Maunakea Marketplace Honolulu
A bustling marketplace in Honolulu's Chinatown offering fresh produce, unique souvenirs, and a diverse array of delicious local food options.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, best selection
Maunakea Marketplace Honolulu
Best Time
Fewer crowds, best selection

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A bustling marketplace in Honolulu's Chinatown offering fresh produce, unique souvenirs, and a diverse array of delicious local food options.
"This vibrant, colorful, friendly Chinatown marketplace is a wonderful place to wander through for additional shopping."
🎯 Bargain Hunter's Paradise
Don't be afraid to negotiate prices, especially for souvenirs and clothing.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore all the stalls.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Fresh Seafood Delights
Blue Seafood Company
Discover incredibly fresh fish, cooked to order. From snapper to flounder, it's a true taste of the ocean.

Authentic Chinese BBQ
Various vendors
Savor succulent roasted duck and other Chinese BBQ favorites. Perfect for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Tropical Fruit Paradise
Lee Fruits stall
Indulge in a colorful array of fresh tropical fruits, from mangoes to lychees. A refreshing and delicious treat.

Local Dim Sum & Boba
Dim Sum Village
Enjoy classic dim sum like manapuas and dumplings, paired with refreshing boba tea. A perfect snack stop.
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Bustle of Chinatown
Navigating the Marketplace
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Bargain Hunter's Paradise
Don't be afraid to negotiate prices, especially for souvenirs and clothing.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore all the stalls.
💰 Cash is King (Mostly)
While some vendors take cards, having cash can speed up transactions.
💧 Stay Hydrated
It can get hot, so grab an iced coconut or fresh fruit juice.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Bargain Hunter's Paradise
Don't be afraid to negotiate prices, especially for souvenirs and clothing.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore all the stalls.
💰 Cash is King (Mostly)
While some vendors take cards, having cash can speed up transactions.
💧 Stay Hydrated
It can get hot, so grab an iced coconut or fresh fruit juice.
🧐 Explore Hidden Stalls
Venture beyond the main food court for unique finds and local favorites.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Maunakea Marketplace offers a vibrant and authentic Chinatown experience, praised for its diverse food options, especially fresh seafood and Chinese BBQ, and a wide array of affordable souvenirs. While some visitors note the need for more restrooms and better security for homeless individuals, the lively atmosphere and friendly vendors make it a worthwhile stop for shopping and dining.
"Good shopping experience there. There are vendors I am particularly loyal to for their good attitudes, service, and price. I recommend Lee fruits stall that is hidden in between the ships near the street and the food court."
Tien Tran
"It was a good stop. However they need more restrooms and security to keep the homeless under control. Food was good, lots of lunchtime options with little to no wait."
Randy H
"Only food court in Chinatown. Local recommended the roast duck. Egg noodle made in nearby shop. Fruits, veges and fish just like in the other buildings."
Owen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Maunakea Marketplace is located in the heart of Chinatown, Honolulu. You can reach it by car, bus, or even walk from downtown areas. The Waikiki Trolley's Red Line has a stop nearby at #9 Chinatown (Downtown, Hawaii Theatre).
Yes, there is parking available. The Chinatown Municipal Parking lot is located at 1-35 N Beretania St, which is close to the marketplace.
Absolutely! The Honolulu public bus system serves Chinatown extensively. The Waikiki Trolley Red Line also stops conveniently close by.
Many visitors enjoy walking through Chinatown from the marketplace to discover other shops and eateries. The area is quite walkable, but be aware of your surroundings.
Several bus routes stop in the vicinity of Chinatown and Maunakea Marketplace. It's best to check TheBus website or app for the most current routes and schedules based on your starting location.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Maunakea Marketplace is a public open-air market and does not require an entrance ticket. You can freely wander through the stalls.
The marketplace generally operates during daytime hours, with most vendors open from morning until late afternoon. Specific hours can vary by vendor, but it's a popular spot for lunch.
There are no admission fees for any section of Maunakea Marketplace itself. Individual vendors will have their own pricing for goods and food.
It's advisable to check ahead for holiday hours, as some vendors may have reduced hours or be closed. However, it's a popular spot during festive periods like Lunar New Year. [^Review]
The marketplace is generally open during daylight hours. It's best to visit during typical business hours to ensure most vendors are open and active.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs
You can find a wide variety of souvenirs, including aloha shirts, island-style accessories, handcrafted items, jewelry, and unique trinkets.
Yes, there are several vendors selling clothing, from casual t-shirts to more traditional island wear.
Absolutely! Maunakea Marketplace is known for its fresh fruits, vegetables, and other local produce, similar to other buildings in Chinatown. [^Review]
Many visitors recommend exploring beyond the main areas to find hidden gems, like specific fruit stalls or local butcher shops.
[^Review]Bargaining is often possible, especially for non-food items like souvenirs and clothing. It's part of the shopping experience in many open-air markets.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You'll find an array of delicious food, including fresh seafood cooked to order, authentic Chinese BBQ (especially roast duck), tropical fruit smoothies, dim sum, and Laotian fast food.
Blue Seafood Company is highly recommended for incredibly fresh fish, cooked right there for you. They offer various types of fish prepared in different styles.
Yes, the roast duck is a local favorite and highly recommended for its flavor and tenderness. You can get it by the plate or as a half/whole duck.
[^Review]While many options are meat and seafood-focused, you can find fresh fruit stalls and potentially some vegetable-based dishes at various food vendors.
Food prices are generally reasonable, with options ranging from affordable snacks like smoothies and dim sum to more substantial meals like seafood plates and BBQ duck.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, the vibrant colors of the produce, the bustling market scenes, and the diverse food offerings make it a visually interesting place for photography.
Focus on the colorful tropical fruits, the fresh seafood displays, the steaming dim sum, and the lively interactions between vendors and customers.
Generally, casual photography for personal use is accepted. However, it's always polite to ask vendors before taking close-up photos of them or their products.
Morning hours can offer softer light and fewer crowds, making it easier to capture clear shots. However, the midday bustle also provides a dynamic atmosphere.
Yes, food photography is very popular here! Capture the delicious dishes before you dig in to share your culinary discoveries.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🍜 Food Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Culinary Adventure in Chinatown
Beyond these highlights, the marketplace is a treasure trove of local tastes. You can find Laotian fast food options, and a vibrant selection of tropical fruits like mangoes and lychees, perfect for a refreshing snack. Many visitors recommend exploring the various stalls to discover unique local delicacies and support small businesses. Remember to bring cash, as some vendors may prefer it, and be prepared for a bustling, authentic culinary experience.
Shopping for Treasures and Local Goods
Visitors often highlight the opportunity to find fresh produce, including a colorful variety of fruits and vegetables, similar to what you'd find in other Chinatown buildings. [^Review] For those seeking specific items, there are even local butcher shops within the marketplace that sell meats like pork belly. While exploring, don't hesitate to engage with vendors and perhaps even bargain for prices, especially on non-food items, as it's a common practice in such markets. Remember to wear comfortable shoes, as you'll want to explore every nook and cranny of this lively market.
Navigating Chinatown's Vibrant Heart
Getting to and around Chinatown is relatively easy. The Waikiki Trolley's Red Line offers a convenient stop at #9 Chinatown, making it accessible for tourists. For those driving, the Chinatown Municipal Parking lot on N Beretania Street is a good option. When exploring, be mindful of your surroundings, as Chinatown can be a busy urban environment. However, the vibrant energy, the mix of traditional and modern elements, and the sheer variety of goods and foods make it a captivating experience for any visitor. [^Review]
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit