Hawaiian Punch - NYTimes.com In the early 2000s, Honolulu's Chinatown - a cluster of downtown streets lined with attractive turn-of-the-20th-century buildings - began its transformation from a seedy red-light district into the city's creative hub. Galleries and bars popped up in the once-empty storefronts, and the First Friday art party, when artists open their studios, bands play in the streets, and everything stays open late, became one of the hottest events in town. In the past year, Chinatown's evolution has taken a new turn, as a number of restaurants and boutiques have set up shop in the neighborhood. They're bringing a welcome dose of urbanity to the party - and with a distinctly Hawaiian feel. EAT Since opening in July, Lucky Belly (50 North Hotel Street; 808-531-1888; entrees $8 to $14) has been drawing a stylish crowd with its sleek, earthy-industrial interior - rough plank wood walls, exposed ductwork - and its delicious ramen with smoky pork belly and a rich, gingery broth. The just-opened Hasr Bistro (31 North Pauahi Street; 808-533-4277; hasrbistro.com; entrees $15 to $40), next door to the wine shop of the same name, serves French- and Italian-inspired dishes like onion soup and Kona lobster cioppino. The best part: buy a bottle in the shop and have it with your meal at no additional charge. SHOP La Muse (1156 Nuuanu Avenue; 808-536-0818; lamusehawaii.com) showcases the owner Julia Chu's sophisticated take on island style; there are carved bone bracelets, rings made of watch mechanisms and a wide range of swimwear, including whimsically embellished bikinis. This fall, the "Project Runway" finalist Andy South (by appointment; 12 South King Street; 808-744-1167; andysouth.com) opened his atelier and showroom to the public; his line runs from gossamer silk tanks with open backs to chain-fringed leather vests. At Homecoming (1191 Bethel Street; 808-536-6000) you'll find an eclectic mix of young looks: batik-printed minidresses, graphic tees, a bomber jacket in tweed. And for the Honolulu version of skater style, there's Blank Canvas (1145 Bethel Street; 808-780-4720), which sells irreverent tees, hats and bags in a cool loftlike space; they'll also print a custom piece for you, using one of their designs or your own. CLEAN UP Guys can pop into the retro-cool Mojo Barbershop (1157 Bethel Street; 808-927-8017; mojobarbershop.com) for an expert cut, straight-razor shave or detox facial treatment. With TVs, magazines and beer on offer, it's not for nothing Mojo styles itself as a "social club." SEE The latest gallery to hit the Chinatown scene is Loading Zone (47 North Hotel Street; 808-312-4781; loadingzonearts.com), a "creative collective" that stages shows of local artists, holds dance and music performances and offers dance and yoga classes.