Hickam Main Exchange

Shopping on the Island of Oahu, in Hawaii...Hickam Air Force Base has a department store (on campus) for military personnel and their dependents. The "Exchange" happens to be two floors of merchandise. You'll find snacks, greeting cards, clothing, pet supplies, luggage, footwear, linens, bedding, household items, and more!There was a convenient restroom on the ground level near the elevator. On the other side of the elevator was a small stage with flags from different Asian and Pacific Island nations to celebrate AAPI Heritage Month!I looked at the clearance racks and didn't see anything great. I walked through the accessories, purses, cosmerics, shoes, and Bath & Body aisles... nothing really caught my attention. When I return, I'll be with mom again!

Awesome place to eat and find great military deals. Would definitely go back as the selection is good and the service is awesome.

Great selection of clothes, housewares and especially great Hawaii souvenirs. They have lots of really nice carved bowls, fancy soaps, T-shirts and other items.

Oahu has always been an Island with military significance. From the 1795 Battle of Nu'uanu (Kaleleka'anae), World War II, and the current posture, military forces here form a key element of the defense of the free world.With so many military installations on island, there are a plethora of shopping centers available to the active and retired ID card holder.I like Hickam most especially because of the compact and well laid out complex where commissary, BX, food court, and vendors are all within walking distance.You can find some good bargains also. While Hickam AAFES does not have the volume of a Schofield Bsrracks PX or the breadth of a Pearl Harbor NEX, I've been able to achieve some impressive savings here.When I moved back here 5 years ago (with only 2 suitcases), I needed to buy a bed & mattress. The cheapest NEX set was too "Gucci" for my Spartan simplicity. I was able to find a well made firm and comfy mattress at this AAFES store for $900 less than at the NEX.Since then I've purchased many items here and have never needed to take anything back.I also appreciate how at the customer service desk you can order pineapples for shipment back to loved ones in the mainland. Definitely recommend Hickam to all ID card patrons and encourage everyone to check prices here first.Mahalo for reading my review.

Too bad the Exchange used to be a great place to shop because no taxes & cheap prices, not anymore. Blame it on Amazon and other online merchants including E-Bay. I think a few benefits that still existed are one can try on the clothing to make sure they fit before buying to avoid retuning. In addition, it is very simply to return and get refund. More importantly, customers do not have to worry about buying fake products.

Very sad place to shop at the jewelry department.Waiting for over 15min for help.1 old lady helping a couple and 3 employees looking at jewelry in the case.What crappy setvice

This exchange is definitely smaller than the main NEX, but for so much retail space, I'm always surprised at how difficult it is to get basic items, like toiletries or food storage containers. Every once in a while I'll get lucky and find what I need, but more often than not, I have to go to another store to find at least one item. It can also be really challenging to find an employee if you want to ask where you might find a product. The vast majority of the employees with be at the register or in the back, so unless you can catch someone who is restocking, you are usually on your own when trying to find what you need. If you need something very basic and don't have any brand preferences, like shampoo or sunscreen, you can stop here to get what you need. Otherwise, it's probably best to look at the commissary or an off-base store.

The main Exchange on Hickam is the best kept secret, not sure why more people don't come here as it is never crowded. It has a great selection of stuff and if you really wanted to, you could price match it against the NEX (the Navy Exchange) or outside vendors as well. I haven't come here in a while myself, however during the Christmas holidays this is probably the best place to go as it is midday on the Saturday after Black Friday (good to shop when there's not a whole bunch of people around) and we can take our time leisurely. Very well kept & very clean, this exchange is probably one of the nicer ones on Oahu as well.

If you live on Hickam, it couldn't be more convenient. Otherwise, just hit up the Naval Exchange (NEX) that is off base.It was a bit smaller than the NEX, but it was well stocked, organized, and clean. They have a big selection of Hawaiian trinkets, school/office supplies, pet supplies, work out clothes. Small aisle of wine (again, the NEX has a huge liquor store). Very limited women's accessories in the other building (almost no sneakers). I heard they are now accepting NEX coupons, so that is great!

Helpful staff and most of the things you look for within an Exchange. Good option if you don't want to go off base to the crowded NEX.