Busiest Costco in the World

I have been to a Costco stores in several states, including New Jersey, New York, and Florida. However, the vast majority of my trips are to either Dedham or Waltham. While enjoyable, I am interested in difference across stores. Although I am unlikely to ever visit some of the more notable (e g., Alaska; (The Smallest Costco in the World); Utah; (The Largest Costco in the World)) stores and therefore be able to report from personal experience, when I see descriptions of them, I like to report on them. 

I have mentioned that the busiest Costco in the world is the Iwilei one in Honolulu on the island of Oahu is considered the busiest in the world (More Costco Facts).

The article mentions that it looks the same as other Costco stores. However, the shopping

experience is likely to be quite different.

What Makes the Iwilei Costco Different?

1. Parking lot

The author reports that the parking lot was full, with cars waiting for spaces before cars have even left. She reports that the crowds make members tense even before parking or shopping and that drivers have to be very careful around other cars and people walking in the lot.

The parking lots at the local Costco stores are also very busy, especially the spaces closest to the store. I have never understood the obsession with parking so close to the entrance. It is less stressful to park farther away. In addition, it is an easy way to increase one’s exercise (Exercising in Costco). This article made me wonder if parking lots are proportional to the amount of the store’s business. I imagine it probably depends more on how urban vs suburban vs rural the store is. For example, the NYC store (Wisconsin Costco vs. New York Costco) may be very busy but fewer people probably drive there due to the greater difficulty of driving in the city. 

2. Warehouse and Business Center

The author reports that one explanation for the busyness of this Costco is that it is a combination warehouse and Business Center, thus attracting regular members as well as business owners. The article points out that some business orders are regular and prepared even before the store opens.

It makes sense that a combined store would be busier than either type of store on it’s own. 

3. Fewer options for businesses

Related to the idea of the store being a Business Center, the article points out that Hawaii is quite separate from the mainland (2,400 miles away). Therefore, it is more difficult for smaller food establishments to get supplies on a regular basis. With fewer options, more of these stores use Costco for supplies.

As I wrote about in my post about the Costco in Juneau, I had not thought about the difficulty getting supplies for businesses (The Smallest Costco in the World). Never having lived in a location in which I did not have easy access to a variety of stores, I don’t think about the challenges that can arise when living in a more remote area.

4. Poke

The first food on which the author commented with respect to the experience in this Costco is Poke. At this Costco, Poke is made each day. It consists of one lb of cubed ahi tuna, mixed with either kukui nuts and sea salt or chili sauce and onions. 

I don’t actually really know what Poke is and it is definitely not sold fresh in local Costco stores. My understanding is that it is essentially a rice bowl with fish, vegetables, and sauce. It sounds very appealing and I am tempted to make one myself, perhaps with lox (Product Review:Kirkland Signature Smoked Salmon) or pieces of cold salmon (Product Review: Foppen Hot Smoked Salmon). 

5. Other local foods

In addition to Poke, this Costco sells other local foods. Specifically, the article mentions Keoki’s pork lau lau (steamed pork shoulder and black cod wrapped and steamed in taro and ti leaves), Taro Brand lomi salmon, a pico de gallo-esque mix of diced tomatoes, white onions, green onions and salted pink salmon, Hanalei Poi, and pickled sliced radishes and carrots made by Hawaii’s go-to French-Vietnamese restaurant chain Ba-Le.

I have never heard of most of these foods.

6. Even more savings

The article points out that buying food at Costco rather than a grocery store results in about a 30% savings.  It explains that the savings are even greater in Honolulu, where there is more inflation than anywhere else in the country. 

For years, I have read a good review site created by a man who lives in Hawaii. He frequently makes reference to the high prices of items there. However, I did not explicitly think about cities in Hawaii as being the place with the most inflation. It makes sense that Costco would be of even greater benefit when other prices are so high. I was very surprised when I saw the price of $10 for a gallon of milk at grocery stores in Honolulu! I can easily see that being able to pay “only” $5 at Costco could amount to huge savings. 

7. Cheaper meat options

The Costco in Honolulu apparently sells a lot of meat, especially lower priced cuts (e.g., beef brisket; pork shoulder).

I don’t know anything about different cuts or prices of meat.

8. No Hawaiian food court items

Apparently the food court at this Costco doesn’t sell items unique to the state. Instead, the menu is limited to the typical items (e.g., hot dog combos; chicken bakes; slices of pizza). 

I was surprised to read this piece of information because I had read and written about different food courts across the country and would have expected some local items (Costco food courts around the country and the world).

Have you been to this Costco? Are you surprised by any of the information about it?