Downtown Honolulu

Honolulu

Downtown Honolulu
Downtown Honolulu
Downtown Honolulu
Downtown Honolulu
Downtown Honolulu featuring 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 P9,378 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
P9,378
P11,062 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Honolulu. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,010 reviews)
"Good location"

Reviewed on Aug 7, 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 P9,706 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P9,706
P13,807 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
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! (278 reviews)
Anniversary trip part 2
"We moved here from the other hotel due to its closeness to the airport, parking on site and elevators. From here we toured the Arizona Memorial and the Polynesian Cultural Center. It was an easy walk to the Queen’s palace but it was not open during our stay. The staff was very helpful and attentive ..."

Reviewed on Aug 7, 2025

AC by Marriott Hotel Honolulu
Bishop Suites At The Executive Centre

Bishop Suites At The Executive Centre

4 out of 5
1088 Bishop St, Honolulu, HI
The price is P7,037 per night from Aug 28 to Aug 29
P7,037
P9,985 total
Aug 28 - Aug 29
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Honolulu. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Honolulu Harbor and Ala Moana Center ...
7.4/10 Good! (57 reviews)
"Very good experience"

Reviewed on Jun 2, 2025

Bishop Suites At The Executive Centre
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 P13,925 per night from Sep 11 to Sep 12
P13,925
P19,567 total
Sep 11 - Sep 12
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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (8,352 reviews)
"The hotel is a great location right on the beach. There is a lot to do with the beach, pools, and lagoon. I didn't like that the resort was so crowded. There could definitely be a few more pools with the number of people there. There could also be more restrooms and places to purchase drinks. There ..."

Reviewed on Aug 9, 2025

Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort

Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort

4.5 out of 5
2255 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI
The price is P26,207 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
P26,207
P34,416 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Honolulu. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,331 reviews)
"Stayed there twice and loved it."

Reviewed on Aug 8, 2025

Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort
Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa

Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa

4 out of 5
2424 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI
The price is P12,732 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
P12,732
P18,521 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,383 reviews)
"Better parking system"

Reviewed on Aug 10, 2025

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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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
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Koreatown

Though Koreatown might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Ala Moana Center and Waikiki Beach.

Koreatown
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
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Pacific Heights

If you're spending some time in Pacific Heights, Queen Emma Summer Palace and Honolulu Museum of Art Spalding House are top sights worth seeing.

Pacific Heights

Downtown Honolulu