Where to go: Chinatown, Honolulu, Hawaii
This area of Honolulu is referred to as Chinatown, it is adjacent to downtown Honolulu. But it really isn't Chinese specific or even Asian specific for that matter. You can find great food from Asian to Irish to Italian to Mediterranean within these few blocks. I love it because it is unique, the shops and restaurants are small locally owned (for the most part) and it has a different vibe than downtown. Around a corner you might find a pop-up art fair, or farmers market, or a street art mural.
Chinatown is about four miles from Waikiki and not overwhelming in size. There have been safety issues over the years so we choose to go during the day. I've never had a problem, just be aware. Chinatown is on the National Register of Historic Places so you will see many wonderful old brick buildings.
The food is wide ranging from very inexpensive and traditional Asian food to very high end food from around the globe. Mostly the food is authentic and delicious. There are many restaurants that offer gluten free and paleo options. We ate at Fete, it is a fusion Hawaii/Brooklyn restaurant in a historic old brick building. The service and food was perfect. https://www.fetehawaii.com
My husband had the Fete salad with crispy chicken (not GF).
I had the Fete salad with Kauai prawns.
Our family's favorite lei stand is here. Chinatown is ripe with lei stands but Cindy's lei shop has been our favorite for over 25 years. Leis are purchased for any reason, birthday, anniversary, graduation, or no reason at all. But it is not good form to buy a lei for yourself or to put it on yourself so start dropping hints to those around you! https://www.cindysleishoppe.com
Some other restaurants to check out are: O'Kims Hawaii: https://www.okimshawaii.com Brick Fire Tavern: https://www.brickfiretavern.com and Duc's Bistro: https://www.ducsbistro.com
Next time you find yourself on Oahu check out Chinatown, within just a few blocks you can experience China, Korea, Vietnam, New York, Ireland, and more!
