Honolulu’s Chinatown: Where the Cultures Collide (In a Good Way…)

Chinatown in Honolulu is such an important piece of the city and the Island of Oahu that it requires its own website just so people can learn what to expect and to truly appreciate the experience. Chances are that if you’re on Oahu for your Hawaii holiday then you will be impacted by the many Asian cultures that come together on the Island.



You would be doing yourself and your holiday an injustice if you didn’t make a visit to Chinatown during your stay on Oahu.

Attractions and Activities

Holidays to Hawaii will need to consist of visiting Chinatown, with its architecture and the way it contrasts to the rest of Honolulu. While the majority of the city is modernized, high-rise office buildings and dwellings, Chinatown is comprised of single story historic architecture in the style of its Asian roots.

After dark, Chinatown comes alive with the lights, sounds and smells of what you would typically expect. There are some spots of the district that may seem unappealing and you’re best bet is to just follow your instinct. If it looks questionable then there’s no need to go there. Honolulu is a relatively peaceful city and you have no worries but it’s always best to stay safe rather than be sorry.

First Friday

On the first Friday of every month, the shops, restaurants, galleries, museums and studios are open to the public later than usual for the First Friday Festival. You will get live music, street art, entertainment, as well as bistros and pubs that will make your mouth water just by walking by.

Speaking of Chinatown Cuisine…

Chinatown offers all cuisine in the “dim sum” style. Dim sum literally means “touched by the heart”. The style of Dim Sum originated with 10th century Cantonese Society. Much of dim sum cooking is bite sized dumplings that allow the diner to relax and slowly eat to enjoy the cuisine more.

Some notable Dim Sum Style Restaurants in Chinatown, Honolulu:

• Ruby Restaurant and Bakery is one of Chinatown’s most reasonably priced menus.
• Mei Sum Dim Sum features Hong Kong Style Dim Sum
• Char Hung Sut Manapua where you have to try the pork hash!

Chinatown in Honolulu is truly a cultural experience that identifies what Hawaii is all about; a vacation paradise made perfect by the variety and Asian influence.