Aloha and welcome to the heart of Waikīkī and the former home of Queen Emma, one of Hawaiʻi’s beloved chiefs.
This shopping center sits on land that has a long and rich history. In hearing the story of this place, you’ll learn about the culture of the Native Hawaiian people and the colorful history of Waikīkī.
The land here once belonged to Queen Emma, whose husband reigned as King Kamehameha IV from 1855 until 1863. Together, they founded Hawaiʻi’s first public hospital, the Queen’s Medical Center, which is now the largest and most advanced healthcare system in the state. On our walking tour, you’ll learn about the life of this remarkable woman, whose namesake hospital is supported by revenues generated right here at the International Market Place.
And last is the architecture. When the International Market Place was redeveloped in 2016, it was a chance to reimagine how the built environment could preserve and celebrate the history of this very special location. I’ll give you the backstory on how the architects and designers infused our center with a Hawaiian sense of place.
There are twenty stops on our tour, and they’re located across the center’s first two levels. I’d recommend starting on the ground floor at either end of the Market Place. You can simply work your way to other end before moving up to the second level. This tour was written and produced by DTL, a team of creatives who find meaningful ways to bring Hawaiian culture, design, and innovation to everyday experiences here in Hawaiʻi.
Location: Hawaii
Travel Type: Walking
Trip Time: 1 hour
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