Downtown Honolulu Travel Guide

Honolulu

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

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 ฿5,216 per night from 29 Jun to 30 Jun
฿5,216
฿6,153 total
29 Jun - 30 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star 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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,007 reviews)
"I had a wonderful experience at this hotel! The entire property was clean, beautifully maintained, and surrounded by stunning scenery that made the stay even more relaxing. The staff was incredibly friendly and welcoming from the moment I arrived, which made me feel right at home. I would highly ..."

Reviewed on 19 Jun 2025

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 ฿5,210 per night from 21 Jun to 22 Jun
฿5,210
฿7,498 total
21 Jun - 22 Jun
includes taxes & fees
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! (262 reviews)
"Great service!"

Reviewed on 30 May 2025

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 ฿9,999 per night from 7 Jul to 8 Jul
฿9,999
฿13,920 total
7 Jul - 8 Jul
includes taxes & fees
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! (8,156 reviews)
"Great place to stay Our group(aged 12, 19, 20, 36 and 72) all were pleased with the hotel staff cleanliness and amenities something for everyone Only complaint is five days wasn’t long enough!"

Reviewed on 20 Jun 2025

Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort
Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort
4 out of 5
2255 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI
The price is ฿12,753 per night from 22 Jun to 23 Jun
฿12,753
฿17,054 total
22 Jun - 23 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel 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. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,174 reviews)
"very clean, great service!"

Reviewed on 20 Jun 2025

Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort
Wayfinder Waikiki
Wayfinder Waikiki
4 out of 5
2375 Ala Wai Blvd, Honolulu, HI
The price is ฿5,185 per night from 30 Jun to 1 Jul
฿5,185
฿7,469 total
30 Jun - 1 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Honolulu. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,479 reviews)
"htrrrrrrrhrbrrvvv4ffbhrrrrrhhhhrrrrrrrrrrrvvur nrrrrrn 4t4449jrj4byrgrrr444r4hjnrjlkn̈n4444444444jj44444. Vv v v 4. V. V. Vvv V V v v bn vv bbbrrrrbrrrbrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrbrrrrrrrrrrrrrrbrrrrrrrrrbbnrbr n4rr444 4rbbbbbbrrrbbrr r. R4 r rrrrrrv44nnl9k909m99 nrr44r44. 4444. ..."

Reviewed on 19 Jun 2025

Wayfinder Waikiki
Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
4 out of 5
2552 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI
The price is ฿8,519 per night from 9 Jul to 10 Jul
฿8,519
฿12,175 total
9 Jul - 10 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star 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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,285 reviews)
"It was absolutely beautiful, and the staff was very kind and helpful."

Reviewed on 19 Jun 2025

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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Chinatown

You'll enjoy the beaches and restaurants in Chinatown. You might want to make time for a stop at Honolulu Harbor or TAG - The Actors' Group.

Chinatown
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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

4.5/5(105 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

Downtown Honolulu Travel Guide