Kung Hee Fat Choy! Part III. China Town Renaissance.

Kung Hee Fat Choy! part III. China Town's Renaissance.

Part I - Part II

In the last installment of my 3 part Blog series celebrating Chinese New Year in Hawaii we observe the revitalization of China Town in recent times and the many interesting places to see and visit.

Pictured Above- The Wo Fat building, a former Hotel on Honolulu's infamous Hotel Street, has become the iconic symbol of China Town today - New Year revelers pack the streets in Honolulu's Historic China Town neighborhood.

It was not too long ago in recent history that China Town was in disrepair with an ugly and growing crime rate. Many of the buildings were dilapidated and falling down and many locals avoided it completely, furthering its decline.

Today, China Town is enjoying an unprecedented renaissance. Local merchants and immigrant entrepreneurs from around the Pacific and Southeast Asia are revitalizing the community with new businesses and active community based initiatives.

Pictured Above - Vendors ply their wares at the open markets. Exotic fruits such as fresh Water Chestnuts, Dragon Fruit, Fresh Arrow Root, and Lychee are just some of the many fruits and vegetables offered. Fresh fish is plentiful and inexpensive compared to grocery stores and supermarkets.

In the 1980s, the city of Honolulu began developing Maunakea Marketplace and Kekaulike Mall to help bring new commercial ventures back to the neighborhood. With the addition of O`ahu Marketplace, these shopping areas have invigorated the commerce and tourism in China Town offering clothing, household items, fresh produce, and seafood at very competitive prices.

Pictured Above - Two of my very favorite Dim Sum Eateries Happy Garden and Char Hung Sut (Take Out)

As a result of the bustling commercial ventures and the depressed property values the culture and arts scene in China Town is growing with leaps and bounds. Beginning with the Historic Hawaii Theater Renovation in the 1990's. Art galleries, hip boutiques and affordable eateries have opened, as well as, the notable fine dinning Indigo Restaurant, and a slew of trendy night clubs. The Honolulu community enjoys frequent entertainment at block parties, parades and the widely attended First Fridays Art Gallery Walk sponsored by The Arts at Mark's Garage.

The Downtown Chinatown Task Force Committee a community-based organization has been a leader in the China Town revitalization project, and the City & County of Honolulu has been a instrumental in providing new residential buildings and commercial venues for it's inhabitants.

In the last few years the residential population of Chinatown has also grown dramatically from its anemic days of decline. Quickly approaching 7,000, the population is a melting pot mixture of Chinese, Filipinos, Japanese, Vietnamese, Cambodians, and Laotians.

May the new year bring you luck and prosperity!

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