Honolulu Chinatown to Get First Arch in Historic Milestone

The $600,000 project will create a new cultural landmark and welcoming gateway to the neighborhood.

Published on Mar. 3, 2026

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Honolulu's Chinatown neighborhood is set to get its first-ever archway, a $600,000 project that will serve as a cultural landmark and welcoming entrance to the historic district. A groundbreaking ceremony was held on Saturday to mark the start of construction, with the arch expected to be completed and installed within the next six months.

Why it matters

Chinatown is a vital multicultural hub in Honolulu, but has lacked the iconic archway that is common in other major Chinatowns like those in Los Angeles and San Francisco. The new arch is seen as a way to elevate Chinatown's profile and draw more visitors to the neighborhood, which is also set to benefit from a future rail station nearby.

The details

The arch is being built in China and will feature two large bronze alloy lions donated by a local restaurant owner. The foundation work is being donated by a local construction company. Once installed, the arch will stand at the entrance to Kekaulike Mall on King Street, greeting visitors arriving by the future rail line.

  • The groundbreaking ceremony was held on Saturday, March 1, 2026.
  • The arch is expected to be completed and installed within the next 6 months.

The players

Rick Blangiardi

The mayor of Honolulu who participated in the groundbreaking ceremony.

Eddie Flores Jr.

The head of the A Better Chinatown Association, which is leading the arch project.

Kirk Caldwell

The former mayor of Honolulu who originally suggested the idea for the Chinatown arch.

Peter Shi

The owner of CAA Construction, who is donating the foundation work for the arch.

Alan Ho

The owner of Jade Dynasty restaurant, who is donating the two large bronze alloy lions that will sit in front of the arch.

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What they’re saying

“We're the only one without an arch. Former Mayor Kirk Caldwell suggested it some years ago since Honolulu's Chinatown doesn't have one, unlike Los Angeles and San Francisco Chinatowns.”

— Eddie Flores Jr., Head of the A Better Chinatown Association

“It's going to be exciting. A lot of things are going to be happening in Chinatown.”

— Eddie Flores Jr., Head of the A Better Chinatown Association

What’s next

The arch is expected to be completed and installed within the next 6 months, by September 2026.

The takeaway

The new Chinatown arch will serve as a symbolic gateway and cultural landmark for Honolulu's historic and diverse Chinatown neighborhood, helping to elevate its profile and draw more visitors to the area as it continues to evolve.