Fort Street Mall

Downtown is an asphalt jungle filled with various hidden gems and Fort Street area is no different.Yes parking ugh! What I usually do is make a day out of it starting at the Municipal lot and stroll around for what captures my attention, which doesn't really take very much but I do love how Fort Street Mall has evolved from the ultimate grunge to something more developed with some familiar and some not so familiar biz.On this day I stumbled unknowingly on a Christmas Fair filled with various vendors and it's in the same area as the Open Market (held on Tuesdays and Fridays 7am-1:30pm) I was so excited and decided to take advantage of this opportunity...and gosh what a lovely find!There weren't a lot but very selective as each vendor was unique in its own way all in the spirit of the holidays offering fun gift ideas was very inspiring and I did walk away with some great stocking stuffers and a solar cell phone charger for myself.Always try my best to support small and local this find was a delightfully fun as this shopaholic loves to explore.Thank you!

Central in downtown Honolulu is Fort Street, and since 1968 when converted by our Honolulu City Council is now known as Fort Street Mall.Fort Street runs north south in the center of the financial district of Honolulu. The north end of Fort Street is intersected with Beretania Street. The south end of Fort Street is intersected with Merchant Street.North heading south you will find the oldest Cathedral, Cathedral of Our Lady built in the 1800's. The Cathedral is followed by Sacred Hearts Convent School and then followed by the McCorriston Building. These buildings still stand and is a great part of Downtown Honolulu's history.Still heading south on Fort Street and in the 1960's-70's buildings were built and some businesses and structures were renovatedl such as the C. Brewer Buidling and the Judd Building, Today, in 2019; you can stroll up and down Fort Street, now referred to as the Fort Street Mall and find Farmer's Markets and mega markets like Walmart and Ross' Department Stores.Some tidbits: * Walmart used to be Macy's Department Stores who used to be Liberty House. * The area once used as the Sacred Hearts Convent is now the home of the Hawaii Pacific College (annex)* Woolworth's Department Store who used to be Kress Stores was replaced by Longs Drugs and Ross' Department Store and is towered with the Condo/Hotel Executive CentreBUT HERE'S A GREATER LEAP BACKWARDS IN TIME AND HISTORY:Over 200 years ago, Russians wanted to take over the Kingdom of Hawaii and used Fort Street as a road and area to develop a fort for the Russian traders. When King Kamehameha found out, he removed them from the island of Oahu.Once removed and as time past, Governor Kuakini contined and completed the rebuilding of the new "fort". This fort however was not only served as a fort for war but was also used to for canon salutes to friendly visitors and vessels.So there! a two bit journey of the Honolulu Fort, Then Fort Street, now Fort Street Mall. (ps- I tried to put this together from my recollection of Hawaiiana lessons in college; I may have to get back in to update and correct some of my "facts") Thank you for reading

This Open Market or Farmer's Market runs along Fort Street Mall from Hotel Street down to Merchant Street on Tuesdays and Fridays. What's nice about this Farmers' Market is that you don't have to wake up at the "crack of dawn" to get your goodies.The vendors are open from 7:00 AM - 2:00 PM on Tuesdays and Fridays so the hours are perfect for the downtown workers to step out during a break and shop. There are arts and crafts, food booths, healthcare systems volunteers, fresh produce and plants or flowers. We stopped by during a recent jaunt into the financial district on Friday. We were surprised to see so many vendors and people just roaming about. I came away with fresh kulolo (Hawaiian coconut-taro pudding) and haupia (Hawaiian coconut pudding). The kulolo was so fresh and soft that it had a similar consistency to fudge. The vendor normally sells her kulolo and haupia at $6 a container but, she sold me the two items for $10. She recommended eating the two together as they sell a product called "Haulolo" but was temporarily sold out. I waited until I returned home to give it a try and it was sooo good! Not overly sweet and the consistencies of both kulolo and haupia were a "match made in Heaven".I also made a stop at a vendor selling fresh produce as I was planning to make some kale chips this weekend for healthy snacks to distribute at our nephew's birthday party. The bunches of kale were smaller than what I've gotten from some Chinatown green grocers but nonetheless they were really fresh.La Tour Bakery had its own tent that featured its Cruffins (hybrid croissant & muffin), assorted breads and other baked goods. There was, also, a vendor selling locally made Hawaiian wear, t-shirts with Polynesian prints and handbags. A jeweler featured beach glass set in 14K yellow gold or sterling silver. Most of the vendors price their wares quite reasonably and when you purchase items, you really support local businesses. We could see many of the customers were dressed in either business or Aloha attire. The shopping crowd target is the downtown work force who already are parked for work but, you could usually find parking in one of the several nearby municipal parking garages.

Fort Street Mall is a pleasant walking street and shopping area that links Aloha Tower by the water, up to Hawai'i Pacific University downtown. It's traffic free and has easy pedestrian crosswalks for the cross streets, so it's the easiest way to walk and enjoy downtown. Shopping is plentiful with restaurants, stores, and major chains lining the way. It also links many of the main new buildings and historic ones like churches.On Tuesdays and Thursdays, look for the farmers market (see its own dedicated listing). The mall is open daily during normal business hours, and closed at night despite it being a public street. The walking street is situated between many tall buildings and has lots of palms, so it's generally shady and cool compared to the sunny areas. My favorite area is an art installation in Financial Plaza of the Pacific located makai of King Street: "Columns" by Arnaldo Pomodoro. The artist is a native of Milan, Italy and his originals works can be seen all over the world. His sculpture always reminds me of science fiction and machinery, like gears and inner workings inside a smooth mirror outer shell. His spheres are famous and a feast for the eyes. Hawaii is lucky to have 3 of his columns outside for all the view. There are so many nooks and crannies. I recommend stopping by to have a look!Overall, it's a nice place to walk and enjoy our tropical city. It's the perfect place for tourists and locals to explore!

There is HOPE for humanity. Parking my car at the Wal-Mart on Bethel and King (Free parking on Weekends and after 5 on weekdays!) my dogs were so exited to go for their run. Turning the corner at Hotel Street, we hit Fort Street, and then turning mauka we run. The light at the cross walk was red, so we waited, and waited. A young woman carrying two heavy laden Wal-Mart bags, looked both ways and crossed against the light. We waited. Fort Street Mall runs from S. Beretania (mauka) to Nimitz Hwy. (makai) from Hotel Street. I have history with Fort Street, we go back a long way. To the times before twenty-four hour security, back when you couldn't pass here without some punk trying to sell you a dime bag of oregano. The downtrodden, discharged, sometimes dismembered, dialects of humanity often congregated here. I like being. I like living (very much!). I like the raw side of humanity, and I love the smell of life. Those days are gone from here...mostly.When the light changed, we were off passing a security guard, the same young trudging woman, and a shirtless, homeless man sprawled in a corner. Returning, we walk (cooling off period), and as my girls sniffed and did their business, I spied the same young woman crouched beside the homeless man. As we grew closer, I heeled my girls and took note. She was making him PB&J sandwiches? Plastic knife in hand she spread what might have been a creamy Jiff and orange marmalade on wheat bread. The homeless man, appearing as a boney, sunken cheeked replica of Charlton Heston's Moses just before the Red Sea parted, was devouring them. I went my way thinking about the disposable plastic knife. Where did she come up with that? Then it dawned on me! She must have saw him on her way to Wal-Mart! I turned and approached her ever so carefully so as not to give alarm, and whispered. "I beg your pardon," she smiled up at me. "You give me hope in humanity."

Since becoming unemployed, I've been finding myself here more often during the normal work week. And why do I find myself here? Well, my bus conveniently stops a block away and it's easy to walk to. No cars can drive on here. Well, unless you're a cop or the trash guy then you can, but it's mainly a pedestrian walkway. And it runs the length of downtown Honolulu proper. So while I look for a job or hopefully run into people I know, I take advantage of the benches to sit at. Fortunately, there are a lot of benches to sit at. I've noticed along certain parts of Fort Street Mall, groups of people would gather around looking at their electronic devices. Those are the areas with free or unprotected wifi. So if you have a device that doesn't already have data and needs wifi, look for those group of people. You can't miss them.Another great thing is that there are water fountains and trash receptacles for your use. While I haven't used the drinking fountains, I've seen thirsty people taking a drink. Mind you, it's not homeless people drinking the water. It kind of reminds me of Rome where there is just water flowing and you people fill their bottles up. Or that's what I like to think it reminds me of anyway. Ok, honestly, I'm a little bit cautious to use the water fountains, but since I've seen business people stop and take a drink, it can't all be that bad!There are various shops that line Fort Street Mall. I like to walk down the Mall and window shop or just peak in. Ok, who am I kidding, I'm unemployed and that's all I can afford to do, just look at stuff. Actually the best thing to do on Fort Street Mall, is just hang out and people watch. The buildings and the various trees provide enough shade, so you don't get too uncomfortable. The other thing I like about Fort Street Mall is that if you are walking thru downtown late at night, this is prolly one of the safer routes to take. The Lady of Peace Cathedral is at the top and walking makai (ocean bound) most buildings have security patrolling Fort Street Mall side. I mean I wouldn't make it a habit to walk thru downtown at odd hours, but if you do, take Fort Street Mall.So while I am unemployed, look for me on Fort Street Mall. If I start looking a little crazy, could you let me know? I would really appreciate it.

Saw this bike station yesterday and just had to get a closer look today. Soooooo curious. Hmmm wonder if I remember how to ride a bike???? Not a bad deal $3.50 for half an hour.

Every time I walk down Fort Street Mall, I remember my college days. It feels like it was just yesterday that I was running around trying to find my classes in downtown Honolulu. While this place is called a 'mall', it is certainly not your typical mall. I think of it more like a marketplace. A lot of vendors to check out and a lot of people walking around.Fort Street Mall is busiest when HPU is in session since all the students are around. There is a sense of hustle-and-bustle during those times. Most of the shops in this mall are eateries. They are pretty good (and affordable) eateries too! Some of my favorite spots:Le Crepe CafeFort Street Cafe (good garlic chicken)Aloha Sushi1132 Cafe and Catering

Fort Street Mall seems to be one of those downtown, earthly cul de sac places where you just seem to just lose yourself in the urban setting. Fort Street Mall is those urban shops that just seems to be inundated with people who don't seem to have anywhere else to go during the work day. Sure there are people who shop and stuff, but there are others who just sit there, smoke, and talk to their friends in the vicinity. There are homeless people who do frequent the area, but alot of times, I just pass through here, since I live in Kaimuki and work in Kalihi. While I don't really come here to shop, it's one of those areas where you can just tolerate since you live here and not be too grossed out by all the homeless people who would just pee on the street and don't care.There's plenty of food stores here, including McDonald's and Subway, but I probably would not hang out here too long. I'm sure alot of craziness comes through here late at night, which would explain all the news reports in China town of the crime and junk in this area. No parking much to speak about. Get in, get out, get on with your life.C-

Ever since Walmart closed there are no bathrooms open to the public!!If there is a stench of urine it's because both men and women are peeing on the sidewalks and in corners!! This is horrible!! There are some elderly people who beed access to public pottys!! This has been on going for over a year!! All the City is concerned about is cleaning up Chinatown!!! Ha!!!What's a Chinatown without the bars and the gambling and the sleezy massage parlors, It no longer becomes Chinatown but a sanitized tourist trap!!! If the City intends to clean Chinatown, how about putting some bathrooms there!!