Only the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center failed to keep up with the pace set in 1995, when Japanese tourists had more dollars to spend because of the yen rate.

The success at Oahu's major malls followed the statewide trend which showed a 31.5 percent increase in retail revenues for December and a 4 percent increase for 1996, according to the state's Department of Taxation.

Here's a look at the numbers for December, the most recent available, and for all of 1996.

Ala Moana Center: Sales were up 2.4 percent for December compared with the same month of 1995 and also up 2.4 percent for 1996, said Dwight Yoshimura, general manager.

"We finished the year on a positive note," Yoshimura said. "Retailing continues to be challenging. There are a lot of changes and consolidating." Yoshimura said construction is "a little ahead of schedule" on the Neiman Marcus department store, scheduled for completion in fall 1998. New stores opening in January were Prada, selling leather apparel, and Zegna, selling men's wear.

Kahala Mall: Sales climbed 7.1 percent for December and 6.87 for 1996, said Susan Pinter, marketing director.

"We had increases every month last year," Pinter said. "The tourist business helped us and we were more active in tourist advertising. Re-opening of the Kahala Mandarin Oriental hotel helped. We also had a new marketing plan and new stores which expanded our product line."

Pearlridge Center: Sales rose 13 percent in December and 4.1 percent for 1996, said Marty Lastner, general manager. "Thirteen percent was the biggest monthly increase we had last year," Lastner said. ". . . It shows that consumer confidence is back."

Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center: Business in December was even, but down 12 percent for 1996, said Charlian Wright, marketing director.

"Actually the sales at our center increased after the Christmas Day celebration into the New Year," Wright said. "The yen value still plays a large part in affecting our sales. In December of 1995 the dollar value averaged 102 yen to the dollar, whereas in December of 1996, it averaged 115 to the dollar, an increase of 27 percent."

Windward Mall: Sales fell 6 percent in December but were even for 1996, said Wright, also spokeswoman for the Windward Mall. "Changes between December of 1995 and 1996 included the loss of Hartfields due to national closures, and an unusual amount of returns after Christmas," Wright said. "Another reason could be that due to the short Christmas window this year for shopping, stores were discounting a lot earlier than the two weeks prior to Christmas."