Apple shopping for Waikiki store spot

The Cupertino company has building permits for two floors at the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center

Apple Inc. has taken out building permits for several units of retail space on two floors at the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center.

The permits are for building C and would put the new Apple store adjacent to the Cheesecake Factory. Hilo Hattie will also be its neighbor.

Center officials declined comment and Apple has a history of keeping mum until it is prepared to issue a statement about new store plans. It has no Hawaii job opportunities posted on its Web site.

Apple opened its first store in Hawaii at the mall level of Ala Moana Center in May 2003, followed by its Kahala Mall store early this year.

The center's outdated online directory indicates several other retailers are coming soon, such as Kate Spade, Sunglass Icon, Juicy Couture, Tourneau and Borders Express, but some of those have already opened.

Many new eateries have opened or will soon open, including the long-delayed Senor Frog's Restaurant and Bar, P.F. Chang's China Bistro, Paradiso, Doraku Sushi, W's Steak, Starbucks Coffee and Baskin-Robbins, which previously had a presence at the center.

The center's food court will feature new and familiar names including Ezogiku, Maui Tacos, Paradise Cafe, Sbarro and Yummy BBQ