A Day in Honolulu's Chinatown: What to Do

Chinatown, one of Honolulu’s oldest neighborhoods, is a vibrant destination. Its narrow streets, lined with 19th-century buildings and bustling markets, invite endless exploration. Be sure to check out top-notch restaurants, cozy kitchens, dim sum spots, and family-owned stalls, and leave time for art galleries and trendy boutiques. Don’t forget to pick up a lei while you’re there.

The location of Chinatown is no coincidence. Established near Honolulu’s busy trading port in the 1820s, shops catering to local residents and visiting sailors emerged. Many were started by Chinese laborers finishing their contracts on sugarcane plantations, with some opening lively bars for sailors. While many prominent families have since moved on, new immigrants from Southeast Asia keep Chinatown thriving. The neighborhood’s rich heritage bursts into life every Chinese New Year (late January to mid-February), with the sharp sound of firecrackers resonating off historic brick walls. Celebrations feature parades and lion dances, adorned with vibrant red decorations.

Before You Head Out...

To maximize your experience in Honolulu's Chinatown, it's wise to plan ahead. If you're interested in a guided tour or dining at one of the more upscale venues, be sure to secure reservations beforehand.

In the Morning...

Enjoy Dim Sum and Explore the Gardens

Start your day at Mei Sum, a straightforward eatery renowned for its dim sum and excellent Chinese dishes, opening at 8 am. Afterward, make your way to Foster Botanical Garden, where you can marvel at tropical plants you’ve only read about. Among its rare finds are the Hawaiian loulu palm and the East African Gigasiphon macrosiphon, both believed to be extinct in the wild. Many of the towering trees here are the largest of their species in the USA.

The self-guided tour is fantastic and highlights the diverse plants and trees native to Hawaii. You'll encounter unique specimens like the cannonball tree, the sausage tree, and the double coconut palm, which can yield a hefty 50-pound nut. Follow your senses through aromatic vanilla vines and cinnamon trees in the spice and herb gardens, and navigate your way through poisonous and dye plants. Be sure to admire the vibrant orchids and the stately royal palms, aptly named for their elegance.

Join a Guided Tour

Local volunteers with deep-rooted connections to the community manage the Hawaiʻi Heritage Center, a vibrant gallery showcasing rotating exhibitions focused on Oʻahu’s Chinese, Japanese, and other ethnic communities. They offer informative Chinatown tours on Wednesday and Friday mornings, so be sure to reserve your spot in advance.

Professional architects conduct walking tours of Chinatown on select Saturday mornings, organized by AIA (American Institute of Architects). These tours explore the rich history of Honolulu’s most iconic neighborhood and its architecture. AIA also provides excellent walking guides available for purchase at their downtown office.

For lunch, head to the market

After exploring the botanical garden, make your way to Kekaulike Market and the nearby Maunakea Marketplace for a leisurely stroll and lunch. It’s approximately a 13-minute walk down Maunakea St from the garden.

Chinatown thrives around its bustling markets and food vendors. Noodle shops, pastry stores, and stalls fill the narrow sidewalks, teeming with elders pushing carts and families running errands. In these lively alleys, you'll discover the diverse offerings of O‘ahu from both land and sea.

At Kekaulike Market, you'll find stalls selling whole fish, dry goods, ready-to-eat meals, and a variety of local produce. Vendors display vibrant fruits and vegetables along the pedestrianized street. The Maunakea Marketplace features popular food stalls, with the renowned Maguro Brothers tucked away in the back, where everything glistens, especially the fish. For lunch, enjoy sashimi in various styles over rice bowls, or choose the delicious grilled garlic ahi or teriyaki salmon.

In the afternoon...

Browse for leis

The tradition of wearing leis traces back to the Polynesians, who adorned themselves with garlands made from everyday items like flowers and feathers as symbols of status, honor, and beauty. The custom of presenting leis to visitors in Hawaii began with 19th-century ships that first brought tourists to the islands.

A few traditional lei-makers in Chinatown continue to thrive. At the iconic Cindy’s Lei Shoppe, you can observe artisans crafting floral leis using orchids, plumeria, twining maile, lantern ʻilima, and ginger for every occasion (starting at $10). Several other nearby lei shops will also prepare leis for you to take home. Tina’s Lei Shop is another excellent option. Why not indulge in the soft touch of the petals against your skin while being enveloped by their delightful fragrance?

Stop by the bookstore

Honolulu’s premier bookstore, Skull-Face Books & Vinyl, features eccentric decor and walls adorned with posters from punk concerts and surf competitions. The selection covers everything from noir and grunge culture to sci-fi, pop culture, and history.

Enjoy a cocktail or afternoon tea

The charming Tea at 1024 offers an extensive tea selection alongside cute sandwiches, scones, and cakes for afternoon enjoyment. If cocktails suit your late-afternoon mood better, head to Manifest, a stylish venue that transitions from a cozy coffee shop during the day to a cocktail bar at night. For a more upscale experience, reserve a spot at EP Bar, where skilled mixologists create outstanding cocktails with Japanese whiskey while playing tunes from a vast vinyl collection.

Savor a delightful dinner

Make a reservation at Duc’s Bistro, an upscale French-Vietnamese gem offering exquisite dishes. If you're in the mood for Korean cuisine, try a bibimbap from O’Kims and enjoy your meal in the garden. For a bustling atmosphere, head to Lucky Belly, where you can indulge in spicy Asian-fusion dishes paired with artisanal cocktails.

Venture to N Hotel St for vibrant bars, clubs, and nightlife

Long recognized as the hub of Honolulu’s nightlife, Chinatown’s lively bar and club scene centers around N Hotel St. The chic cocktail lounge NextDoor features a brick-walled performance space that has hosted acts like Shwayze and top-tier DJs. Local talents, including the jam band Backset, often grace the stage, with DJs spinning until 2am on many nights, while other evenings feature burlesque and performance art.

Above the laid-back dive Hank’s Cafe, Dragon Upstairs offers a tranquil atmosphere adorned with stylized masks. This venue hosts a diverse array of jazz, blues, and folk performances. Don't miss their signature drink: the pineapple upside-down cake. Just to the east, Scarlet Honolulu serves as a vibrant LGBTIQ+ club.