In 1956, Donn Beach opened a bar and restaurant at his newly created International Marketplace in Waikiki that included a treehouse in one of the large existing banyan trees on the property. This tree, planted in the mid-1800s by Henry and Eliza McFarlane served as the anchor point from which Donn lived and worked. It most popularly served as a private dining room which could be booked for up to 2 people to enjoy. For most of the week Donn hosted Tahitian performers below the treehouse and on Sundays he hosted a Luau which became a mainstay of the International Marketplace. As the years passed, Donn’s treehouse morphed into a radio studio, playing Hawaiian music live on the air eventually becoming a private office.
Today, Donn’s treehouse no longer exists however, a tribute treehouse has been built in its place to honor the history and legacy of Donn’s presence and impact on the landscape of Waikiki.
Last month I had the opportunity to stop by the International Marketplace in Waikiki on Oahu and visit Donn’s tribute treehouse. In 1956, Donn Beach opened a bar and restaurant at his newly created International Marketplace in Waikiki that included a treehouse in one of the large existing banyan trees on the property. This tree most popularly served as a private dining room which could be booked for 2 diners to enjoy. As the years passed, Donn’s treehouse morphed into a radio studio, playing Hawaiian music live on the air eventually becoming a private office. Today, Donn’s treehouse no longer exists however, a tribute treehouse has been built in its place which serves as a mini-museum of Donn Beach. There are vintage photos, articles and menus, framed as a walk-through exhibit, illustrating the history and legacy of Donn’s presence and impact on the landscape of Waikiki. It’s a definite must-see stop on your next visit to Oahu!”
– Adrian Eustaquio
