Chinatown

Honolulu's Chinatown is a compact downtown district of markets, lei shops, restaurants, art spaces and historic buildings near the harbor and government center.

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Honolulu Chinatown, Oahu

You don't have to love anything Oriental to get drawn to Honolulu's Chinatown. There are scores of other reasons why this place could become your favorite haunt. Mostly described as one of Oahu's most exciting and mysterious neighborhoods, Honolulu's Chinatown showcases a unique and colorful part of local history that makes it an interesting stop on anyone's itinerary. Some of the island's oldest buildings are located in this neighborhood, so do a self-guided walking tour to explore some of Honolulu's oldest buildings and historic landmarks.

The 25-acre marketplace has been home to Chinese families dating back to the 1800s. The place grew with waves of contract workers coming to Hawaii to work as laborers in the sugar plantations. With their earnings, some started putting up businesses, which grew to become what Honolulu's Chinatown is today.

Honolulu's Chinatown is quite unlike many other mainland cities in the sense that many of the buildings are relatively new. The whole place completely burned several times, and at one time after several restorations, it became a red-light district with a high crime rate, drug dealers and punks. Back then local residents and visitors practically avoided this area, especially after dark.

Today, the neighborhood has been cleaned up and is alive with a new generation of market-goers, diners and tourists. Home to many Chinese, Filipinos, Japanese, Koreans, Vietnamese, Hawaiians and people from other Southeast Asian countries, Honolulu's Chinatown is now one of the most vibrant cultural and economic centers of Hawaii. Many local residents come here to shop for fruits, vegetables and other groceries because the prices in Chinatown are lower than in other Oahu supermarkets.

You can have your hands full just by gazing at cutting-edge art, rummaging through piles of herbal concoctions or ginseng tonic, gawk at live eels, hanging pigs' heads, chicken feet and other exotic animals offered as delicacies. You may want to get a tattoo, or offer some prayers in a nearby Buddhist temple. And yes, you might end up loving anything Oriental after this visit.

Key Features

Historic downtown Honolulu district near Honolulu Harbor
Known for markets, lei shops, bakeries, restaurants and art spaces
Morning is the liveliest time for produce, seafood and flower vendors
Evenings bring restaurants, bars, galleries and arts events
Close to Aloha Tower, Hawaii Theatre and Iolani Palace
Compact streets are best seen on foot
Parking can be tight; garages, bus routes and rideshare are common options
Some shops close earlier than restaurants and nightlife spots
Normal city awareness is recommended, especially after dark

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Honolulu's Chinatown special?

It is one of Honolulu's oldest commercial districts, where immigrant history, open-air markets, lei stands, restaurants and historic storefronts still sit close together.

What is the best time to see the market side of Chinatown?

Morning is usually the most active time for produce, seafood, flowers, bakeries and small food shops. Some businesses close earlier than visitors expect.

Is Chinatown only about Chinese culture?

No. Chinese history is central to the district, but the neighborhood also reflects Japanese, Filipino, Vietnamese, Thai, Pacific Island and local Hawaii influences.

What historic places are near Chinatown?

Aloha Tower, Hawaii Theatre, Iolani Palace, the state capitol area and Honolulu Harbor are all nearby, making Chinatown easy to combine with a downtown walk.

Why do visitors come to Chinatown at night?

Evenings bring a different side of the district, with restaurants, bars, galleries and arts events drawing people into the neighborhood after the markets quiet down.