Downtown Honolulu, HI

Honolulu
Downtown Honolulu which includes a park and a sunset
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


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 ¥25,085 per night from Mar 31 to Apr 1
¥25,085
per night
Mar 31 - Apr 1
Stay at this hotel in Honolulu. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,013 reviews)
"Super nice hotel! Loved it"

Reviewed on Mar 26, 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 ¥27,014 per night from Apr 14 to Apr 15
¥27,014
per night
Apr 14 - Apr 15
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Honolulu. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and valet parking. Popular attractions Ala Moana Center and Waikiki Beach Walk are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (32 reviews)
"I enjoyed the modern rooms, incredibly friendly and helpful staff, and the happy hour menu."

Reviewed on Mar 26, 2024

AC by Marriott Hotel Honolulu
'Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach
'Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach
5 out of 5
2490 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥48,429 per night from Apr 3 to Apr 4
¥48,429
per night
Apr 3 - Apr 4
Stay at this beach resort in Honolulu. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and 5 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (2,054 reviews)
"Walking distance to everything"

Reviewed on Mar 27, 2024

'Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
4 out of 5
2005 Kalia Rd, Honolulu, HI
The price is ¥41,316 per night from Apr 26 to Apr 27
¥41,316
per night
Apr 26 - Apr 27
Stay at this 4-star beach resort in Honolulu. Enjoy 5 outdoor pools, 9 restaurants, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Waikiki Beach Walk and Royal Hawaiian ...
8/10 Very Good! (6,169 reviews)
"This was our second time staying at this property and we had a great time! Everything was as expected and location is awesome near everything in Waikiki. Notably, Nancy at check in was awesome and made us feel welcome right away after coming in from the airport. It was a great start to our trip!"

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2024

Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
4 out of 5
2552 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI
The price is ¥48,277 per night from Apr 6 to Apr 7
¥48,277
per night
Apr 6 - Apr 7
Stay at this beach resort in Honolulu. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and 5 restaurants. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,277 reviews)
"Great location. Big property that’s well maintained Amazing views"

Reviewed on Mar 26, 2024

Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
Ala Moana Hotel by Mantra
Ala Moana Hotel by Mantra
3.5 out of 5
410 Atkinson Drive, Honolulu, HI
The price is ¥30,873 per night from Apr 21 to Apr 22
¥30,873
per night
Apr 21 - Apr 22
Stay at this spa hotel in Honolulu. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (3,266 reviews)
"Really enjoyed staying here for my first trip to Hawaii for my birthday. I booked an ocean view suite and that was the best decision I could’ve made. The view of the ocean was beautiful, and the suite was nice and spacious. I don’t get good sleep generally but I slept like a baby every night I was ..."

Reviewed on Mar 23, 2024

Ala Moana Hotel by Mantra
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 Ward Village Shops and Neal S. Blaisdell Center.

Kaka'ako
Ala Moana Beach Park showing surfing, a coastal town and tropical scenes

Ala Moana

4/5(233 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 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, Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace and Royal Mausoleum State Monument are top sights worth seeing.

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

Waikiki

4.5/5(10,927 area reviews)

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

Waikiki
Default Image

Liliha - Kapalama

While visiting Liliha - Kapalama, you might make a stop by sights like Waikiki Historic Trail and Kamehameha Shopping Center.

Liliha - Kapalama

Downtown Honolulu, HI