HONOLULU (KHON2) — Big changes are ahead for the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet. While some vendors aren’t sure how it’ll work out, stadium officials say the changes will hopefully make the experience better for both vendors and customers.
Hyun Shin and his wife have been selling clothes at the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet for a long time – 36 years now. Shin says the best part is meeting all the different people.
“I’m so fun,” said Hyun Shin, Swap Meet vendor. “I have so many, so many other countries in the world, you know, customers come over here. So we all talk to each other. I’m fun.”
And there’s a big change coming. Sunday, Oct. 12, was the last day vendors would be set up circling the stadium. Of course, when one door closes, another one opens. This is the future of the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet. Organizers say shoppers can expect bigger and better things ahead.
Starting Wednesday, Oct. 15, the Swap Meet moves to its new location at the Halawa lot. It’s the parking lot right in front of the volcano and the ticket office.
“With the construction, we really needed a new location,” said Samantha Spain, Aloha Stadium Communications Specialist. “Because you know they are the heart and soul of the stadium for sure. And we wanted to have an area where all of our vendors could relocate for years to come.”
The middle section is the Hookipa Hale, featuring containers and tents for vendors, a food court, and a shaded area to rest. One parking lot will be designated for the marketplace side or for regular vendors. The other side will have daily vendors, or garage sale and flea market stuff.
“This is almost like a little upgrade,” said Spain. “Swap Meet Marketplace 2.0. So we really had like a clean slate, so we took the opportunity to see how we can enhance the swap meet. Also, help the vendors.”
Vendors like Kacee Takasaki are getting their containers ready for the big move.
“I think I’m feeling what all the vendors are feeling – just a little stressed,” said Takasaki, a Swap Meet vendor. “But I think it’s good for a change and kinda update what we have going on.”
“I like it over here because, you know, plenty of space and cool over here,” said Shin. “That is, you know, close and too hot, I think.”
“I think after we kinda get settled in, just expect the same type of local vibes and everyone showing aloha to all of our tourists and locals that come shop here,” said Takasaki.
Cars must now enter through the stadium’s entrance on Kahuapaani Street – the one across Ice Palace. Parking will be on the lower Halawa lot, where the state fair usually is.
The swap meet will maintain its same days and hours – Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
“Same great deals, same great vendors and just a great time to come down and support local,” said Spain.