Downtown Honolulu and Chinatown: A Self-Guided Walking Tour

Show all photos
2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes (approximately)
Offered in: English and 1 more

Unlock the storied heart of Hawaii‘s capital, Honolulu on this self-guided walking tour through its Downtown and Chinatown districts. Your guide on this audio adventure is Kapena, a local guide who was born and raised in Oahu. Dive into the city‘s rich cultural heritage and learn about missionaries, diverse religions, and the way it fits into the wider world. Explore the city‘s glitzy side by seeing iconic film and television locations, such as the headquarters of Queens Hospital and the Honolulu Police Department, which both feature in the popular television series, Hawaii Five-0. See the statue of Elvis Presley on Ward Avenue, and hear about his performances in Hawaii. Walk through Hawaii‘s oldest city park, Thomas Square Park and swing through Chinatown, one of America‘s most historic. From the start of this Honolulu tour at King Kamehameha Statue to its end in front of the Queen Lili‘uokalani Statue by Iolani Palace, you‘ll learn all about the Hawaiian Kingdom.

What's Included

Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
App for Android and iOS
Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
Smart phone and headphones
Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour
Food and drink
Transportation

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

The tour starts at the at the Kamehameha Statue in Downtown Honolulu in front of Ali'iolani Hale. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

End point

The tour ends outside 'Iolani Palace, if the gates are open we suggest heading inside and taking a look.

Itinerary

Duration: 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes (approximately)
  • King Kamehameha Statue (Pass by)

    Start your tour at this striking bronze statue honoring Hawaii's greatest king, draped in traditional lei. Discover the fascinating stories of his royal descendants and their remarkable achievements on the world stage.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    See Hawaii's first Christian church, built from 14,000 coral blocks harvested from local reefs. Step inside this historic 1842 sanctuary known as the "Westminster Abbey of Hawaii" where royalty was crowned and married.

    Admission ticket free
  • Hawaii State Capitol (Pass by)

    Pass by this unique architectural marvel, one of only 11 state capitols without a traditional dome. Discover how its distinctive open-air design symbolizes Hawaii's volcanic origins and island geography.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Walk past this beautifully restored 1922 movie palace, known as the "Pride of the Pacific." Learn how this beloved neoclassical landmark survived decades of demolition threats to become a thriving cultural center.

    Admission ticket free
  • Aloha Tower Marketplace (Pass by)

    Stroll through the marketplace surrounding this iconic 1926 lighthouse that once welcomed ocean liners to Honolulu. Hear how this was Hawaii's tallest building when Pearl Harbor was attacked during World War II.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Explore one of America's oldest Chinatowns, a vibrant neighborhood filled with markets, shops, and authentic eateries. Experience the neighborhood's fascinating wartime history and enjoy award-winning Vietnamese cuisine at the Pig and the Lady.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    View Hawaii's oldest Catholic cathedral, a striking French Gothic Revival building consecrated in 1843. Marvel at the beautiful stained glass windows and hear about the missionaries who shaped Hawaii's religious landscape.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Walk through Hawaii's oldest public park, a peaceful green space dating back to 1843. Enjoy the shade of mature trees while learning about its significance in Hawaiian sovereignty history.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Pass by this living history museum featuring New England-style homes built by missionaries in the 1820s. Discover how these early arrivals influenced Hawaiian culture, language, and eventual political change.

    Admission ticket free
  • Ali'iolani Hale (Pass by)

    See the Hawaii State Supreme Court building, instantly recognizable as the headquarters from Hawaii Five-0. Learn about its original purpose as a royal palace and its role in Hawaii's judicial history.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Visit Hawaii's oldest bar, a classic navy watering hole that's been serving sailors and locals since 1935. Step inside this authentic dive bar to experience a piece of old Honolulu that has remained unchanged for generations.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Admire America's only royal palace, a magnificent Victorian-era building where Hawaiian monarchs once ruled. Explore the grand halls where Hawaii's last queen was imprisoned during the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom.

    Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by VoiceMap Audio Tours

Tags

Private Sightseeing Tours
Audio Guides
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Show more

from per person
Was {{formatPrice(summaryFromPriceBeforeDiscount, currency, 2)}}
Book Now