International Market Place — Attraction in Honolulu

Oh, my gosh, the International Market Place in Waikiki is an absolute shopping dream, weaving history and modern charm into a total stunner! This open-air mall, born in 1956 and reborn in 2016 after a dazzling glow-up, revolves around its star: a jaw-dropping 160-year-old banyan tree that’s practically Waikiki’s wise old soul. Planted in the mid-19th century during the Hawaiian Kingdom era, this iconic tree, with its sprawling branches and tangled aerial roots, once shaded Queen Kapi‘olani’s estate and now anchors the mall’s vibrant courtyard—a living tribute to the island’s Polynesian roots and its journey into a global hotspot. The mix of indoor and outdoor spaces is pure magic: lush greenery, trickling water features, and that warm Hawaiian breeze make strolling here feel like a tropical embrace. It’s so gorgeous and comfy, you’ll want to set up camp! Up on the second floor, there’s this amazing Japanese supermarket (think Daiei vibes or similar)—holy cow, it’s a shopper’s paradise! I snagged one of their bento boxes, and let me tell you, it was a flavor-packed joyride—perfectly portioned rice, savory teriyaki, and fresh sushi bits that screamed “made with love.” It’s like Japan and Hawaii had a delicious baby! Every store here bursts with local flair—Hawaiian handmade jewelry, surf gear, big names like Saks Fifth Avenue, and quirky souvenir stalls that feel like love letters to the islands. It’s not just shopping; it’s a cultural adventure dripping with aloha. Right across from the Moana Surfrider, it’s a perfect stop after a Honolulu Coffee tea or a Duke statue lei moment. Parking’s $2 per 20 minutes with validation options; hit it after noon to dodge the crowds. 95/100—epic tree history, cozy vibes, and local charm that’ll...

incredibly rude staff. there was an event going on at the bottom floor. both my mum and i went to check it out. the security guard asked us for our id to enter, since it was some sort of bartending show, that required a wrist band to sample the alcohol. my mum jokingly laughed at the request (since she is over 55) however the security guard yelled at her, and told her that he is not joking. after she has showed him her id he let her enter, while I (not 21 yet) waited outside. However, while inside my mum noticed plenty of young kids inside the area, who simply weren’t given the wristband. So she approached said security guard and asked him if it would be possible for me to enter. that’s when it all went downhill. The guy (cause i can’t bring myself to call him a gentleman) yelled at my mum, told her that i cannot walk in since i am not 21, and to stop giving him attitude, and leave if she doesn’t want to follow the rules. my mum showed him the kids running around and he repeated that she can simply leave if she pleases. So my mum took of the wristband and he grabbed it (directly from my mums hand) and aggressively threw it on the ground, causing a scene and embarrassing both me and my mum. then as we started leaving he continued to yell at us, being quite vulgar. Again we would both fully understand me being denied entry, if it wasn’t for a group of kids supervised by their parents running around. i believe that your location should strongly consider picking polite and helpful stuff, who care about the overall experience of the guests. moreover both my mum and i feel extremely embarrassed and dissatisfied with the...

When I first heard they were replacing the charming yet tacky International Market Place in Waikiki with a yet another mall, I was a bit disappointed and thought for sure the allure of Waikiki would be lessened with more modern development. But you know what? I think the market has changed. Puka shell necklaces and gaudy wax candles are out, shopping and dining are in. That's exactly what they did and that's exactly what I love.

THE NEW INTERNATIONAL MARKET PLACE: The 100+ year old banyan tree was preserved with the new mall built around it. A newly constructed treehouse pays homage to Don The Beachcomber, who was the originator of the IMP and whose office was located literally up in the same tree. The mall is open-air and three levels high, with entrances on Kalakaua and Kuhio Avenues. Garage parking is available on the Kuhio Avenue side. The complex is easy to navigate through, with a bilateral design that discourages unnecessary circling. The first and second levels are a mix of shops and a few restaurants, with the third level sporting the majority of the eateries. They also have some very idiosyncratic lounge furniture on the third floor decks.

While the majority of the businesses here can be found elsewhere on Oahu, what makes this place unique are the restaurants that they've brought in, many of which are new to the island. Hawaii's first Saks Fifth Avenue used to be here but closed a few years ago.

OVERALL: Very nicely redone, small but delightful...