Chinatown, Honolulu, United States

Visit duration: 1 hr 30 min Editorial visit time estimate

Reviewed by Elena Voss · Roavina Travel Editor

About Chinatown

Chinatown is a historic neighbourhood on the edge of downtown Honolulu, known for its Chinese American community and one of the oldest Chinatowns in the United States. In the 19th century labourers were brought from China to work on Hawaii's sugar plantations; many became merchants after their contracts ended and settled here. The area between Honolulu Harbor, Nuʻuanu Stream and Beretania Street was added to the National Register of Historic Places as the Chinatown Historic District on 17 January 1973.

Checked 2026-11-10 · Source

What's inside

Most of the neighbourhood burned on 20 January 1900, when a fire set by the Board of Health to stop bubonic plague went out of control; it was rebuilt and many of today's buildings date from 1901, very few of them over four storeys. Places mapped in the district include the Oahu Market on North King Street, the Maunakea Marketplace, the Chinatown Cultural Plaza on North Beretania Street and Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Park. The Arts District Honolulu, with many arts and cultural institutions, lies on its eastern edge.

Checked 2026-11-10 · Source

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Common questions

How old is Honolulu's Chinatown?

It is one of the oldest Chinatowns in the United States; most of its current buildings date from 1901.

Is there a market in Honolulu's Chinatown?

Yes: the Oahu Market is at 145 North King Street, and the Maunakea Marketplace is on Maunakea Street.

Where it is

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Nearby

Within 8 min on foot

1 hour
4 min walk
Hawaii Theatre
- Must see · Heritage site
- Art and culture venue
30 min
6 min walk
Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace
- Must see · Heritage site
- Place of worship
30 min
8 min walk
Kuan Yin Temple
- Notable
- Place of worship