Downtown Honolulu, HI

Honolulu
Downtown Honolulu which includes heritage architecture and a city
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


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 ₩241,352 per night from Nov 24 to Nov 25
₩241,352
₩284,710 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 24 - Nov 25
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! (971 reviews)
"Very nice"

Reviewed on Oct 27, 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 ₩232,355 per night from Nov 25 to Nov 26
₩232,355
₩274,092 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 25 - Nov 26
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! (167 reviews)
"Very friendly and clean facilities"

Reviewed on Nov 2, 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 ₩284,600 per night from Nov 26 to Nov 27
₩284,600
₩416,809 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 26 - Nov 27
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! (7,671 reviews)
"My wife and I have coming here 3 times in a row great views"

Reviewed on Nov 2, 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 ₩371,218 per night from Nov 19 to Nov 20
₩371,218
₩521,748 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 19 - Nov 20
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! (2,349 reviews)
"Everything looks amazing. Love this place"

Reviewed on Nov 3, 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 ₩325,847 per night from Nov 24 to Nov 25
₩325,847
₩465,466 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 24 - Nov 25
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! (2,856 reviews)
"Beautiful property, close to everything and lots of dining options."

Reviewed on Nov 4, 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 ₩273,601 per night from Nov 25 to Nov 26
₩273,601
₩402,228 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 25 - Nov 26
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! (3,750 reviews)
"The property was surrounded by eateries and shops. Directly across the street from the beaches. The property has many shops inside and the property."

Reviewed on Nov 2, 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 neighborhoods around Downtown Honolulu

Each year on Memorial Day, O'ahu hosts a beautiful event called the Lantern Floating Festival, held at Ala Moana Beach Park. If you don't mind the crowds of people, this is a moving and emotional experience. People write messages on personal lanterns and float them out to sea

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
Ala Moana Beach Park showing surfing, tropical scenes and swimming

Ala Moana

4/5(233 area reviews)

Situated along Oʻahu's southern shores, this district boasts a vast stretch of reef-protected white sandy beaches and the world's largest open-air shopping center, Ala Moana Center. Enjoy shopping, dining, and relaxing at Ala Moana Beach Park.

Ala Moana
Bishop Museum which includes 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
Tantalus which includes night scenes, a city and landscape views

Pacific Heights

If you're spending some time in Pacific Heights, Queen Emma Summer Palace and National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific are top sights worth seeing.

Pacific Heights
Waikiki featuring landscape views, a sunset and a city

Waikiki

4.5/5(10,927 area reviews)

Famous for Waikiki Beach, this district boasts six beaches and a skyline filled with high-rises and resort hotels. Surfing enthusiasts can enjoy the ideal surf break, while Kalākaua Avenue offers luxury shopping and Kūhiō Avenue features diverse dining and nightlife options.

Waikiki
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McCully - Moiliili

If you're spending some time in McCully - Moiliili, Old Stadium Park and Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai'i are top sights worth seeing.

McCully - Moiliili

Downtown Honolulu, HI