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| Enjoy Honolulu Chinatown |
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| Written by Ted Felber |
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Since its recent renovation, the once shabby Honolulu Chinatown has become a hip alternative to the Waikiki area. If you'll be visiting Honolulu for the first time, take advantage of a walking tour of this historic district. The walking tour covers 20 blocks of Honolulu's 140 year old Chinatown, and provides an introduction to the diverse cultures and languages represented in Hawaii.
Since its recent renovation, the once shabby Honolulu Chinatown has become a hip alternative to the Waikiki area. If you'll be visiting Honolulu for the first time, take advantage of a walking tour of this historic district. The walking tour covers 20 blocks of Honolulu's 140 year old Chinatown, and provides an introduction to the diverse cultures and languages represented in Hawaii. Foodie Heaven Honolulu Chinatown is a busy and bustling place, especially in the morning time as vendors set up their wares to sell in the open air market. Meanwhile, old timers play mahjong, and the sound of the tiles clanging against the tables can be heard in the market. When taking in the sights of Honolulu Chinatown, spend some time at the exciting Oahu market, a historic landmark. There, you cay buy a host of fresh produce, including the sweet and ripe locally grown fruits that overflow the stands. You'll find fresh watermelons, pineapples, lychees, and much more. Weave your way through the long-standing fish vendors selling ocean fresh fish, octopus, crabs, jellyfish, eels, poke and lomi salmon. Hop along to the pork vendors who chop up char siu and roast duck at dazzling speeds. Love noodles? Take your pick of the dozen fresh noodle makers. Visit Yat Tung Chow Noodle Factory and marvel at how they churn out nine different sizes of noodles from delicately thin strands to substantially robust udon noodles. Other wonderful places to go include: o Shun Chung Yein, whose loyal customers clear its shelves of freshly made mooncakes, almond cookies and other delightful pastries, early in the day. Delight your sweet tooth with candied ginger, pineapple and lotus root. o Popular dim sum restaurants such Legends, Mei Sum and Good Luck Cafe. Unable to pronounce the names of dim-sum dishes? Just point to the dishes on the carts, and eat. o Huong Lan and Tuo Chou, for the best tasting Vietnamese pho noodle soup, along with the family operated stores at the Maunakea Marketplace to sample many delectable homestyle Asian dishes, including Thai, Korean, Filipino, and Chinese dishes. Where to Shop Follow your nose to the leimakers in Honolulu Chinatown who string thousands of fresh flowers ? pikake, plumeria, tuberose, orchids and maile leaves - into unique Hawaiian leis. In Cindy?s Leis, the art of leimaking has been passed down through three generations. At Lai Fong Department Store, enjoy teak and rosewood furniture, incredible antiques, and elegant silk brocade garments and cheong sums, and savor the rich scent of sandalwood soap. Sights and attractions The ornately styled Kuan Yin Temple is easy to recognize, with its unique green ceramic tile roof, and clouds of sweet incense billowing through the temple doors. During festivals the temple is particularly crowded, as Buddhist worshippers burn money and incense to bring blessings and prosperity. Step into the beautifully restored art-deco Hawaii Theatre on the edge of Honolulu Chinatown. First opened in 1922, it is now the venue for modern dance, film festivals and contemporary and traditional Hawaiian performances. When the Sun Goes Down On the first Friday of each month, over 50 art galleries open their doors to the crowds to provide a taste of the local art scene. People peruse the art studios while enjoying the music and live entertainment, as cafes and bistros set up shop on the sidewalk. Club goers gather at Bar 35, or enjoy the rooftop lounge at the Thirtynine Hotel, while the theatre crowd spends its evenings at the trendy Indigo Restaurant. The colorful streets, lively atmosphere and historic architecture of Honolulu Chinatown offer something for everyone. It is a definite must on every tourist?s itinerary. Author: Ted Felber is the editor of EnjoyHawaiiVacations.com where you get practical tips and suggestions on the best Hawaii attractions, activities, adventures, lodging, travel deals, vacation packages and more. |