I just got back from lunch in Chinatown so I thought I’d blog about it!

I think that Chinatown is one of Oahu's most exciting and mysterious neighborhoods. It’s a popular gathering place for kama’aina and for visitors located in downtown Honolulu. As a gateway to our Island of Oahu for many immigrants, Chinatown is a very colorful and eclectic blend of Southeast Asian cultures.

In 1852, Chinese immigrant laborers arrived in Hawaii to work on the emerging sugar cane plantations. After completing their labor contracts, many of the immigrants relocated to the Chinatown area of Honolulu and entered the business world. With its exotic mix of Asian culture and people, Chinatown at first gained a prety disreputable image as it was known for its saloons, debauchery, drugs and dens of ill repute.

Today, Chinatown’s former reputation has been toned down considerably. It’s now a lively and colorful community to explore – you should check it out!

Aloha ~

Ali