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Biki
Biki is a bike sharing system, supporting 1,000 bicycles in Honolulu, designed to accommodate riders of all sizes in maneuvering ease and comfortability, with 100 self-service “Biki Stops” conveniently located from Chinatown to Diamond Head.
CHINATOWN STOPS:
There are currently 3 stops in Chinatown:
Maunakea and North King Street
(outside Kekaulike Courtyard)
Marin Street
(outside Local Joe)
Hotel and Fort Street
(outside Fisher Hawaii)
For pricing options, updates, and the full list of Biki Stops set up throughout Honolulu, head over to gobiki.org.
History of Chinatown
“Chinatown is, nevertheless, the one and only district in Honolulu which reflects vividly in its buildings, institutions, and people, the full impact of the city’s role as a center of attraction for many diverse races and cultures.” (p7)
Honolulu's historic Chinatown developed in the mid-1800s after the influx of immigrants from overseas. The development of this area was due to the proximity of the harbor and the ease of trade. Chinatown is approximately 36 acres with boundaries existing along the Nuuanu Stream, Beretania Street, Nuuanu Avenue, and Honolulu Harbor. The area served as the first center for trade and commerce for Hawaii’s residents.
After completing their contracts with the sugar plantation, many Chinese immigrants bought parcels of land along the harbor and opened restaurants, shops, and specialized services with residential accommodations built in or near the same building. Immigrants of other races also built businesses, but majority of the establishments were owned and operated by the Chinese population, hence the area became known as “Chinatown.”
In 1886 and 1900, Chinatown experienced two fires that devastated the community, and nearly the entire area had to be rebuilt. Wooden structures that were untouched eventually fell into disrepair, and were replaced with buildings made out of brick, stone, and concrete. Most of the structures in Chinatown are dated from 1901 and on.
Adjacent buildings share a common wall because the lots in Chinatown are very small. To make the most of the space, buildings are up to three and sometimes four stories high, and owners utilize the wide sidewalk just outside their storefront. The outer façade of every building has been preserved, while many owners have renovated and updated the inside. Since its development, Chinatown has been, and always will be, a gathering place filled with rich culture and history.
The above information is based off information compiled and collected by the National Parks Service. We encourage you to take the time to delve further into the rich history of Honolulu's Chinatown.
Trolley & Bus Routes
WAIKIKI TROLLEY
Explore Honolulu's historic Chinatown on Waikiki Trolley's Red Line. Chinatown's trolley stop is located at King Street and Bethel Street. The Red Line Historic Honolulu Sightseeing Tour runs daily with service every 50 to 60 minutes.
More stops on the Red Line:
Waikiki Shopping Plaza
Duke Kahanamoku Statue
Honolulu Museum of Art
Hawaii State Capitol
Iolani Palace
Chinatown
Izumo Taisha
King Kamehameha Statue
Aloha Tower Marketplace
Ward Warehouse
Ward Centre
Ala Moana Center
THEBUS
Hop aboard TheBus to Chinatown. TheBus offers various public transportation routes Island-wide. Chinatown bus stops are located on King Street, Hotel Street, Beretania Street, and Bethel Street.
Get to Chinatown:
From Waikiki: routes 2, 13, 19, 20, 42
From Leeward Oahu: routes C, E, 40, 42
From Windward Oahu: routes 55, 56, 57, 57A, 65
From Central Oahu: routes A, 52, 54, 62
From the North Shore: route 55
Uber / Lyft
UBER
Whether you’re headed to work, the airport, or out on the town, Uber connects you with a reliable ride in minutes. One tap and a car comes directly to you. Your driver knows exactly where to go. And payment is completely cashless.
LYFT
Wherever you're headed in the Honolulu Area, count on Lyft for rides in minutes. The Lyft app matches you with friendly local drivers at the tap of a button. Just request and go. After the ride, simply pay through your phone.