Downtown Honolulu

Downtown Honolulu is the central neighbourhood of the main city of Hawaii. It has ample entertainment, historic places, and culture. If you’re looking to explore the pulse of Honolulu, head downtown for a one-of-a-kind experience. While downtown Honolulu is home to some of the most iconic attractions and famous government buildings, there are plenty of hidden gems that really capture the vibrant spirit of Hawaii.

Similar to most other major cities across the world, Honolulu has plenty of towering skyscrapers. What makes the downtown area so unique is that, in between these massive buildings, you’ll find noteworthy landmarks and museums, quaint souvenirs shops, and excellent local restaurants.

Downtown Honolulu - one of the highlights of 11 Most Popular Neighbourhoods in Honolulu (Read all about Honolulu here)

Where to start the day in Downtown Honolulu?

Downtown Honolulu is a small, concentrated area in the city. A great place to start your day downtown is Honolulu Harbor, where the city was founded. You can find one of the most iconic and historic spots in the city's downtown – the Aloha Tower. This impressive building was once a lighthouse and the tallest structure on the island. Its vintage lettering and beautiful clock make it an awesome spot for photos.

At the base of the tower, you’ll find the Aloha Tower Marketplace. This shopping mall has over 60 stores ranging from name brands to local boutiques and dozens of eateries. The 10th floor of the tower features the observation deck, where you can catch unparalleled views of the city, mountains, and harbour.

What are the top sights in the Capital Historic District?

Just a few minutes’ walk northeast of the harbour is the Capital Historic District, which features the most impressive buildings in the city. Arguably the most lavish of them all is the Iolani Palace which, in addition to being a visual masterpiece, is the only royal palace in the USA. The best way to learn more about the history of this significant building is with a self-guided or guided tour.

Honolulu's Capital Historic District is home to many important government buildings that are also worth a visit. Directly behind the Iolani Palace are the Hawaii State Capitol, Honolulu Hale (the city hall), and Washington Place, the impressive governor’s mansion. Nearby, you’ll find other famous landmarks like the local-favourite King Kamehameha I Statue and historic Kawaiahao Church.

Good to know about Downtown Honolulu

Downtown Honolulu is an excellent spot for happy hour and restaurants that go all out. Local favourites include Hukilau, which has fresh ahi poke and boozy slushies, Square Barrels, where you can grab gourmet burgers and craft beers, and Fete, an upscale farm-to-fork eatery. If you have time to explore other neighbourhoods, Chinatown and the Arts District are just northwest of Downtown, while the vibrant Kakaako waterfront and Kakaako neighbourhoods are southeast.

Since it’s about 1 mile wide, Downtown Honolulu is very walkable and, thanks to transport links, easy to get to from anywhere in the city. Put on your favourite walking shoes or hop on a city bike for an afternoon to remember.