The past of Honolulu meets the future of downtown nightlife in Chinatown Honolulu. Once a busy marketplace for traders and merchants, the streets of Chinatown have seen much change over the years.Originally settled by former plantation workers, Chinatown is now populated by businesses, restaurants, nightclubs, and easygoing locals looking for a night out on the town.If you’re looking to experience Oahu’s nightlife outside of Waikiki head over to Chinatown, especially on the first Friday of the month!
History
Chinatown Honolulu Hawaii is one of the oldest districts in the city and one of the oldest Chinatowns in the country. Chinese laborers migrated to Hawaii to work on the sugarcane plantations and many settled as merchants, trading goods near the Honolulu Harbor.At the dawn of the 20th century there was an outbreak of the Bubonic plague in Chinatown. The area was quarantined and the Department of Health ordered infected buildings to be burned. The fire became out of control and raged on for over two weeks. The disaster is known as the Great Honolulu Chinatown Fire of 1900.
Facts & Trivia
- Island: Oahu
- Amenities: Restaurants, boutiques, nightclubs, grocers, markets, and live music.
- Insider Tip: Grab dinner from one of the many restaurants in the area and catch a concert at one of the many nightclubs after dinner.
- Fun Fact: On every first friday of the month the streets of Chinatown are closed off to drivers for a block party celebration known as “First Friday.”
- What to Expect: Vibrant nightlife, live music, great restaurants, and the soul of Oahu.
- Pop Culture: The character Wo Fat from the original Hawaii Five-0 was named after the Wo Fat Chinese Restaurant in Chinatown.