Good Bye International Market Place

We were sadden to find out that the International Market Place was closing it's doors to be replaced by a three story high end shopping mall. The market was located in the heart of Waikiki set underneath a large Banyan Tree encircled in Tiki Huts, Aloha shirts, psychics, woodcrafts and surf stores. It was fun place to haggle with local vendors while enjoying the sites and sounds of the open air market. 


Some people would probably describe the market place as run down and cheesy but to me it had its charm and an old nostalgic Hawaiian feel to it in the midst of modern ever changing Waikiki. 

Beautiful Chica posing as a hula girl 

We really enjoyed our evening walks to the market to witness the many street performers. The best was watching Bobo the Amazing Guinea Pig drive his sports car down the side walk and perform his tricks.  

Once you navigate pass the many street performers you will noticed the welcoming International Market Place sign and start to smell the sizzling of garlic shrimp, fresh coconut and hear the sounds of Hawaiian music from the Hula Show. 

Garlic Shrimp and Lobster Tail

Enjoying Garlic Shrimp and Lobster Tail with a Guava Hawaiian Sun drink

Chica enjoying the Market

For me the International Market Place offered a different kind of an experience other than what you usually get visiting a shopping mall. Sure some of the souvenirs where cheap and probably made in other countries but there was also lots of crafts and cuisine made by local Hawaiians.  

Enjoying Fresh Coconut Milk

Call me crazy but why would anyone fly all the way to Oahu just to shop at high end fashion mall to buy Luis V? By loosing the market Waikiki is loosing the one thing that made it different besides the amazing beaches. 

More Coconut

I am not against high end shopping malls but it is nice to have both like we have in Charleston. There is the market that allows locals to sell their crafts and then there is the shopping district on King street for Luis Vuitton. 

I guess the reality is that most people do fly to Oahu to shop or they wouldn't be shutting down the International Market Place. As for me I would much rather walk around the market while sipping fresh squeezed Guava juice and hearing the sounds of Hawaiian music and listening to customers bartering for cheaper prices than to walk through a boring shopping complex filled with over priced Luis V. 

I am just saying!

My GoPro Video of the Market