Table of Contents
Introduction
The International Market Place in Waikiki has been More than Island’s social hub for over fifty years. Located directly adjacent to one of the world’s most popular beaches on Kalakaua Avenue , this charming outdoor shopping mall captures the spirit and essence of the islands with its unique multicultural focus.
By Kevin M. Grant. This literature review provides an overview of the development of the International Market Place and tries to answer the question “What is the International Market Place”.
The International Market Place was created by Donn Beach (also known as Ernest Raymond Beaumont Gantt) who is credited with introducing Hawaiian style and tiki art to the islands. The following year Beach opened the International Market Place at the location of the former Taiyo Department Store. He planned to establish an open-air marketplace of South Pacific, Polynesian flavor similar to the market places he witnessed within his travels through the South Pacific area.
The first IMARC was an open air with curving alleys of stalls, shops, stores which sold handicrafts, gifts, various trinkets, clothes, artwork, ethnic food etc. Roofing with thatches and tropical greenery spiced up the unique market feel of this place. Additionally they provided the visitors with live Hawaiian music and hula dancing for them to take a glimpse of Hawaiian culture.
The International Market Place evolved thus into a symbol and local landmark of tourism attraction for the locals as well as tourists for decades. The complex increased in size over the years to accommodate additional numbers of the vendors’ stalls , restaurants and bars and nightclubs. Starting from the banyan tree at the core of the shopping mall, the International Market Place was the hub of shopping, food and general entertainment with an instant feel of the uniqueness of the Waikiki atmosphere.
Yet the situation changed during the first years of the 2000s – the Market Place was starting to fade away and become less attractive. For many years it has been a centrally located tourist attraction and although full of history it was outdated requiring renovation or redevelopment.
Conversion to luxury shopping Mall and Fine Dining Restaurant
Currently in 2015, an affiliate of Taubman Centers bought the International Market Place and other Buildings annually. The existing structure’s $500m redevelopment project was embarked on with a view of transforming the MarketPlace to suit the 21st century but at the same time honoring its past.
The new look of the International Market Place was launched in 2016 with Saks Fifth Avenue and 13,000 sq ft of novelty luxury stores and restaurants. Grounded by the iconic banyan tree, restored walkways and courtyards connect three separate buildings with distinct offerings:
- The Grand Lanai: Saks, Kiehl’s, and Island Sole footwear perfect for any accessory needs high end retail three storied 93,000 sq ft.
- South Market: An 80,000 sq ft free standing store anchored by luxury brand such as Coach, Max Mara, and Dolce & Gabbana
- North Market: Two level, 105, 700 sq ft store that offers fashion boutiques and accessories, dining and entertainment outlets, the large cornucopia reception sign and the wishing well facility.
For example, when tenants such as luxury jeweler Cartier mean a new age of opulence for the International Market Place, steps were made to retain the contextual density of culture. Hula shows, walking musicians, art displays and performances, and cultural lessons enlighten the tourists about the actual feel of Hawaii. Erasing the speculation, the updated marketplace is impeccably razor-sharp as the luxurious shopping, as well as endearing kitsch and Polynesian breeze.
The center also has some of the comforts of a contemporary shopping complex with amenities that include, air conditioning, an outside stage, valet services and beautification actually give this historic building an upgrade to the twenty first century.
Still firmly at the center of this growing population is the grand Indian Banyan Tree that has been rooted in that place for over a hundred years. To date people continue to make wishes on the wishing well that has been created from a truck with a heap of coins where tourists and locals as well taste shaved ice under the large branches of the structure.
IMHO, the International Market Place has remained viable through generations because it is heaped with the spirit of Hawaii as well as change. What has surprised everyone in Hongdae is that the new appearance of Market Place maintains the nostalgic feel of traditional Hongdae market without risking the luxury-brand appeal that makes it a worthy international shopping hub where people can come together and meet again.
CHOICES OF EATING ESTABLISHMENT IN INTERNATIONAL MARKET PLACE
In addition to its exceptional shopping, the reimagined International Market Place also boasts an outstanding variety of dining options to satisfy any craving:
Herringbone Waikiki:
This restaurant is situated in the Grand Lanai and is a new restaurant that is based in LA, which serves fresh seafood, various types of steaks and great cocktails served in an industrial locale. This is especially so if you first dropped by during lunch hours, go for their fish tacos and the wine they offer.
Stripsteak Waikiki:
This contemporary steakhouse from Chef Michael Mina is part of the new Saks Wing with first-rate beef and seafood, succulent sides, and lineup of fine wine.
MOGU MOGU:
This fun café situated above the North Market offers souffle hotcakes from Japan teamed with banana chocolate and matcha with bespoke coffee. But you must plan on getting to the place in the afternoon in order to enjoy a cup of coffee and a piece of cake.
Monkeypod Kitchen:
With several locations in Kailua and Honolulu this local restaurant brings their handcrafted cocktails, freshly sourced scratch made comfort food like wood fired pizzas, and more North Shore Surf Mai Tais and their fused cuisine representing Hawaiian cultures ethnicity upstairs in the North Market. It’s a bar where locals usually go to hang out, most frequently during happy hour.
Marugame Udon:
Another unit situated in the North Market upstairs this branch of the udon chain provides fresh homemade udon noodles in rich homemade broths, tempura choices, rice dishes and accompaniments. May be a bit slow but it’s all good food that gives me a Japanese home cooking feeling.
Mahina & Sun’s:
This trendy Hawaii-born establishment is found on the second story outdoor patio installing prime outdoor dining locations with addictive homemade locally sourced brunch, frozen gelatos, innovative poke and acai bowls and tropical drinks. It is the best place to capture the natural atmosphere of Waikiki with your cameras.
Being a fast food city, Honolulu has a vast variety of dining offering but in the international market place, all sorts of foods that customers are looking for including the perfectly cooked room temperature steaks, yummy sushi rolls, fresh udon noodles, cold gelato passion fruit specifically while admiring the Waikiki attractions and sounds.
Check Out: Waikiki Beach: Oahu’s Central Coronament.
Great Attractions in the Vicinity of the International Market Place
While shopping and dining could easily occupy entire days, the prime location of the International Market Place also provides easy walking access to Waikiki’s top attractions and natural sights:
- Waikiki Beach: The golden Hawaiian sand and the feel of a tourist resort beach are just across the street.
- Royal Hawaiian Center: This 6 Floors Open air shopping facility with luxury store is neighbor with
- Waikiki Beach Kuhio: A quieter place to view what Waikiki is famous for, the sunset, and beach view.
- Kapiolani Park: Expanse of playing fields incorporating tennis courts, zoo, beautiful gardens and paved sidewalks by the shore.
- Honolulu Zoo: Reasonably rated small zoo with An African savanna and different native Hawaiian establishments.
- Queen’s Surf Beach: The most popular surfing beach in Waikiki often visited by local surfing schools.
- DFS Galleria: Large luxury shopping mall, which has over 200 of international luxury brands within a 5-10 minute walking distance.
Ideal for shopping at Hawaii’s two most lucrative shopping destinations, champion tourist attractions, and the beautiful beaches that grace the region are all within easy walking distance from the MarketPlace! It is an excellent place from which to explore the very best of waikiki.
Conclusion
For the last sixty years, the International Market Place has become one of the symbols of Hawaii’s tourism. From a small outdoor Polynesian marketplace to the modern outdoor shopping, dining and entertainment it is today, it will always be the pulse of Waikiki.
As new stores enter the upscale market with new fashionable infrastructure, there still seems to be an air of the old Hawaii in the International Market Place. Such vivid cultural processions, delightful openness, and finally, the legendary Indian banyan tree – are symbolic signs of the property’s rich historical background.
This much loved public area is still visited by people that come to shop, eat and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the city. To the visitors, it has the added advantage of providing easy access to all of Waikiki’s best beaches, relevant attractions, and shopping malls and complexes.
The fact that the International Market Place is located and designed in a way that still captures some of that old world charm, while at the same time boasting these luxurious throughout experiences means not only would it continue to be a beloved shopping mall, an iconic part of the community’s history and review for generations to come. First-time and repeat visitors of the tourist destinations will be sure to identify with new trends in retail businesses, or make a meal out of the tourists’ richness, besides embracing the living culture of Hawaii.
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FAQs
When to visit International Market Place?
The International Market Place is open from 9:30am to 10:30pm daily. Some restaurants and entertainment outlets like monkeypod kitchen and Herringbone Waikiki may still be allowed to open much later. The showtimes beyond the base operating hours are also mentioned at the box offices.
Do We need tickets for the International Market Place?
Contrary to what one might think,-commerce itself does not necessarily impose or have an entry fee and the same applies to the International Market Place. People are free to come and visit all the open-air courtyards, as well as shops and restaurants integrated into the complex without purchasing tickets. During operating hours there are free performances in arts and culture too. In fact, some of these venues or events may require the installation of ticketing systems that are different from the other.
Is there parking available at the International Market Place and if so what are the possibilities?
Yes, the International Market Place provides parking in its covered garage through Kuhio Ave. Automated parking is allowed for up to four hours and is dependent on the minimum spending that ranges across one section of the mall to another section of the mall. Rates apply thereafter.
