The International Marketplace
There’s nothing particularly “international” about this famous open-air marketplace in Waikiki, (maybe it has something to do with the variety of things that can be found here) but there is something very special about it that not to stop by would be like not visiting Waikiki at all.
Aside from the Swap Meet, held on weekends at Aloha Stadium, the International Marketplace is the only place in Honolulu where you can purchase aloha attire, Hawaiian mementos, and general cheapies for real bargain prices. In addition to the hundreds of stalls filled to the brim with knick-knacks, there is a food court, a few bars and restaurants deep in the labyrinth, and brand name stores on the periphery. If your bikini broke or you left your snorkel at home, don’t worry! There are plenty of cheap finds here that will leave you wondering why you bothered to pack a suitcase at all.
Some particularly interesting things to look for:
--Especially colorful handmade candles
--Coconut accessories and apparel
--Decorative tropical name/word drawings
--Hawaiian quilts (often bi- or tri-colored kitchen or bedroom accessories)
The official entrance is on Kalakaua Avenue, across from the Sheraton Moana Surfrider. The journey through the maze begins with several stalls selling pearls from oysters, and most of the marketplace is under the shelter of an enormous banyon tree.