Chinatown Food Tasting and Cultural Walking Tour

* End of Summer Special *

If you book a tour in August receive a 15% discount by using the discount code "funtime12" during your checkout. Please take off the quote marks. You can take the tour any time in the next year.

 

A Gateway Between East and West.

There are plenty of activities that tourists can put on their to do lists. We hope that you will break away from the crowds of tourists in Waikiki and spend some time walking with us. Chinatown is different from many of the other attractions in Hawaii and is best experienced on foot. Asian Market Hawaii

Walk though its mysterious streets while learning about local Tongs (quasi secret societies), cultural dishes and even homeopathic remedies. From the paving stones that were used as ballast on trading ships to the smells of delicious plates cooked right in front of you, you’ll never miss a beat. You will smell the Lei shops, fruit stands, and the meat.

Asian Market HawaiiNot only will you experience the sights, sounds, and smells of Chinatown but on our tour you will actually get to taste the various offerings of Chinatown, something most tourists don't get to do. Everything on the tour comes directly from our hand selected vendors. While some items are rather exotic, all will please the senses and make the perfect addition to your holiday.

Steeped in History but Continuing to Evolve.

Honolulu's Chinatown is one of the oldest Chinatowns in the Western Hemisphere. Its unique position in the middle of the Pacific Ocean has traditionally been the entry point for cultural exchange between East and West. While this exchange has benefited both, Chinatown's history is not without turmoil.

 

Even today Chinatown continues to reinvent itself, however, two major fires almost consumed this dynamic neighborhood. The first fire, in 1886, was accidental and a staggering 7350 homes were lost. The second much more destructive fire followed in 1900. Ironically, the fire was intentionally set by the board of health to protect the public by controlling the spread of the Bubonic Plague. But it quickly raged out of their control. This cycle of destruction and reinvention is a continuing theme of Chinatown that continues today. Currently, Chinatown is in an upswing and should be on your to do list.

 

Following the Vietnam war, Chinatown fell into disrepute and was generally shunned by locals and visitors. However, a number of people stepped in to save the historic buildings and revitalize the local economy. Their hard work has paid off and now both visitors and residents flock to Chinatown to buy fresh produce, fish, meat, manapua, candied fruits and vegetables, noodles, tea, duck eggs, char siu and other Asian delicacies. At noon, people in the downtown business community visit the nearby area for dim sum or lunch at one of the delicious and inexpensive specialty restaurants. At night, they frequent the numerous art galleries and more upscale bars and restaurants. On this tour, we have handpicked some of our favorite to visit,


Let’s take a walk.

Asian Market HawaiiSometimes it is nice to forget the buses, typical tourist attractions, scheduled stops, and canned scripts and just walk the streets. If this is your first walking tour, we hope that you will see why we love this approach. It give you a chance to slow down and take it all in. While the beaches and sunsets are bar none some of the best in the world,Chinatown offers an experience you won’t want to miss.We hope you venture off the beaten path and come away with us.

 

 

We invite you to get away from the big tour companies, get local and interact in a way you never thought possible. Enjoy the rich cultural flavors of Chinatown and let us know how we can enhance your holiday in Hawaii.


Ask away.

We’ll answer all your questions as you enjoy our intimate tour. We want you to feel comfortable asking questions and hopefully generate conversations between other group members.

No need to feel like a number because we limit the size of our groups. We want your tour to truly be yours so you can make the most of it.

tour information

Advance purchase required
Tours often sell out in advance

 


Check availability & buy tickets:
Chinatown Food & Cultural Tour

Or to buy by phone, call Zerve at
(800) 979-3370

Honolulu's Chinatown Food Tour Information

When: Seven days a week.

Time: Tours start daily at 10:00, 10:30, and 11:00

How Long: 3 Hours

How Much: $59.00 per ticket

What's Included: All food tastings

Who: All age groups and fitness levels

Capacity: We limit our tours to 10 people

What to Wear: Comfortable walking shoes and sunscreen

Where: Meet at Aloha Tower

 

Some of the foods that are offered on the tour

 

  - Malasadas and Kona Coffee

  - Local Artisan Jams and Jellies

  - Char Siu and Roast Pork

  - Dim Sum

  - Manapua

  - Bubble Tea

  - Exotic Seasonal Fruits

  - Traditional Asian Street Foods