Honolulu is unique and vibrant blend of museums, art galleries, eclectic dining options, the financial district and bustling Chinatown. Historic landmarks abound within walking distance, Cuban cafes and Eurasian tantalize the taste buds, while the rich arts and culture enliven the mind. Be inspired.. Come join the scene.
Enjoy the guided tour of one of Honolulu's most honored landmarks. Journey through the times of happiness and tragedy of King Kalakaua and Queen Lili'uokalani as you view their 2-storey American Florentine style palace. Also located in the Palace grounds are the 'Iolani Barracks, which housed as many as 125 soldiers of the Hawaiian monarchy. After extensive travels throughout the world,
Statue of King Kamehameha I
Directly across from 'Iolani Palace, King Kamehameha I is immortalized in bronzed. It was King Kamehameha who unified the Hawaiian Islands under one rule, and every June 11th (Kamehameha Day) this famous Hawaii landmark is draped with dozens of 30-foot fresh flower lei in his honor.
Take an escorted walking tour into the life and work of the Protestant missionaries who settled in Hawaii in 1820. See three original frame homes that were built in New England and shipped to Hawaii.
The neoclassical Hawaii Theatre, opened in 1922, is a multi-purpose state-of-the-art performance center.
This museum is recognized for its vast collections of Asian, American and European art. Six garden courtyards surround the Academy's 30 galleries.
Located in the Aloha Tower Marketplace, the Tower was once the tallest building in the Islands. This gothic structure includes four seven-ton clocks from the Howard Clock Company in Boston, one on each of its sides.
Founded by King Kamehameha III in 1836, the Royal Hawaiian Band has entertained audiences in Hawaii and around the world for over 175 years. Weekly public performances are held every Friday at the 'Iolani Palace.
Visit the picturesque chapel in Nu'uanu Valley where Hawaii's Kamehameha and Kalakaua royal families were laid to rest before being removed to private vaults.
Nu'uano Pali Lookout offers on of O'ahu's finest views and sheer Ko'olau cliffs. Perched 3,000 feet above the O'ahu coastline is the site of the battle of Nu'uanu, where in 1795 Kamehamela I won the struggle that united the Island of O'ahu with the rest of his kingdom.
Travel north of Honolulu through the 2,013-foot Tantalus Rainforest and Mountain. Enjoy the panoramic views of the Honolulu skyline below and the lush rainforest abundance surrounding you on this hillside of wildlife, flowers and exotic fruit trees.P10
Drive into the lush, green Nu'uanu Valley and visit the secluded summer retreat of Queen Emma, King Kamehameha IV and their son, Prince Albert. ROyal antiques and furnishings stand in their original places.
In the late 1930s, Doris Duke built "Shangri La," her Honolulu home, overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Le'ahi (Diamond Head). Today, Shangri La houses Duke's extensive collection of Islamic art and is open for guided tours.
Nestled in Manoa Valley and surrounded by charming gardens, the Wai'oli Tea Room listed on the United States Register of Historic Places is the perfect setting for refreshing afternoon tea.
The first Chinese immigrants arrived on O'ahu in 1852 to work on the sugar plantations. As they moved into urban Honolulu, they established a community in the area now known as Chinatown. Today, enjoy open markets, noodle shops and traditional herb shops, then take a walking tour of this historic area.
The only way to enjoy the sites and sounds of Chinatown is on foot. Stop at one of the many lei stands on and near Maunekea Street and marvel at the varieties, intricate and artistic designs and fragrant masterpieces, then purchase a tradition of aloha.
Hip Arts Scene
Trendy bars and lounges offering live music, film screenings and art exhibitions combine for a hip and hot Downtown Honolulu (Hotel Street, Nu'uanu Avenue, Bethel Street and King Street) scene. Check out First Friday of the Month evenings, when Chinatown's galleries, museums, studios, cafes, bistros and antique stores are open and festivities include street entertainment. Third Thursdays have been added due to popularity.
