Marine Corps Exchange

Shopping in Kailua, Hawaii...The main purpose for going on Base was to find the McDonald's and get Happy Meal toys. LOL!After that visit was over, mom (and her military ID) was willing to go to the MEX (Marine Corps Exchange).It was challenging to find - even with GPS. We parked in the back, walked through the Mokapu Mall and entered from a side door. I think the main entrance is actually behind McDonald's... haha!Anyway, we finally found it and only had time to look though the women's department. I found a top for about 75 percent off! Mom found a pair of pants that she liked. I also got a Hawaiian print dress that was "regular price". On the outside, it would be really expensive. The MEX is smaller than the NEX (Navy Exchange). It looked like it had similar merchandise - except for the Marine Corps logo items!We'll probably be back to explore again. It was less crowded than the NEX!

For the Windward side this has a good variety of things. It is about half the size of the NEX at JBPPH, so if you are on the leeward side of Oahu I would go to the NEX instead, way more options. They did do renovations and it is improved from what it was in the Spring but still not as expansive as other big box stores. They did have a great selection of running shoes and some touristy items. I will be back.

Don't go there much anymore. Since all the other services stopped issuing base stickers for vehicles, getting on MCAS to visit the commissary and exchange is too difficult. Found MCX prices here and in Henderson Hall, VA, are often much higher than the other military exchanges. Thought the DC area high prices was about catering to the diplomats who were authorized to shop there. But it seems prices are higher here as well. Retail staff is rude, not very helpful, and very suspicious of "authorized patrons," checking bills with counterfeit pens and asking for ID when paying with credit card, AFTER already showing ID to start checking out. Are USMC personnel less trustworthy? Isn't honor one of the hallmarks of being a Marine? Must I pay in coins to avoid having my integrity questioned? Galls this veteran that executive and min wage NAFI employees, who probably spent no time on active duty, have such a low opinion of those of us who have. And lastly, MCX seems to be charging HI-5 deposit fee for plastic gallon containers of water. Had them remove the bottle from my purchase when I saw that. Haven't been back since. Plastic gallon beverage containers are NOT subject to the five cent deposit fee, which I verified with Reynolds Recycling to be sure nothing had changed. So how many MCX patrons were overcharged? How much money accrued to MCX coffers or was transferred to the state with no way for patrons to recoup their funds? What other "errors" are scamming patrons? Who really needs monitoring for suspicious activity?

LOVE this place for quick shopping! For years, we've been going to the NEX. Now I know better, check the Marine Coprs Xchange in Kailua first. It's less crowded, the people are friendlier and way more helpful.The cash registers had gone down and had been down for about an hour. Even with the wait, the shopping trip was pleasant and they did a good job of keeping things moving.

Great selection of surf apparel. Shop here for all your name brand needs. Probably saved an average of 30-40%. Tough to shop in all those touristy spots when you have this PX as an option. Hawaii is too expensive not to!

This place is for sure a hit or miss for me. It's fun if I feel like venturing on to the other side of the island to get a change of pace..but if I'm actually looking for something in particular, I probably won't find it. Their womens clothing section seems to be very "business-y" to me, and that's about it. Their electronics section is very small, but I have noticed the prices here are a lot more reasonable than the NEX, but the selection will never compare. It's easy to get to and parking is plentiful. I never have a long wait when coming here, which is always a plus.

Love that the Xchange is open till 9pm, because they have a mini mart in the back and it is really close to the housing. I have found quite a few great finds here. I wanted to get my daugher a denim jacket from The Children's place but didn't want to spend $30. Wen't the the Xchange and there it was for $15. My daughter is so happy that she has to wear her jacket every morning before the sun comes out. This Xchange doesn't have as much as the NEX, but I have found a few things for a good deal. Also all Xchanges will price match each other, even holiday sales.

Friendly staff and clean environment. Not crowded and lots of selection. Need shoes? Electronics? Yep, they got it!

I am not sure if it is just bad luck....but I can't seem to find anything for my daughter to wear when I shop here. Their selection of Roxy and Billabong is almost non existent. it seems that the only clothes they have for girls are generic brands or brands I can purchase from Macy's (and although the prices here are reasonable ....If you catch a sale at Macy's you usually end up saving money purchasing it from Macy's). That being said I checked out the boys section to see if they have the same problem. I would say if you have a boy you should be fine shopping here. They seemed to have an ample supply of shorts and the racks that held their brand named clothes seemed full. Another downfall is the lack of Roxy and Billabong swimwear and rash guards. Once again I could not find a rash guard for my daughter. They did have one Roxy style and one Billabong style ...but neither had the size I needed. They had sold it already and after asking ... I was informed that they only receive 1 size run. Such a bummmer! The reason I am giving this place 3 stars is due to the men's department. When you walk into that area it is almost always neat. If you are shopping for a men's item you are almost guaranteed to find it. The staff in the men's department are friendly and helpful. They have a nice selection of Quiksilver and other name brands. I wish I could say that this is a one stop shop but sadly it's not. Bottom line....This place would be great if they carried a better variety for children.