Reviews

I was recommended to come here from their store in Chinatown. I went in looking for a simple white dress that I could get altered for my wedding. After hours of searching, my friend was able to find a cute dress and I tried it on and such. I love my dress.

I had to order it in my size, so I had to wait about a month or so. once my dress came into the store, we were able to go pick it up. The store was able to call me and give me updates and keep me updated.

They ladies there are very kind and helpful. The lady was very nice enough to help me figure out how I wanted alterations or add ons.

I also bought a hat here and I love my hat. I wear it everywhere! Although this place is quite pricey, it's a cute little spot to find cheaper dressy clothing and items.

My mom and I were looking for her mother-of-the-bride dress and are SO happy that we chose to visit Calista! ALL of the ladies were so welcoming and helpful and they put together exactly what we weren't able to find anywhere else. We'll definitely be bringing Grandma here to work with this amazing team once again! Thanks Calista Kahala!!

I was able to get my dress from here, and also get shoes and a clutch for 50% off! I have a very strict prom dress code so I was nervous for my alterations but my dress came back perfect and I'll definitely be getting my dress from here again next year!

We walked into this boutique as our first stop for a prom dress. It ended up being our only stop! The customer service here was supreme! The woman who helped us picked out the perfect dresses, checked to see if anyone from my school had the same dress, offered jewelry suggestions, and set me up with an alteration appointment. There was no pressure to buy just super helpful. I will definitely be going here again next year and recommend this shop to anyone looking for formal attire.

I'm sitting on the floor in my living room eating popcorn, still in my workout clothes, with hair color in my hair. Then my husband texts me with an invitation to the Heart Ball. I'm like WTH?! I text my girlfriends asking exactly how fancy is this event? I own $12 tube dresses, rompers, bikinis, and workout clothes.... that's it! She tells me I need to go to Calista's in Kahala. Cool, I'm in Kaimuki... perfectly convenient.
When I got to the store I honestly thought this wasn't gonna be it and I would have to drive to Ala Moana and walk around to every store, then find shoes etc... what a hassle!
The sales ladies are super nice and helpful. We pulled a few dresses and right away I found it! I think it was the 4th dress I tried on. I was so excited! They had shoes for me too. I got it altered, and picked it up the next day. Boom! Done!
Thank you everyone at Calista... my dress was amazing and a hit!

Good place to shop for dresses for a fancy occasion like a wedding, fancy party, or prom. I bought both of my prom dresses from here. My first one which was a nude halter style with sparkles that costed $278 and the second one was a very elegant yet simple dusty rose dress that costed only $170 or something like that.
The workers are friendly and very helpful. Today I went in to get my alterations done and the asian lady that helped me was super nice and friendly. I also met a new girl that just started working there and she was really helpful and sweet.
My alterations costed $115 to take the sides in, get the bottom hemmed, and to adjust the length of the straps which is pretty pricey compared to taking it to a regular alterations place, but I'm not complaining because my second dress was a good price.
I also bought a sparkly bracelet for $18, a white dress for graduation which was $68, and a cute casual prairie-girl looking dress for $20.
The only thing that could make this place even better is if the lighting were a little brighter.

Had to find a dress for my two girls for my wedding!! Looked everywhere from downtown Chinatown ward Ala Moana Center and then to kahala mall . Finally walked by and thought hmm I should just take a look as I was running out of options. And when I walked in I was surprised as to what they had ! They have a variety of little girls dresses and junior gowns to sundresses bridal gowns mother of the bride outfits and so much accessories I was BLOWN AWAY!! Staff was really helpful and I explained I have a 9 year old and a 12 year old that I wanted them in white dresses and to kinda coordinate but not look too match match look . And
They delivered they had so much different looks to choose from !! I am so happy and I recommend this place to anyone having an event and needing a dress !!! Thank you staff of Calista!! You made my day special and girls looked so GORGEOUS!!

Calista is a fave store of my mom's. They always have new merchandise coming in all the time.

Prom dress central in the spring. I didn't know that they keep a list of dresses sold and which school it will be worn at so that duplicate dresses aren't worn and cause a potential cat fight.

Lots of accessories to complete any outfit, from hats to earrings, to evening bag and shoes.

Accessories need a place to be stored when not in use, and they have those, too.

My very favorite thing in this store is the watermelon hat. Perfect for a summer picnic in the park.

Sales associates are so friendly and helpful. They get a dressing room started for us while we peruse the sale racks.

I searched SEVERAL other formal dress stores all over the island and was underwhelmed with the options. When I went to Calista in Kahala, it was like a breath of fresh air. The dress selection is large and diverse and all of the gowns are absolutely gorgeous. Not to mention the ladies working there are all so friendly and accommodating. The owner of the shop is soo sweet and helpful. I ended up finding the perfect navy gown which I had been wanting since the beginning of my dress search. It was a little too long for me but Lisa did such a wonderful job taking up the hem and straps to fit me (and she did it in such a timely manner I was amazed). I cannot truly say how great Calista in Kahala really is. They made my gown shopping experience very enjoyable.

The clothing is so awesome, with great customer service. Everything in the store is super chic. I really like the Kahala Mall location and it is my go to store all the time.

Amazing store in Kahala with super friendly and helpful staff! Good quality beautiful dresses for casual or special occasions! Recommend stopping by and cute shoes there too!!

This store is amazing! The choices for a wedding gown and the courteous help was perfect for our bride. We recommended Calista for just this reason. Camille needed a dress for a beach wedding and it turned out incredible. Gilda is the owner and her store is conveniently located at Kahala Mall and is our absolute favorite provider for gowns and reception attire. They sell everything that is pretty! I DO HAWAIIAN WEDDINGS recommends them to all of our brides. Please stop in. You will be happy you did :)

I had been to at least 10 other places to find a semi formal dress for Dinner En Blanc (all white Dinner). Judy helped me right away, I explained to her what I was looking for & she didn't hesitate to pull dresses in my size & set me up in a dressing room. I found the perfect dress, pretty much exactly what I was looking for. Plus, It was decently priced compared to other places I went. Thank you Calista, I loved my dress!!

Wonderful selection of formal and casual dresses. Great service as they helped my mom find her dress to wear for my wedding. They don't carry petite sizes, but luckily we found a dress that was short enough for my 4'8" mom. They do offer alterations for an extra fee, but thankfully we didn't need it. The dress and wrap were already $225, so we were glad we didn't have to spend more. The money was well worth it though.

An abundance of beautiful clothing that's appropriate for us local wahine, special occasion, work and casual wear too. I find their prices very reasonable, for the quality.

Today I came to Calista in the Kahala mall in search for a plus size dress for my cousins wedding this weekend. For months I've been looking online and on island and didn't find anything I really loved. I went to David's bridal, Ala moana, and Pearlridge and was very disappointed with the selection. My cousin is getting married at the Kahala hotel so I really wanted something elegant. Back in 2011 I bought a prom dress from the Calista ward location so I figured I try my luck today and call. I was greeted on the phone by Gilda and I headed over from Ala Moana. When I got there she immediately started helping me pick out dresses and got a room ready for me. Out of all the people I've dealt with in this stressful process she by far was the most helpful and made me feel the most comfortable. I hate shopping for clothes especially since I'm plus size but Gilda's personality is so friendly and warm I had no stress while being the store. She picked out so many dresses and I was so happy with the variety on hand. I found a dress and I was in love I had to have it and she even brought out tons of shoes for me to try on. My experience was just wonderful and I would have given it a 5 star experience but the only thing I was disappointed with was the fact that nothing that I tried on had a price on it. Not one single thing. My gown and shoes came to a total of $299. I'm not complaining about the price but in 2011 I custom ordered a dress at the ward location and it was designed from top to bottom and they made two dresses in case one didn't fit when it arrived and that double dress order was $300. The dress I purchased today just had a top beaded design and a different store associate couldn't tell me the price when I asked how much it was so I wasn't sure how the price system works and I'm not sure if you would remember the cost of every single item in the store unless you pick a price at the register. I'm very happy with my purchase and I'm very happy with the service I was given but I just don't like being surprised at the register considering I still have many other things to buy. I would have bought a clutch as well but I wasn't sure how much any of them were. I would definitely recommend this location to everyone and Gilda is a wonderful employee and the owner should be proud to have her there because I would. She's amazing!

Words can not describe how happy I was with my Wedding dress from Calista Kahala Mall.. I am from Australia and when I decided to get married in Hawaii my mother and nanna came across Calista whilst they were on holidays. I contacted them prior to coming over to Hawaii with some dresses that I was interested in and they had them there waiting for me when I arrived! I chose to be a periwinkle bride to be different and the colour was just perfect for my big day! I have the dress altered a little and taken up and when I went for the final fitting it had been pressed also.. totally impressed. I highly recommend the store and staff
Kind regards,

Mrs Lee Champion

Came here for my prom dress and super happy with the outcome! Ended up getting two dresses because I loved it so much and surprisingly not that expensive either. They're super helpful and have a lot of options. First glance of the store it dosen't seem like a prom dress store, the dresses are all in the back. However, when I came to pick up my prom dress some of the alterations they promised weren't finished. Upon asking why, they said it wasn't possible to alter the beads, but instead of calling us to let us know they waited until we came to pick it up. It made it a little difficult because I had prom two days later but other then that they have an awesome selection to choose from!

I was shopping for a dress last minute for a military ball and visited both shops on separate occasions. I cannot rave enough about all of the help these ladies put into helping me find the perfect dress at my current size and at the last minute. I never got the feeling that I was rushed or pressured (unlike other stores) and I really felt they had an eye for the perfect dress based on your shape. If you are looking for a professional boutique with amazing customer service and personal attention then they should be your first stop! I will continue to give my business to them the next time I have an event that requires formalwear!

I was in need of a champagne promdress that was shiny but not over done and still sexy yet comfortable and elegant.. and Calistas has an awesome selection! I also like that they wont sell a dress in the same color to another person that is attending the same prom, so thoughtful! I needed alterations done because some of the beading came undone and it was too long for me. When they called me to pick it up, the hemming was done, and some of the beadind was finished, but a big secrion on the back wasnt done, and i pointed it out, and they kindly took it back for another week to finish it up. Just got it back the other day and its perfect! Also found matching shoes at the store (that were really decently prices), so that was a plus. Overall great experience.

this store is amazing and the staff by far are the friendliest and most patient i've seen in any store.. this was the 3rd store on our 5 hour prom dress shopping trip. my daughter couldn't make up her mind until we met employee tricia. she was amazing and so helpful after 2 hours and many dresses she helped my daughter find the dress that made her smile. thank you calista and tricia :)

I got great service for a dress that I did not buy from Calista. Two hours before my daughter's prom I realized we forgot to steam iron her dress, worried that my daughter would have to wear a wrinkled gown, I phoned Calista. I explained my situation and even told the worker that I did not buy the dress from Calista. They were so helpful, the salesperson steamed ironed the dress at no charge and refused a tip from me.
My daughter's friend buys all her prom dresses from Calista and now I know why, they have great service!

Came here for my prom dress and super happy with the outcome! Ended up getting two dresses because I loved it so much and surprisingly not that expensive either. They're super helpful and has a lot of options. First glance of the store it dosen't seem like a prom dress store. The dresses are all in the back. I highly recommend you go there!

This store was amazing!!! Having been to a few other formal dress stores across the street and few blocks away, this was great. Each individual dress was in its own bag. (Other stores had the dresses free for all sick 9 to each other, rhinestones snagging the dress next to it. Etc. ) This store was organized, friendly attentive staff and great prices. The quality of dresses was great and amazing conditions.

The sales lady found the pefect "mother of the bride" dress for my mom. The color and design of the dress was perfect for my mom, it even came with a cute little jacket to match! Love the fact they even do alterations in the store (for a small additional cost though). Again big shout out and thank you to the "older lady" working there, really appreciate you took the time to help my disabled mom find a beautiful dress for my wedding.

I can't help myself. Calista is my weakness. I'm the type that can NEVER find anything for my special occasion, but today I walked out of Calista feeling beautiful and self-confident in my evening wear. The owner was so hands on and helpful. She put together a perfect ensemble from dress to purse to accessories. I am so greatful. Calista's selection is unique and flattering. I felt like a kid in a candy store.

I love that they treat you like family 100% customer satisfaction thank you Lisa an Gilda for making my 2 girls prom ready you guys are awsome

I was only a few hours away from hopping on a plane to a wedding when I realized my dress' train was too long. Gilda joon (store owner) saved the day. She altered my dress without sewing or cutting anything. By simply using beautiful pins from the store, she created a new version of the dress and I received tons of compliments at the wedding.

Went here to prom dress shop with my sister. The lady was extremely helpful and friendly. She brought some suggestions back and wasn't pushy about anything. Very happy with our visit here!

Their service is extremely great. I went in for a last min. Prom dress shopping & a lady helped me find the perfect one. Since my mom cannot take me back for alterations because she was going to the PI, they squeezed in my alteration all in one day!!! Can't thank them enough!

If you are looking for a prom dress, mother-of-the-bride gown, formal wear, or dressier clothing, then Calista is the store for you!

Located in Kahala Mall, I usually only shop here when there is a sidewalk sale so I can get an extra discount on the clearance rack.  You never know when a special occassion pops up, so you may as well got something you like while it's at a good price, right?

I really like the Citron brand - except for the price.  Ouch!  It looks great, is comfortable, and is easy to care for.  I can wear it to conventions or important meetings without looking too out of place.  

The sales people are quite helpful.  One let me into a dressing room that was being used, but the customer was outside, taking her time making a decision.  The other sales people have good suggestions as to how to accessorize your outfit and they have the shoes and jewelry right there to show you how it will look.

So, if you have free time and want to shop in air conditioned comfort, stop by Calista - you'll probably find something you like!

It's like helping the girlfriend pick out a dress for the prom. Later we'll go down to the florist to order a corsage and a boutonniere to match her dress.

The girlfriend enjoys browsing their sidewalk sales. She's purchased a number of really nice looking dresses from here at really inexpensive prices (sometimes as low as only $20). Most of the dresses are in the dinner and evening wear style, but they have everything from flirty to classy. Pretty much whatever you need to look like one fancy socialite.

We've never had any issues with service. In fact, I don't mind hanging around this area because there are seats and tables. Not to mention that it's central to almost all the food stuffs in the mall.

Found! My dream dress at Kahala Calista. Prom dresses galore. Huge selection, knowledgeable and super friendly staff helped me pick out my dream dress for prom. They were able to call their other locations for different size and colors and were able to special order any dress I didn't see with no worries. I highly recommend Calista for prom and party dresses. Overall, a super fun and great store to shop at.

I recently visited Calista for a prom dress for my daughter. We found the perfect dress there but it was Ashley that made our experience enjoyable. I'm telling you, this lady has a ton of patience. My daughter is very picky (like her mom) but Ashley kept bringing her dresses until she found the perfect one. I'm telling you, the lady is a saint!

They do alterations too and when we picked up the dress it fit perfectly. My daughter looked like a princess. We were so happy, we ended up buying another dress.

My daughter is one lucky girl. Two proms, two beautiful dresses and the confidence to know she will be looking amazing. Priceless!

Thank you Ashley and Calista, we will be back!

Recently, on a Saturday night, while waiting to be called for dinner at CPK in Kahala Mall, my daughter and I ran down to Calista to check out their prom dresses for her upcoming prom.  We walked in just to look around and within 5 minutes, we had picked out a couple of dresses.  As soon as my daughter was able to get a better look at the dresses we chose, she knew she had found the perfect one for her.  Gilda (I believe she is the owner) gave us her full attention even though the store was packed with girls and moms also looking for prom dresses.  Whatever questions we had about the dress, Gilda had the right answers for us.

I liked that Calista was also able to provide all the accessories to go with the dress - sandals/shoes, jewelry (earrings, necklaces, bracelets, etc.), bags - which made it so much easier for us.  My daughter was able to try on everything at once - dress, sandals, jewelry.  I was happy that we were able to pick up everything at once, saving us the hassle of having to go look around for these things as my daughter is not much of a shopper and time is always such a big factor for us.

We made an appointment to have the dress altered one week later.  Gilda patiently pinned and re-pinned the dress as I wanted the length "just so" and wanted a couple of other "tweaks."  She did so patiently and made suggestions which we followed.  When we picked up the dress, it was a perfect fit.

When my daughter went to the prom, she looked like a million bucks!  Nearly everyone - girls, boys, teachers, etc. - said that her dress was amazing!  And it was!  People complimented her all night, even to say that she was the "star" of the prom.  She was so happy!

After the prom, some of my friends said they'd love to be able to wear that dress!!  LOL!

Thank you so much Gilda, it was such a pleasure to shop at Calista!!

It was my first time there, all the workers were really sweet and very nice! I loved how they kept asking us how we were doing and wondering if we were okay. I love my prom dress and one lady also helped me pick out shoes to match! totally going back for any other formal occasion!!!

My daughter and I visited Calista to look for her first prom dress. Calista has a wide selection of gorgeous prom dresses in many colors and styles. My daughter actually found her dream dress here but it was twice the price of what we had budgeted. :(

The saleswomen were very nice and helpful, making us feel welcome. They weren't at all pushy, which was nice. I would definitely return in the future.

AMAZING selection, I find the nicest dresses and jewelry here. Usually I shop at Calista  for formal wear, but I've noticed they have a lot of really cute casual sundresses, definitely coming back for those!

I was pretty skeptical about this certain location for Calista, especially with all the negative review about that Asian worker. But it was a great experience for me. She was very friendly and helpful once I walked in. She was very patient and gave me many great suggestions and tips. As well as discounts!