Downtown Honolulu Travel Guide

Honolulu
Downtown Honolulu
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 Statue. 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 Tower 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

Things to do


Top hotels in Downtown Honolulu

Aston at the Executive Centre Hotel
Aston at the Executive Centre Hotel
3 out of 5
1088 Bishop St, Honolulu, HI
The price is Rp2.754.988 per night from 20 Nov to 21 Nov
Rp2.754.988
Rp3.249.917 total
includes taxes & fees
20 Nov - 21 Nov
Stay at this hotel in Honolulu. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,005 reviews)
"Very nice"

Reviewed on 27 Oct 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
The price is Rp2.658.708 per night from 14 Nov to 15 Nov
Rp2.658.708
Rp3.136.264 total
includes taxes & fees
14 Nov - 15 Nov
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Honolulu. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (167 reviews)
"Very friendly and clean facilities"

Reviewed on 2 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is Rp3.256.524 per night from 27 Nov to 28 Nov
Rp3.256.524
Rp4.769.334 total
includes taxes & fees
27 Nov - 28 Nov
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! (7,695 reviews)
"Great place."

Reviewed on 4 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 Rp4.247.640 per night from 9 Nov to 10 Nov
Rp4.247.640
Rp5.970.096 total
includes taxes & fees
9 Nov - 10 Nov
Stay at this beach resort in Honolulu. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 5 restaurants and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,349 reviews)
"Everything looks amazing. Love this place"

Reviewed on 3 Nov 2024

'Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach
Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
4 out of 5
2552 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI
The price is Rp3.728.484 per night from 24 Nov to 25 Nov
Rp3.728.484
Rp5.326.066 total
includes taxes & fees
24 Nov - 25 Nov
Stay at this beach resort in Honolulu. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 outdoor pools and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,857 reviews)
"Every one was so friendly"

Reviewed on 4 Nov 2024

Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa
Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa
4 out of 5
2424 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI
The price is Rp3.130.668 per night from 25 Nov to 26 Nov
Rp3.130.668
Rp4.602.466 total
includes taxes & fees
25 Nov - 26 Nov
Stay at this beach resort in Honolulu. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3,755 reviews)
"Beautiful property centrally located just steps from the beach. Excellent, friendly service with lovely amenities."

Reviewed on 3 Nov 2024

Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach 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

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

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