Seven Hot Happenings from the International Market Place Grand Opening

(Sponsored) The iconic center is back and better than ever before.

October 24, 2016

Site Staff,

After much anticipation, the new and improved International Market Place opened on August 25. The center’s open-air setting now boasts more than 50 shopping and dining options, some of which are brand new to the Islands. It promises to once again become a gathering place for entertainment in Waikīkī, as parking is no sweat with 700 self-parking stalls plus valet at the new Kuhio Avenue garage.

We covered the grand opening live on Facebook and kept readers up to date with the latest finds on Instagram and Twitter. Here are the highlights:

1. WE PLAYED IN THE ISLAND’S COOLEST TREEHOUSE

Perched two stories up in the center’s banyan, this revamped treehouse overlooks tons of food, fashion and fun.

2. OUR FASHION EDITORS WORE THEIR SUNGLASSES AT NIGHT

The opening of Oliver Peoples got HONOLULU fashion editors Brie Thalmann and Stacey Makiya drooling over the So-Cal, lifestyle-inspired eyewear.

3. AN AWARD-WINNING CHEF SERVED UP ʻONO GRINDS

Acclaimed chef Michael Mina opened Stripsteak Waikīkī, his first restaurant in Hawaiʻi. We’re already planning our next visit for more lobster tacos, Kurobota pork belly and scallops with Kauaʻi shrimp.

4. CUSTOMERS WERE FEELING FREE, BOHO STYLE

The Aloha State’s first Free People store opened its doors, providing lots of fun fashion finds.

5. WE WERE SEEING RED

The iconic red soles of Christian Louboutin had us drooling. We’d like to add a pop of that flaming hue to every outfit.

6. PEOPLE GOT THEIR WORKOUT WEAR ON

The opening of Fabletics, the fashion-fashion-forward activewear brand co-founded by award-winning actress Kate Hudson, gave everyone in attendance yet another reason to get fit.

7. WE GAVE AWAY A $500 GIFT CARD