Chinatown

Honolulu Chinatown is a historic downtown district with markets, restaurants, cultural landmarks, art spaces and multicultural local flavor.

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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 district: One of Honolulu's oldest and most culturally layered neighborhoods
Harbor-area roots: Grew near Honolulu Harbor, Nu'uanu Stream and the early downtown business district
Chinese immigrant history: Strong ties to 19th-century Chinese workers, merchants and families
Multicultural character: Reflects Chinese, Filipino, Vietnamese, Japanese, Korean, Hawaiian and other local influences
Market atmosphere: Produce, seafood, meat, lei, herbs and specialty foods give the area a working-market feel
Local dining: Noodle shops, bakeries, small restaurants and food stalls make Chinatown a strong food stop
Historic buildings: Older storefronts, market buildings and restored landmarks add architectural interest
Hawaii Theatre nearby: Restored performance venue anchors part of the arts district
Arts and galleries: Creative spaces, murals and local art add a modern cultural layer
Daytime visit recommended: Best for first-time visitors who want markets, food and street-level sightseeing
Urban awareness needed: Visitors should use normal city awareness and keep valuables secure
Downtown Honolulu access: Easy to combine with Aloha Tower, harborfront walks and other city landmarks

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Honolulu Chinatown located?

Honolulu Chinatown is located near North Hotel Street in downtown Honolulu, close to Honolulu Harbor, Nu'uanu Stream and the city's historic business district.

What is Honolulu Chinatown known for?

Honolulu Chinatown is known for its markets, restaurants, historic buildings, herbal shops, lei stands, art spaces, Hawaii Theatre and multicultural local flavor.

Is Chinatown good for food?

Yes. Chinatown is one of Honolulu's most interesting food districts, with markets, bakeries, noodle shops, small restaurants, produce stands and specialty food stores.

When is the best time to visit Chinatown?

Daytime is usually best for first-time visitors who want to browse markets, eat, see historic streets and explore the area at a comfortable pace.

What is near Honolulu Chinatown?

Nearby places include Hawaii Theatre, the Hawaii Heritage Center, downtown Honolulu, Honolulu Harbor and Aloha Tower.