Many visitors to Hawaii probably remember seeing, and perhaps even exploring, the kitschy, somewhat seedy International Market Place. It was a Waikiki landmark, along with it’s iconic banyan tree at its center.
Opened in 1957, the International Market Place started life as a first-rate Waikiki attraction. It was always kitschy, with lush gardens, bridges, vines, and even a tree house.
And in its original layout, was comprised of a central bazaar surrounded by little “villages” representing various South Seas and Asian nations. Hence the name. At the time, it was also filled with luxury goods and was frequented equally by locals and visitors alike.
In preceding years, however, the tiki theme and kitschy island vibe fell out of favor. The Market’s iconic Duke Kahanamoku Club failed, and the marketplace spiraled into its current state. Somehow, over the decades, it went from a pseudo mini Epcot to a labyrinth of alleyways. A multitude of vendors sold everything from magnets, to t-shirts, and questionable paraphernalia. Some were afraid to go in it, others lauded the International Marketplace as the last average persons holdout as Waikiki became more and more expensive. But, its status wasn’t enough to save it. Viewed as unsavory by locals and lacking any parking, the Market Place failed to remain profitable and its owner went bankrupt. That’s when the landowner stepped in and began the redevelopment of the attraction.
Fast forward to today and the International Market Place is getting ready to re-open. Its opening date is a little less than two weeks away on August 25, 2016. And when it does, the Market Place will have come full-circle. With anchor tenant Saks Fifth Avenue and a plethora of luxury retailers, the International Market Place will once again be a first-rate attraction.
Amid the luxury retailers, the Market Place will also be home to some new eateries, including Roy Yamaguchi’s Eating House 1842 and Michael Mina’s first Hawaii outpost, Strip Steak.
In fact, the Market Place has already been playing up its pending opening locally. Last month the had a special food truck drive around the island for a couple of days handing out free samples from Mina.
Some, however, still lament the demise of the old Market Place and/or the direction they took with the new one. Yes, it’s going to be expensive now, and many locals, including myself, probably won’t be able to afford shopping there. But I’m totally ok with that. This is true of most of Waikiki already, and most locals don’t really even head into Waikiki anyway. And the landowners took great care to preserve the iconic banyan tree and even saved the original sign. Plus, it does add 750 public parking stalls to the area (for a fee I’m sure).
I think it’s great that the International Market Place’s redevelopment is finally coming to fruition. While it won’t solve the noise and congestion problems many visitors complain about, it does address another: renovations. This project, and a handful of others, are finally revitalizing Waikiki. Tourism is the primary driving force behind our economy, so it’s good to see investments being made to attract more visitors. Now if only the hotels would catch the hint and ramp up their renovations…