Let’s talk story about Honolulu and some of the neat things happening here in Hawaii.     Home l Privacy l International Market Place in the Heart of Waikiki International market Place Entrance The International Market Place, in the heart of Waikiki, is an island tradition that dates back to the 1960's. I realize that this dates me but I recall IMP as being the place to go to on my visits to Hawaii in the 70's. It was where the action was and such a fun place to buy your gifts and souvenirs. Much has changed through the years. There are over 130 carts, shops and artisan stands. Local craftspeople share their work. There is also the International Food Court offering a variety of local and international food-Mexican, Filipino, Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Greek, Vietnamese and American. Hawaiian entertainment five nights a week can be enjoyed by our visitors. Shops include Maui Divers, the Pearl Factory, T&C Surf Designs, Quiksilver, Crazy Shirts, Crazy Fish II, Lids and Stupid Factory-David & Goliath. There are many jewelry stores and souvenir shops too. The colorful candles and Wind Spinners make terrific gifts. There's even a post office that's open seven days a week, so convenient! Chois Korean food Vietnamese food Hanks Haute Dogs Quiksilver Lids stupid Factory Souvenir shops Candles Post Office Tree House Cafe and Tiki Burger Coconut Willy's Bar & Grill, Lava Rock Lounge and Tiki Burger/Java Flow/Tree House Cafe are there for your dining pleasure. I had the opportunity to enjoy the Tree House Cafe which is on the second level of the IMP. The owners have done a great job decorating the place with nostalgic Hawaiian furniture and carved tiki pieces. The historic Moai tiki that were part of Don the Beachcomber Restaurant have been restored and kept at the Tree House Cafe. The burgers are terrific and so are their coffees and smoothies. Banyan tree There is so much history. The land surrounds the landmark centerpiece, an old banyan tree that was planted by the Macfarlane family from New Zealand in 1846 that used to live there. The Macfarlanes were the pioneer hoteliers in Hawaii. The tree is huge and so magnificent. There is a waterfall and a koi pond. This place was also the home of famous restaurants like Don the Beachcomber, Trader Vic's and the original Duke Kahanamoku's, once a popular nightspot known for their stars, Don Ho and the Aliis. A little more history about the land originally called "Ka-lua-o-kau" which literally means "the pit of kau." "Kau" has several meanings. It refers to a star in the northern sky that served as a guide to mariners. This place might have been a place to look at the celestial bodies. "Kau" can also mean "discussion" so this could have been a place where the Hawaiians gathered for discussions. "Kau" also refers to the lesser ranking Hawaiian chiefs. The true meaning has never been determined but we do know that all the meanings are deep and insightful. The land on which the International Market Place stands was owned by Queen Emma, wife of King Kamehameha IV, and is managed by the Queen Emma Land Company. She is also known for her humanitarian efforts, founder of Queen's Hospital, St. Andrew's Cathedral and 'Iolani School. These were all developed so that the people of Hawaii would be taken care of. The large land holdings were put into a trust upon Queen Emma's death to fund her hospital. In 1955 Donn Beach, a businessman known as Don the Beachcomber, came up with the original idea of International Market Place and developed it into a concept of a "Waikiki Village." Over the years Waikiki and Ka-lua-o-kau have undergone tremendous change. And so has the International Market Place. What's nice is that the Queen Emma Land Company has continued to preserve its Hawaiian heritage and history. You'll enjoy viewing the wonderful banyan trees and the waterfall and koi pond. You'll think of Waikiki in the days of royalty and realize how rich Hawaii's history is. After all, we are the only state that has a palace and a history of Kings and Queens. So when you come to Waikiki and as a matter of fact, when you come for Honolulu Festival's Grand Parade, come and visit the International Market Place for culture, entertainment and shopping. Aloha! Walkway to Banyan tree Waterfall and koi pond [ Top ]

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