Waikiki: the International Market Place

Waikiki's International Market Place is set to close. It's going to be torn down. This December, apparently. I'm not saying it is the most beautiful place on earth. It is basically an open air shopping area with local vendors selling touristy tat, a bit like London's Camden in Hawaii (but without the drugs and pickpocketing). But Waikiki is a touristy place, and if you are visiting, International Market Place is actually a fun way to spend time, not to mention buy unique gifts for friends overseas, where they have a different sort of touristy tat.

Also, having come from Singapore, and spent time in L.A. recently, this Waikiki vendor spot makes a warm and welcome relief from the endless malls with identikit global brands. (Yep, same stores in L.A., Singapore, Honolulu, some also in London.. )

The depressing thing is they are apparently tearing down the International Market Place to build - yes! - another spanking new mall full of identikit brands. I'm not some old guy in a tweed jacket moaning about urban progress (and assuming it all isn't just a music industry-style 'final tour ever!' ruse) but this closure seems a real pity.

I spoke to one of the stall holders and asked what she was going to do when the place closed down. She said with a shrug "Go somewhere else, I suppose."

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