Hawaii Psych

Shopping ‘til You Drop

Part of every tourists’ experience in Honolulu, the Waikiki International Marketplace gas been an island tradition for decades.  Sporting the slogan “get lost on a shopping safari under canopies of banyan and palm trees,” the marketplace is a collection of over 130 carts, shops, and artisan workshops in an ambient open-air setting that is located at the heart of Waikiki.  Nestled in between a number of Waikiki condos for sale, the International Marketplace is the must-see place for special gifts, souvenirs, and hard-to- find gadgets and gizmos unique to Hawaii.  A number of merchants sell handmade items like jewelry, wood carvings, and tapestries that tourists often take home with them as a memory of their vacation in the islands.

Besides being a cornerstone of small merchant shopping in Waikiki, the International Marketplace also serves as a place of communication and trade.  A number of local craftspeople enjoy talking about their crafts and tourists enjoy taking pictures and learning more about Hawaiian culture through the art and gifts on sale from each seller. The marketplace also includes an international food court that offers a variety of local and international cuisine and usually free Hawaiian music and entertainment during the week.