HISTORIC CHINATOWN: IOLANI PALACE TO ALOHA TOWER
 There are Chinatowns in major cities all around the world, and here in Honolulu you’ll find one of the most fascinating. The financial and political center of the state, downtown Honoluluand its colorful Chinatown boast history, high-rises, a bustling harbor and some of the best Asian restaurants this side of Hong Kong. Dating back more than 150 years, soon after the first migrant laborers arrived in the Islands from Southern China, Honolulu’s Chinatown is much more than a tourist attraction. Providing invaluable services and products for Oahu’s Chinese community, as well as the recent immigrants from Vietnam and all over Southeast Asia, Chinatown is the perfect place to spend a morning or afternoon during a walking tour of historic Honolulu and its surrounding neighborhoods.
We s u g g e s t parking at one of the inexpensive municipal lots (see the parking map) near the King Kamehameha Statue (1 on map below), the ideal place to begin a self-guided tour. The original statue of Kamehameha the Great, so named as the first warrior to unite all the Hawaiian Islands, was temporarily lost at sea during its transport from Europe and now stands in front of the Kapaau Courthouse in North Kohala on the Big Island of Hawaii. The replica on King Street is a favorite photographic attraction, especially in June, when the statue is draped with dozens of 30-foot leis in honor of King Kamehameha Day, a state holiday.
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| King Kamehameha statue decorated with leis |
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| Iolani Palace |
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| Traditional Chinatown parade |
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| Historic Oahu Market |
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| Aloha Tower, Oahu’s welcoming symbol |
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Visitors who decide to dedicate a minimum of time to this area should make it a point to snap a few photos of Iolani Palace (2 on map below), America’s one and only royal residence, built in 1882, by King David Kalakaua, and last occupied by Hawaiian royalty in 1893 by deposed Queen Liliuokalani. There is limited public parking near the palace grounds, and a short walking tour of the area can include a peek at the fascinating architecture of the Hawaii State Capitol (3 on map below), located a short stroll mauka (toward the mountains) of the palace. In-depth tours of the palace interior can be arranged by making advance reservations (522-0832), or visitors can simply make an impromptu visit to the Palace Shop to do some souvenir hunting (532-1050). Other important landmarks nearby are the Hawaii State Art Museum (4 on map below), the Hawaii State Library (5 on map below), Honolulu Hale (City Hall) (6 on map below), Kawaiahao Church (7 on map below) and the Mission Houses Museum (8 on map below), all within easy walking distance. A helpful reminder: Whenever parking downtown, carefully read the tow-away hours (usually early morning and mid-afternoon rush hours) posted on all parking meters.
If you plan to spend more than a few hours in Chinatown, we suggest you park at one of the many municipal lots listed on our parking map. Otherwise, you can easily walk two blocks west, along King Street, which intersects Bishop Street (9 on map below), the main thoroughfare of Honolulu’s financial district, and continue another block to Fort Street Mall (10 on map below), a walking mall that begins your walking tour of Chinatown at the intersection of Hotel Street.
A true exploration of Chinatown would take weeks, not hours, but anyone can get a taste of this area’s rich flavor by window shopping, stopping into several of the numerous art galleries, savoring the sights and sounds of the lively Asian markets and taking a break for a leisurely lunch or just a sampling of snacks. Chinatown’s character during the day and night is as different as, well, day and night, when some side streets exhibit a bit of a seamier side. On the other hand, it seems like all of Honolulu turns out for the gala First Friday, held from 5 to 9 p.m. on the first Friday of each month. Hundreds of art fans and revelers of all ages stroll in and out of the galleries, bars and restaurants that populate the area, centered around Nuuanu Avenue. The evening features opening receptions, refreshments and live entertainment.
As you make your way around Chinatown, on a tour or on your own, refer to our detail map and sample these possibilities:
The perfect way to end your tour is with a visit to Aloha Tower Marketplace (27 on map below) (566- 2337), located below Honolulu’s historic Aloha Tower (28 on map below), once the highest structure in the Islands, a welcoming beacon to the visitors who first reached these shores by luxurious passenger liners. Aloha Tower Marketplace features more than 70 harbor-front shops and restaurants. Popular with local residents and visitors alike, the Marketplace is only a 10 minute walk from the King Kamehameha Statue, Iolani Palace and other points of interest. It offers a variety of free activities, including ukulele lessons and live entertainment. Located next to the Hawaii Maritime Center (29 on map below), validated self-parking and valet parking are available. |
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