Most people go to Hawaii to get a feel for the rich Hawaiian culture we always here about, well not anymore.  Since its renovation and clean-up, Honolulu’s Chinatown is bringing worldwide visitors to the island.  This area, which was once avoided for its crime, drugs, red-light district and deteriorating buildings, is now the hot spot in Honolulu, offering arts, culture and excitement.  This 140-year-old neighborhood has been cleaned up by locals, and the local arts community.

 Arts are a vital part of this area, featuring everything from classic to contemporary.  The main art spots are: The ARTS at Marks Garage, a project of Hawaii Arts Alliance; the Hawaii State Art Museum; contemporary Hawaiian Art at The Contemporary Museum at First Hawaiian Center; paintings and drawings at Pegge Hopper Gallery; contemporary fine art at Bethel Street Gallery, music and art at Ong King Art Center, art gallery and surf shop, Chinatown Boardroom; and the Studio of Roy Venters which features mixed media works.  Also, bringing most of the visitors, First Friday (held the first Friday of each month) is a gallery walk and huge street fair, featuring strolling musicians, more than 50 galleries and other art venues participating, and shops.  This event draws 5,000 to 10,000 people in one night to the area.

 And the other main vessel of this area is the dining and nightlife.  They offer ethnic restaurants and hot clubs.  They feature over 50 restaurants, such as the Indigo, and Little Village Noodle House.  And many bars like Bar 35 and thirtyninehotel.

 Also, most of the action is found at the markets.  Maunakea Market Place is an open market located behind the food court, and is where you can find things like live eel, chicken feet and pigs’ heads.  The Oahu Market is almost as old as the town, and features blocks of stalls that offer fresh fish, tripe, and roast pork.  The Kekaulike Market offers fruit and poultry, among other things, and is located across from the Oahu Market between North King and Hotel streets.