The Chinatown Cultural Plaza in downtown Honolulu is a true gem in the heart of the city. This bustling and vibrant area is filled with a rich mix of cultures and traditions, offering visitors a unique and authentic experience. The bustling open-air market is a must-visit, with vendors selling everything from fresh produce to handmade goods and traditional crafts. The area is also home to several cultural landmarks, including temples, museums, and cultural centers, all of which provide a fascinating look into the rich history and heritage of the neighborhood. There are classes available and lots of restaurants to eat at. Whether you're in the mood to shop, eat, or simply soak up the atmosphere, the Chinatown Cultural Plaza is an experience not to be missed.
It’s one of the rare places in the world that Kuo Min Tang’s flags are flying in the sky day and night! This Chinatown Cultural Plaza, funded and built by Taiwanese, is the centre for the local Chinese communities to hold events. Inside, there is a Guanyin Buddha with free scents offered for people to pay worship - an act of true philanthropy.
I was surprised of how traditional Chinese cultures were preserved here. Several Chinese style restaurants, travel agency, acupuncture and few others shops are located inside the complex. The adjacent parking structure is both convenience and cheap. We parked over one hour for just $1, too good to be true.
Always Feed All The Birds And Say Hello To Minawi MartsFriend & Gorellazella512
Updated parking, no person collecting money. Everything is automated. Pay at machines before going back to your car. As of 01.01.2023 validation no longer needed. 1st 30 minutes is free. After that is around $2 per half hour.
*********Older review below*****
5 levels of parking available upstairs. Make sure to get validation for discounted parking fees good up to 6 hours. I enjoy walking around the airy open courtyard, looking at all the little specialty shops and jewelry knick knack stores. Some shop owners are gruff with stink eye others super friendly. I don't let that bother me. Lots of food places and I'll be reviewing those too. Open market selling fresh veggies and kimchee on mountain side of plaza opposite side of stage. Walk through a dark hall next to shop full of foreign DVDs. Ask for Kathy if you want 5 star friendly service. Kathy's mom offer home made style marinated cuttle fish and pickled spicy delicacies. Yummm!
After nearly three years of covid isolation, it was wonderful to celebrate Chinese New Year walking around food booths, merchandise, and lions dance and performances.
My first place I had hoped to visit as soon as I arrived in Waikiki, from the familiar culture, building aesthetics, to the delicious food it was everything I heard about and more. Definitely a sight to behold if you're ever nearby.
First visit at the Chinese Cultural Plaza for the Chinese New Year celebration for 2018. It was very crowded but the atmosphere, it's excitement, was contagious. The vendors were great. Miss the parade and the block party they usually hold yearly. So compared to that it's a little downgraded on the usual things to see and do. But overall, it was nice.
Sadly, many of the little shops and associations are currently closed, but during the daytime weekday at least, there are a couple of restaurants and produce stands in the very back. Friendly service and a good variety of ingredients for cooking Chinese food (dried mushrooms, lotus flowers, spices, seaweeds... spices and sauces and pastes... in addition to fresh fruits & vegetables).
Great place. Nice little shops with one of kind items. Access to delicious eats.
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