It's been a while since I've been to Honolulu, but I keep reading that parking is now hard to find and expensive. Does anyone have any advice about parking downtown? I really just want to go to Chinatown and wander around the area. We're okay with parking somewhere outside of town and taking TheBus in if it's easier/cheaper. We'll be arriving the day before Labor Day and staying for the week after, so I'm not sure how crowded it will be at that time.

Also, is the Aloha Bowl Swap Meet still the place to go for souvenir and other shopping? Does anyone have any suggestions on which side of the stadium to park in? I know the place is huge and I'm not familiar with the layout, but I'd rather only stay for a few hours in the morning than for the whole day.

There are several parking lots/garages in Chinatown. You can see the locations on this website, and they also post the rates:

http://tiny.cc/NSftj

The cheapest parking will be at the municipal lots. Street parking can be hard to find and a lot depends on luck. If you do find street parking, make sure you don't let your meter run out - the meter maids are vigilant in that area.

I think your best bet on finding available parking with the most ease is to go mid-morning during the work week.

Aloha Bowl Swap Meet - you mean the one at the stadium? If so, then yes, that is the best swap meet for souvenirs. Not sure which side of the lot to park in is best, it's been years since I was last there.

Yes! The swap meet is still the BEST place for souvenirs. Here's a link http://alohastadiumswapmeet.net/ You can see a map of the stadium and parking.

Have a wonderful trip!

Thanks for the links!

I usually park in Chinatown Cultural Plaza. Cheap parking with validation from the merchants/restaurants there.

http://www.chinatownhi.com/?q=node/59

I sometimes park near Aloha Tower. Cheap validated parking there also. Park where it says: Marketplace Parking piers 5&6

Chinatown is only a few blocks away.

http://www.alohatower.com/page3.aspx