The Wo Fat Building

The Wo Fat Building is one of the most defining landmarks in Honolulu’s Chinatown, capturing the essence of its history and cultural roots. Founded in 1882, but it was rebuilt twice on the same site following the fires of 1886 and 1900. In 1938, Y. T. Char redesigned the structure, incorporating popular Art Deco features of the period mixed with other stylistic elements that reflected its prominent spot in Chinatown. Its striking architecture, with classical Chinese motifs and a pagoda-style roof, stands as a reminder of Honolulu’s unique multicultural blend.

Wo Fat was the oldest operating restaurant in Hawaii before its closure in 2009. After the restaurant’s closure, the ground floor was converted into a supermarket, and the upper floor was used as a showroom for concerts. Recently, the upper level of the Wo Fat Building was home to a gallery and nightclub called The Loft, which is now closed.

The Wo Fat Building was purchased in 2017 by a partnership of June Jones, Dickie Chang and Donald Kenney of Mighty Wo Fat, LLC with idea of creating Chic Boutique Hotel with lobby bar and restaurant. The building began its renovation in 2022 and has been partially completed to include a full bar and restaurant on the ground floor and 23 guest suites.

This is your chance to be a part of the completion and to see this popular and iconic destination reach its glory.