Chinatown Honolulu

We were excited after experiencing the truly exotic Chinatown in Singapore, so of course we had to visit the Chinese district here in Honolulu as well. At first, we were a bit disappointed. The streets were calm, nothing particularly striking that looked Chinese. We saw the stone lions at Dr Sun Yat-sen Memorial Park, passed by the Hawaii Theater, the First Hawaiian Bank, and made our way to the Hawaii Heritage Center. At first, I didn't even want to go inside because the shop windows looked like a collection from the 50s flea market, so dusty and chaotic. But since we were already there... A Chinese woman sat at the door and collected $1 per person for admission, haha, that alone was amazing! There's actually nothing to buy here for $1, absolutely nothing. And while we were still stunned by the price, the lady told us the story of the Chinese immigrants in perfect English - most Chinese people speak a very Chinese English. We chatted and talked about the history of the Chinese immigrants, as we often do...

The explanation why Chinatown doesn't look Chinese here: the Chinese came to Hawaii as plantation workers back then. When the sugarcane plantation era ended, many of the immigrants stayed here and started families. But they wanted a better future for their children, not as workers for the rich, but with other professions and better opportunities to earn money. Therefore, they paid a lot of attention to a good education! That is still true today, you are what you have in your mind.

We stroll through the exhibition, which is more reminiscent of a cluttered chamber at the beginning of a cleaning campaign, but you can see dragon figures that are carried through the streets during festivals, boards with stories about special personalities, and a lot of information about the development of the Chinese in Hawaii. There are also some everyday objects. Then we say goodbye and don't expect much more Chinese from the district.

But it turns out differently when we arrive at the Oahu Market. The market halls, founded in 1904, contain everything that the Chinese need to live. And even more! Such a hustle and bustle, so much fish, meat, fruit, vegetables, plastic, household appliances, etc.... Unbelievable what people can eat. Not for the faint-hearted and especially not for sensitive stomachs. The German food control authority would immediately send an army with the chemical club! But somehow the hustle and bustle here is absolutely fascinating.

Afterwards, we wander back to the car to escape the commotion.

We drove to the wealthy people's Honolulu, to Tantalus Drive. It is a road that winds its way up with narrow curves and bends, offering magnificent views of the city and the bay at many points. It is also a park with tropical old trees and individual houses in between. In the lower part of the road, there is a real upscale neighborhood, you can say, the further up, the better the view, and the more expensive the house.

In the park, there are also some hiking trails, let's see if we have enough time to do one!

In the late afternoon, hungry and thirsty, we return to the hotel, walk a bit through the mall, and treat ourselves to a late lunch at the Cheesecake Factory. Unfortunately, I'm so full after the delicious salad that I can't fit in any cheesecake anymore :-/

After a short break in the room, we head back to the beach to take a sunset tour on the MaiTai catamaran. With about 30 other guests on board, plenty of Mai Tai cocktails, and a very relaxed atmosphere, we sail from Waikiki towards Diamond Head, then back past the marina and 1 1/2 hours later, with a few more cocktails inside us, we are back at the beach in a very good mood! Only the sun could only be seen sporadically through the cloud gaps, what a pity. But since it's still pleasantly warm and the clouds paint an exciting atmosphere in the sky, we are still happy about the beautiful experience.

In the evening, we stroll through the streets. Today there is a small festival with arts and crafts, souvenirs, trinkets, food stalls, etc. The main street is closed for it, the police are present but totally relaxed. It's a nice evening with many people, great that there's still something like this without a big fuss!

A last daiquiri at the beach bar concludes an eventful day, tired and happy we crawl into bed!