EThe editors
Chinatown markets and temples
A morning walk through the fish markets, lei stands, bakeries and two temples.
10 placesHalf a dayRead the guide ↓
1. Oʻahu MarketFish and produce in an open market from 1904.HonoluluFood & drink20 minFree to walk in
2. Kekaulike MarketMore fish, roast duck and fruit across the street.HonoluluFood & drink20 minFree to walk in
3. Maunakea MarketplaceA food court of Filipino, Thai and Chinese counters for lunch.HonoluluFood & drink45 minPlates about $10–15
4. Lin’s Lei ShopFresh lei, made on the spot.HonoluluFree to visit15 minLei from about $10
5. Sing Cheong Yuan BakeryMooncakes and almond cookies to take away.HonoluluFood & drink15 minA few dollars an item
6. Chinese Cultural PlazaDim sum and roast meats around a courtyard.HonoluluFree to visit30 minFree
7. Royal KitchenBaked manapua, the local char siu bun.HonoluluFood & drink15 minManapua a few dollars each
8. Izumo Taishakyo MissionA 1923 Shinto shrine by Nuʻuanu Stream.HonoluluFree to visit15 minFree
9. Kuan Yin TempleA working Buddhist temple in red and gold.HonoluluFree to visit15 minFree
10. Foster Botanical GardenGiant old trees to end the walk in the shade.HonoluluPaid entry1–1.5 hoursPaid entry (small fee)
The guide
How to do it: Chinatown markets and temples
Honolulu’s Chinatown is the oldest in the islands: markets that open at dawn, lei sellers on Maunakea Street, bakeries, herb shops and temples around Nuʻuanu Stream.
It’s best in the morning, when the markets are full and the streets are busy with shoppers rather than bar-goers.
- The order to do it in
- Markets on King Street first, lunch at Maunakea Marketplace, then up to the Cultural Plaza and across the stream to the shrine, the temple and Foster Garden.
- When to go
- Weekday mornings. Many shops close by mid-afternoon.
- Getting there
- TheBus from Waikīkī, or park in the municipal lots on Smith or Beretania.
- What to bring
- Cash for the small shops and bakeries.
- What it costs
- Free to walk; Foster Garden charges a small entry.
Worth knowing
- Ask before photographing people at the market stalls.
- Lunar New Year brings lion dances and a street festival in January or February.
Started from the pins on Chinatown, Honolulu, a public Google My Map (the map). Places, notes and the guide checked and written by us; prices and opening times change, so check before you go.