ea5a918

Palama Express is located at the Aloha Tower Marketplace. A convenience store within walking distance to the HPU dorms...that's really convenient. Inside Palama Express a person will take notice of the checkout counter on the right of the entrance. Fountain drinks, F'real, plus coffee and cappuccino machines straight ahead. Towards the left side of the entrance are the grocery items, Aloha attire clothing, and shirts on the shelves. There's a television screen located above the frozen goods section. There's even a table with six chairs for people to enjoy their paid drinks and snacks. Walking around the convenience store there will be packaged beverages, alcoholic drinks, snacks, personal hygiene products, cold section with deli products, a hot section with bentos, plus a counter with the hot dog grill and nacho machine. I would have settled for a hot dog but none was available. I ended up grabbing a string cheese, powdered donuts, and a can of guava juice. I was greeted by the employees at the checkout counter and paid for my items. I noticed there were small hard liquor bottles and cigarettes behind the counter. As I was leaving the store I also took notice of flat rate boxes along the right side of the exit door. Comes in handy especially during the holiday season. 180/200

966941ec-df14-4aa1-8781-a4e71ab925b8

I'm a student, so Palama Express is convenient when you need to grab a drink or snack quickly, as it's right below the HPU dorms. I've only stopped in once or twice before. I stopped by Palama after class today to grab a few drinks. Every semester, students get preloaded "cash" on our I.D.'s to use at various locations. Since it is almost the end of the semester, I wanted to use up the "cash" on my card, although, if it didn't work, no big deal, I had real cash ready to go. After saying "hello" once I got to the counter, the only other thing I said was "Can I please use my student I.D. card?" The lady at the register just kind of gave me a look, and all of a sudden just went off on a tangent saying I better not give her any "attitude" if the scanner for the I.D. cards didn't work, it isn't her problem, and if I did give her "attitude", she's "good friends with people at Aloha Tower" that she would "gladly talk to." I was only half listening to her, as I was slightly taken aback. Afterwards, she just held out the scanner and looked at me, and I scanned my card (which worked) and I just took my drinks and left. Maybe she's had a bad experience with other students in past because the scanner wasn't working, but it was uncomfortable to have it taken out on me when I didn't even say anything. Next time, if I need anything, I will be heading down to the 7/11 that is just down Fort Street Mall.

e1c1bbd7-fc3b-4f90-bc36-c14ee15c4a20

This little convenient store is little out of its place. It's like your mom & pop type of convenience store that is located in an upscale location - if that makes sense... They have things like beverages, snacks, cold foods(like sushi/bento), over-the-counter drugs, and even products to wash clothes. They even have a little sit down table area towards the back of the store by the refrigerated beverages. I guess what makes this mini-mart a little out of place is probably the organization? I can't quite put my finger on it. Anyhoo, they support Apple Pay, which is a secure way of purchasing rather than swiping or presenting your card; although their customer-facing POS setup is a little weird, too 4-Stars based upon experience of trying to find things and support for technology

87b7dcca-5e5e-47ea-881c-7352e5a56c72

Been there a couple times. It's got some interesting stuff to check out. Items are at reasonable price.

56d4808f-b41d-41e3-8aa3-78364cd11438

Yay!!!! I finally got to go to Palama Express and buy something. I've passed this place a couple of times while jogging towards Ala Moana but never got the chance to actually step foot inside. I just went inside to get a cookies & cream F'real shake for $3.99 yum. I'm so excited that now I don't have to drive to 7-11. Anyways the store is so spacious and clean, everything is also very affordable. I definitely will be back to this convenience store.

Discover Palama Express in Honolulu for authentic local cuisine. Experience vibrant flavors at this top-rated restaurant in the heart of Honolulu. Book your table now.

Palama Express Restaurant in Honolulu, HI - Aloha Tower

Honolulu

Palama Express

Hawaii

Discover Palama Express at 1 Aloha Tower Dr, Honolulu. Enjoy quick, delicious local dishes in a vibrant setting near iconic landmarks. Visit us today!

Palama Express in Honolulu - Authentic Local Cuisine & Fast Service

Learn about Palama Express in Honolulu, a beloved spot for authentic Hawaiian flavors and quick bites near Aloha Tower. Experience the taste of Hawaii!

About Palama Express, Honolulu - Your Go-To Local Eatery

Opening hours for Palama Express, Honolulu. Find opening hours for Palama Express, 1 Aloha Tower Dr, Honolulu on your visit planning.

Palama Express Menu Overview

Platos Destacados

Bebidas y Maridajes

Opciones Dietéticas

Recomendaciones del Chef

Experimenta el Menú en Palama Express

Vons Chicken Downtown(Nuuanu)

Club 14

Taste