• Hours of operation: Store hours vary, but in general, 11 a.m.- 11 p.m.
  
• Distance: Located in front of Polo Towers, just south of Harmon Avenue on Las Vegas Boulevard.
  
• Travel options: Cab, private vehicle.
  
• Valet parking: No.
  
• Restaurants and food inside the mall: Hamada, Cafe Capri/Lava Lounge, China Star Buffet, Tabla, Zingers and Coco's Bakery Restaurant (opening soon).
  

Modeled after the International Marketplace in Honolulu, the outdoor shopping center features lush tropical plants and bright colors.

The market is made up of several stand-alone cart vendors surrounding nine anchor stores that offer a variety of clothing, gifts and souvenirs. The market is covered by an awning, which helps to keep things a bit cooler.

Hawaiian Marketplace offers plenty of food choices for hungry shoppers including Wahoo's Fish Tacos, Hamada and a China Star Super Buffet.

Cafe Capri features outdoor tables with seating along the Strip and the adjacent Lava Lounge is a refreshing place to enjoy a cocktail.

Shopping isn't the only thing to do at the marketplace -- be sure to check out the special animatronic birds that sing, dance and tell Hawaiian folklore tales once each hour.

If you're driving, there is a small parking lot next door to the shopping center. If you're looking for more parking, try the Polo Towers public parking lot or better yet, valet park at the Polo Towers' side entrance and you'll be just steps away from the stores.

Vegas may be a long way from Hawaii, but the Hawaiian Marketplace helps bring the atmosphere of the tropics to the desert.

-- Review by Kristine McKenzie