First Fridays at Honolulu’s Chinatown

Every first Friday of the month, Honolulu's Chinatown comes to life with art, music, food and nightlife festivities. It's part of a growing revitalization in this historic O‘ahu district that's caught on with a stylish crowd of visitors and locals looking forward to something different from the typical Waikīkī nightlife. 

Fashionistas and art roam the streets of Chinatown every First Friday of the month, which is tomorrow.

"First Fridays," as it's called, has a little bit of everything. The buzz of people wakes up the usually quiet Chinatown streets, as local artists and artisans share their works through paintings, sculptures and cultural exhibits. Most galleries keep their doors open well beyond twilight hours and welcome visitors to peruse their exhibits, some offering light refreshments and live music as well.

It's usually most packed with people on Nu‘uanu Avenue and Bethel Street, near the historic Hawaii Theatre. Food vendors set up tented booths along the sidewalks and bring flavors of Greece, Mexico and India to the islands. Dim sum eateries get pretty crowded, too, so head to the food places early.

Dim sum is a must if you're in Chinatown for First Fridays.

As the night goes on, however, people start trickling into the hidden nooks and alleyways, where some of the best bars and eateries can be found. Somehow, we always end up at The Dragon Upstairs, which is a tiny space above a restaurant and usually has a band playing. We love it there! Like most places on First Fridays, the Dragon gets really crowded toward the later hours of the night. Because of this and the event's growing popularity, organizers created a Second Saturday in Chinatown, which is much mellower than First Friday. More to come on that event! 

FIRST FRIDAY HONOLULU CHINATOWN / Nu‘uanu Ave. and Bethel St. 96813 (Map) / www.firstfridayhawaii.com / Parking on street or in garages 

Posted by Alyssa S. Navares Follow me on Twitter @Uamalie87

Published by Bruce Fisher

Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which, create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. Postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.

Entry Filed under: Fun Stuff,Oahu

September 6th, 2012