Chinatown
The first Chinese immigrants arrived in Hawai’i in 1789, followed in 1852 by large numbers who came to work on O’ahu’s plantations. On completion of their contracts, many gravitated to downtown Honolulu and opened restaurants, herb shops, and clubhouses. Fires in 1886 and 1900 nearly destroyed the neighborhood, and the area fell into decay. Today, after an extensive rejuvenation project, Chinatown is once again a thriving community where historic shrines and temples stand alongside colorful lei stands, herbal-medicine shops, vibrant farmers’ markets, and trendy art galleries and restaurants.
1. Dining
Both visitors and Honolulu residents alike flock to Chinatown to sample the range of fresh Asian cuisine on offer. Vietnamese, Laotian, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Filipino, Hawaiian, and Korean restaurants line the streets, offering a near endless supply of delicious and inexpensive culinary treats.
2. Open-air markets
A harmonious blend of Asian and Hawaiian culture, these lively and colorful markets sell fresh leis, traditional clothing, souvenirs, and art. In the morning, fresh produce stands overflow with fish, meat, candied fruits, dim sum, noodles, tea, duck eggs, char siu, and other delicacies
3. Chinatown Cultural Plaza
With an assortment of restaurants and vendors, the Cultural Plaza is a microcosm of Chinatown. Kung fu and lion-dance performances are held here around Chinese New Year.
Chinatown Cultural Plaza • 100 N. Beretania St • 521 4934
4. Merchant Street Historic District
Directly south of Chinatown, the city’s earliest commercial center documents the city’s commercial development between the 1850s and 1930s, covering a host of architectural styles. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
5. Honolulu Arts District
On the eastern edge of Chinatown, this is home to cultural institutions, performing-arts venues, galleries, and events such as the First Friday Gallery Walk.Honolulu Arts District • 1041 Nu’uanu Ave., Suite A • 398 7990 • www.artsdistricthonolulu.com • First Friday Gallery Walk: 5–9pm first Fri each month
6. Festivals
Chinatown celebrates Chinese New Year in traditional style and the fourth of July and New Year’s Eve with fireworks. There are also ‘ukulele contests and Cinco de Mayo parties.
7. Hawaii Theatre Center
The “Pride of the Pacific” opened in 1922 and has hosted an impressive array of films and live performances, from local talent to big names. Allow time to explore the atmospheric interior.Hawaii Theatre Center • 1130 Bethel St. • 528 0506 • www.hawaiitheatre.com
8. Izumo Taishakyo Mission
One of the few Shinto shrines in America (and the oldest in Hawai’i), this impressive wooden structure was inspired by Japan’s Shimane Prefecture’s classical Taisha Machi shrine. The Hiroshima Peace Bell is on view, and on New Year’s Day the shrine is the site of local Shintoists’ annual hatsumōde (celebration).Izumo Taishakyo Mission • 215 N. Kukui St. • 538 7778 • 8am–5pm daily
9. Foster Botanical Gardens
Nearly 100,000 visitors annually pass through these historic grounds, enjoying the diverse botanical offerings. Guided tours are perfect for those curious about the exotic flowers and trees.Foster Botanical Gardens • 50 N. Vineyard Blvd. • 522 7066 • www1.honolulu.gov/parks/hbg/fbg.htm • 9am–4pm daily • adm: adults $5, children (6–12) $1, children under 6 free
10. Honolulu Museum of Art at First Hawaiian Center
This collection of art, housed in the headquarters of Hawaii’s oldest bank, features exhibitions by Hawaiian artists.Honolulu Museum of Art at First Hawaiian Center • 999 Bishop St. • 526 0232 • 8:30am–6pm Mon–Fri • free
Rejuvenation
Chinatown was once Honolulu’s seediest neighborhood, but the Historic District designation led to its rejuvenation and brought a cultural renaissance to the area. The neighborhood has sprung to life, with trendy lounges and tantalizing ethnic eateries rising up where once there were downtrodden bars and tacky tourist shops.
Tip: For Chinatown tours see Honolulu Walking Tours.
