Wondering how to find Chinatown Honolulu parking? We’ve got favorite spots that we’re sharing with our readers today.
Why It’s Hard to Find Chinatown Honolulu Parking
Beginning in the late 1990s, redevelopment in Honolulu’s Chinatown has seen a proliferation of new restaurants, bars, lounges, art galleries, and custom clothing and boutique shops. Although some have come and gone, many remain and have enjoyed relative success. Because of this, and because of Chinatown’s proximity to historic Aloha Tower, the number of visitors has steadily increased.
Alternatives to Parking in Chinatown
Transportation options for Chinatown visitors have also expanded, with TheBus being the most popular. Of course, rideshares like Uber and Lyft have also increased the accessibility of Chinatown for visitors and residents alike.
Still, many visitors choose to drive their rental vehicles into Chinatown. And while this is a perfectly fine option, visitors driving into the area will soon come up against what even the most experienced Honolulu drivers face daily: finding parking.
Street Parking
Metered street parking is available throughout most of Chinatown. But it is a bustling area, and hoping to find a $1.50/hr metered stall will always be something of a crap shoot during peak hours.
Chinatown Honolulu Parking Lots
However, there are several public Chinatown Honolulu parking lots that offer non-extortionate rates and convenient locations. The public garages listed here are all quite reasonably priced ($1-$6 per peak hour), secure, and fairly easy to locate.
Harbor Court Tower
Harbor Court Tower is a mixed-use high-rise home to swanky condominium units, posh law offices, and architecture firms. It is the first public garage available to drivers arriving from Waikiki.
The tower is the first building on the right after turning from Ala Moana Boulevard onto Bethel Street. Its garage is a mere few blocks from the center of Chinatown and reasonably priced.
Beretania Street/Chinatown Garage
At the end of Bethel Street is Beretania Street, which runs the length of Honolulu’s urban corridor. One-and-a-half blocks north (left) is the Beretania Street/Chinatown municipal parking garage.
Drivers need to be on the lookout for the entrance to the underground lot, as it is tucked between The New Hope Chapel and the Chinatown Playground. It’s easy to miss, even for residents, if you’re not paying attention.
Marin Tower Public Parking Garage
Marin Tower is located at the harbor end of Smith Street. It’s also located just off of Ala Moana Boulevard, and drivers arriving from Waikiki turn right onto Smith Street. Then, the garage is immediately on the left.
Just two blocks mauka (toward the mountains) is the center of the action in Chinatown. If planning a night on the town, keep in mind that the lot closes at midnight.
Mark’s Garage
This old building is located on Nuuanu Avenue, directly across the street from the historic Hawaii Theater. It is also home to The Arts at Mark’s Garage, a gallery and performance space that was pivotal in fostering the creativity and community behind Chinatown’s emergence as Honolulu’s cultural and artistic hub.
Tips for Finding Chinatown Honolulu Parking
It’s always a good idea to check with parking attendants about special rates and whether or not the lot operates 24 hours or has a specific closing time. Many drivers, visitors, and residents have found themselves stranded after enjoying a night on the town because their parking garage closed.
If you’ll be out extra late, don’t have a designated driver, or just want to avoid the hassle of parking, a rideshare or taxi could be your best bet for visiting Chinatown in Honolulu.
