We’re back at the International Marketplace again for the last mini-series before I leave Hawaii. A few years ago, developers transformed the once kitschy and low-end souvenir-selling collection of carts into an upscale shopping mall. While fancy-looking, there’s no question Waikiki lost some of its history and simple charm.

The developers made an effort to preserve some of the International Marketplace’s history by saving the giant trees and recreating Don the Beachcomber’s famous treehouse. The story of Don the Beachcomber is surprisingly complex, with the first establishment opening in Hollywood of all places. Donn Beach eventually made it to Hawaii, where he started the International Marketplace. There’s a detailed account on this Wikipedia entry.

The first picture is located on the second floor, featuring two walkways that connect to the structure built within the giant banyan tree.

This second picture is from the first floor, looking up with the now-familiar circular distortion into the trees, with the sun peeking through.

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