C-Mui Center in Chinatown closing after owner retires

Aug 27, 2026

A 66-year-old snack shop in Honolulu's Chinatown is shutting down at the end of the month, a loss for longtime customers but a well-earned exit for its owner.

  • The store's third owner is retiring after 26 years behind the counter.
  • The last two years were hard — she kept the shop running while caring for her husband, who has since died.
  • Her son is not taking over the business, so the shop closes for good.
  • Remaining stock includes dried lemons, li hing ginger, and rock salt plum, with some jars already sold out.
  • The shop built a loyal following on personal service, not just the snacks.

Outlook: The final day of business is Saturday, August 30, after which Chinatown loses one of its oldest specialty food shops.

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