Downtown Honolulu Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Downtown Honolulu
Downtown Honolulu
Downtown Honolulu
Downtown Honolulu
Downtown Honolulu which includes modern architecture
Many of Hawai’i’s most important historic sites and beautiful buildings are clustered together here at the hub of the city, with the ocean just a short walk away.

Most visitors are drawn to Hawai’i’s capital by its famous beaches, but don’t dismiss the superb range of sights and sounds to be experienced in downtown Honolulu. This area is packed with gorgeous old buildings and interesting attractions, all close to one another. Walk between attractions without worrying about transport and get to the ocean within minutes.

Many of the buildings here are modern office blocks. Yet this part of the city is not just the place where Honolulu residents go about their daily business. It has a rich and varied past too. Look closely and find historic buildings scattered around between the contemporary skyscrapers. It’s also the place where Hawai’i’s history is made today, as it’s the seat of the state legislature.

Start your tour of historic Honolulu with the King Kamehameha StatueOpens in a new window. This famous sculpture, one of Honolulu’s best-known sites, represents the revered king who first united the Hawaiian Islands. Take the essential photo next to it with the beautiful Aliʻiōlani Hale building in the background.

Then head to any one of the many sites within walking distance. Go on a guided tour of the ‘Iolani Palace, directly opposite the statue, or visit the State of Hawaii Legislature. Alternately, get your culture fix at the Hawai’i State Art Museum or in the beautiful high-ceilinged halls of the Hawai’i State Public Library.

Head to the Aloha TowerOpens in a new window to marvel at its blend of art deco and Gothic-style architecture, then ascend to the observation deck for sweeping views of the city and the ocean. Afterwards, wander the buzzing streets of Chinatown, browsing the market stalls and shops. Look for temples such as the Japanese Izumo Taishakyo Mission Shrine and the Chinese Kuan Yin Temple.

Plan your excursion to Downtown Honolulu for the morning or the early afternoon in order to ensure entry into all the attractions. If you’re someone who comes alive in the evenings, arrive in good time to relax at one of the restaurants offering perfect views of the world-famous Hawaiian sunset.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Downtown Honolulu Hotel Deals

Aston at the Executive Centre Hotel
Aston at the Executive Centre Hotel
3 out of 5
1088 Bishop St, Honolulu, HI
The price is AU$343 per night from 15 Dec to 16 Dec
AU$343
includes taxes & fees
15 Dec - 16 Dec
Stay at this hotel in Honolulu. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
Broken furniture
"The room was good, the service was amazing our only complaint is the couch, it was broken and very uncomfortable, the room discrimination said sleeps 3 but the couch was actually a love seat and did not turn into a bed leaving just a small loveseat to try and sleep on"

Reviewed on 18 Nov. 2024

Aston at the Executive Centre Hotel
AC by Marriott Hotel Honolulu
AC by Marriott Hotel Honolulu
3.5 out of 5
1111 Bishop Street, Honolulu, HI
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$275 per night from 30 Nov to 1 Dec
AU$275
includes taxes & fees
30 Nov - 1 Dec
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Honolulu. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (174 reviews)
"Staff was courteous"

Reviewed on 16 Nov. 2024

AC by Marriott Hotel Honolulu
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
4.5 out of 5
2005 Kalia Rd, Honolulu, HI
The price is AU$507 per night from 8 Dec to 9 Dec
AU$507
includes taxes & fees
8 Dec - 9 Dec
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Honolulu. Enjoy 5 outdoor pools, a full-service spa, and 9 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (7,728 reviews)
"The staff here was fantastic. The bartender remembered our names on the second day!"

Reviewed on 20 Nov. 2024

Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
'Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach
'Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach
5 out of 5
2490 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI
The price is AU$598 per night from 22 Nov to 23 Nov
AU$598
includes taxes & fees
22 Nov - 23 Nov
Book a stay at this beach resort in Honolulu. Enjoy free WiFi, 5 restaurants, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,373 reviews)
"Overall the property was good. The in house restaurant for breakfast was terrible $38 USD for a basic bland buffet. Once I saw it I knew I didn’t want to eat there and especially for that price. We stayed here 2 other times and the restaurant was under different management and you could also order ..."

Reviewed on 20 Nov. 2024

'Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach
Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa
Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa
4 out of 5
2424 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI
The price is AU$492 per night from 22 Nov to 23 Nov
AU$492
includes taxes & fees
22 Nov - 23 Nov
Book a stay at this beach resort in Honolulu. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3,739 reviews)
"staff was great and the security was great also."

Reviewed on 18 Nov. 2024

Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa
Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
4 out of 5
2552 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI
The price is AU$518 per night from 14 Dec to 15 Dec
AU$518
includes taxes & fees
14 Dec - 15 Dec
Book a stay at this beach resort in Honolulu. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,895 reviews)
"Close to all shops restaurants two views"

Reviewed on 20 Nov. 2024

Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Honolulu

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Kaka'ako

While visiting Kaka'ako, you might make a stop by sights like Neal S. Blaisdell Center and Ala Moana Beach Park.

Kaka'ako
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Ala Moana

4.5/5(13 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Ala Moana, Ala Moana Center and Magic Island are top sights worth seeing.

Ala Moana
Bishop Museum showing interior views

Kalihi - Palama

If you're spending some time in Kalihi - Palama, Honolulu Harbor and Bishop Museum are top sights worth seeing.

Kalihi - Palama
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Pacific Heights

While visiting Pacific Heights, you might make a stop by sights like Queen Emma Summer Palace and National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.

Pacific Heights
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Waikiki

4.5/5(1,448 area reviews)

Waikiki Beach Walk and Waikiki Beach are just a few worthwhile attractions to visit in Waikiki. Travellers also love the stunning beaches, island views and popular shops.

Waikiki
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McCully - Moiliili

While visiting McCully - Moiliili, you might make a stop by sights like Old Stadium Park and Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai'i.

McCully - Moiliili

Downtown Honolulu Travel Guide

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