We attempted to visit Chinatown but it appeared that several stores were closed. Needless to say we did not park and get out. Not what we expected after visiting Chinatown's in other cities.
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My mom wanted to go to Chinatown. I have been to Chinatown's in other cities before so I knew what it was all about. My mom did okay until she saw the market and then she freaked out a little so we had to leave, but no before we got the peanut cakes and sesame crepes. Also enjoyed seeing all the tropical flowers, the leis and a woman making a leis.
Our bus driver told us to stay within the 2 block radius of where we departed the number 2 bus. Most of the sidewalk stores have produce,salted meats and cooked poultry. The clothing shops are located in one mall like area and have tons of merchadise. Each shop carries alot of the same products and most owners will bargain with you for your purchase. Prices very reasonable. Outside the 2 blocks are unsavory places which give an unsafe feeling.
Not really much to see except a lot of asian shops; it's without a doubt a great place to shop if you want to buy your food for the week but some locations in the area were unpleasantly smelly (there's a few homeless people on the side streets and the smell of pee is not what I enjoy when visiting a touristy place).
If you have never been, Chinatown is adjacent to downtown Honolulu. A cultural time capsule that appears to me as not a "tourist destination". Although I think it is a spot well worth exploring. I have been there 4 times, and each visit unveils new idiosyncrasies that draw me back.
Make no mistake, this is not a "Pirates of the Caribbean " ride. These are real people participating in commerce that is their livelihood. Do not hang around after dark. Expect homeless littered about. But the point being, this is a real marketplace of a different culture, and the intrepid traveler will enjoy discovering an environment that offers exotic foods, languages and commercial interaction that one will not experience if one stays in the hotels in Waikiki.
This is not a clean mall. It is an area of a few square blocks where other cultures along the Pacific Rim are well represented It is somewhat dirty, and again, there are homeless about. Please be careful and aware of surroundings as you walk around. The vendors are for the most part polite and not aggressive. Myriad choices of authentic foods and crafts.
Enjoy your visit-
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