Historic Downtown Honolulu GPS-Led Self-Guided Walking Tour

Honolulu, US
Poor (1 reviews)

Highlights

  • Learn about Hawaiian Royalty and history
  • Explore the first Missionaries' impact
  • Discover filming locations from Hawai'i Five-0
  • Experience the Kingdom of Hawaii's heritage
  • Visit sites associated with Elvis Presley

Meeting Point

This tour begins at the Kamehameha Statue in front of Ali'iolani Hale in Downtown Honolulu. It is located across King Street from 'Iolani Palace and on the other side of Punchbowl Street from Kawaiaha'o Church.

Meeting point

447 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96813 , United States

End point

End Point

We end at the Queen Lili'uokalani Statue between 'Iolani Palace and the Hawai'i State Capital. Which is located across King Street from the Kamehameha Statue where we start this GPS-guided walking tour.

Meeting point

364 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96813 , United States

End point

What to expect

1

King Kamehameha Statue

Begin the Downtown Honolulu Walking Tour at the Kamehameha Statue at Ali'iolani Hale across from 'Iolani Palace. You will recognize the area if you are Hawai'i Five-0 fans.

Duration 5 minutes
2

Ali'iolani Hale

Ali'iolani Hale is the Supreme Court building in Hawai'i and was featured as the headquarters in the television show Hawai'i Five-0. The building also houses a free judiciary museum to visit.

Duration 5 minutes
3

King Lunalilo Mausoleum

See the Mausoleum for King William Charles Lunalilo or "the Peoples King" on the grounds of Kawaiaha'o Church and Cemetery. Located near Ali'iolani Hale and the 'Iolani Palace.

Duration 5 minutes
4

Kawaiahao Church

See the first Church on the island of O'ahu where Hawaiian Royalty like Queenʻs Ka'ahumanu and Keopūolani were baptized. There is also a fountain representing the springs which gave the Church itʻs name.

Duration 5 minutes
5

Honolulu Hale (City Hall)

View the building where the City and County of Honolulu conducts business. It is across the street from Kawaiaha'o Church near Ali'iolani Hale and 'Iolani Palace.

6

Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives

Pass by the Mission Houses Museum with an option to stop and visit. Learn about the first Missionary Company in Hawai'i from New England whose descendants would overthrow the Hawaiian Monarchy.

7

Neal S. Blaisdell Center

Opportunity to see the Elvis Presley Statue located at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center in Downtown Honolulu. It is where he performed the first live satellite televised concert "Aloha From Hawai'i."

8

Thomas Square

Visit Thomas Square Park where the statue of Kauikeaouli, or Kamehameha III, is located. This park is the site where the Hawaiian Monarchy had their sovereignty restored in an event marked by Lā Ho'iho'i Ea, or Restoration Day.

Duration 5 minutes
9

Honolulu Museum of Art

Opportunity to pause the tour and visit the Honolulu Museum of Art near Thomas Square Park and Downtown. They have art collections from across the Pacific Ocean as well as the Doris Duke Theater and Estate Tour.

10

Honolulu's Police Department Museum

View the Honolulu Police Department Museum and the real "Hawai'i Five-0" Headquarters. There is also a Law Enforcement Memorial on the complex by the Nagasaki Peace Bell.

Duration 5 minutes
11

Nagasaki Peace Bell

The Peace Bell was given to the City of Honolulu by the survivors of the Nagasaki Atomic attacks in World War 2 as a gesture of reconciliation.

Duration 5 minutes
12

Eternal Flame Memorial

Dedicated to the people of Hawai'i who have sacrificed their lives for the United States. The Eternal Flame is located across from the State Capital, near Queen Lili'uokalaniʻs Private Residence, with a view of the Punchbowl Crater.

Duration 5 minutes
13

Washington Place

See the private residence of Queen Lili'uokalani called "Washington Place." It was built by her Father in Law before he disappeared and operated as a boarding house by her Mother in Law.

Duration 5 minutes
14

Saint Andrew's Cathedral

Commissioned by Alexander Liholiho (Kamehameha IV) and his wife Queen Emma, this Anglican Church was inspired by the Gothic chapels in England. Queen Emma and British Queen Victoria were close personal friends.

Duration 5 minutes
15

Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace

See where relicʻs of Hawai'iʻs two saints, Father Damien and Sister Marry Anne Cope, rest today at the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace near Chinatown in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Duration 5 minutes
16

Roman Catholic Diocese Of Honolulu

Learn about the history of the Catholic Church in Hawai'i. You will see a Catholic Cemetery, hear about early converts and tribulations, their impact on the Kalaupapa Leapor Colonies, and more.

Duration 5 minutes
17

Chinatown

Explore what is considered as the oldest Chinatown in the Nation during this Downtown Honolulu GPS-Guided Walking Tour. Hear the stories, sample the flavors, and smell the smells from this famous district.

Duration 20 minutes
18

Hawaii Theatre Center

Learn about the history of the Hawai'i Theater in Chinatown from the Great Depression to the present. If you have reservations, you can pause the tour, enjoy the show and resume when you are ready.

Duration 5 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
19

Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Park

Visit the park named in honor of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, a son of Chinese farmers who immigrated to the Kingdom of Hawai'i with his brother to work the sugar cane plantations. He would become known as the Father of the Chinese Revolution.

Duration 5 minutes
20

Maunakea Market Place

When we get to Maunakea Street in Chinatown guests have the opportunity to pause the tour and explore the Marketplace. This area has great restaurants, art galleries, lei stands, fresh produce, and much more.

Duration 5 minutes
21

Walker Park

After leaving the statue of Hawaiian Patriot Robert Wilcox at the Fort Street Mall we will visit a park named after people who overthrew the sovereign Government in the islands.

Duration 5 minutes
22

Aloha Tower Marketplace

See where the USS Boston docked to overthrow the Kingdom, learn about the Hospitality Industry, and even see tropical fish. You can pause the tour to head into the tower or enjoy one of the restaurants and resume when you are finished.

Duration 10 minutes
23

Dillingham Transportation Building

Learn the history of the family that the Dillingham Transportation Building in Downtown Honolulu, Hawai'i is named for. It is located on Bishop Street as we leave Aloha Tower Marketplace.

Duration 5 minutes
24

Hale Koa: Iolani Barracks

See the Hale Koa or Warrior House at 'Iolani Palace. The former barracks of the Royal Hawaiian Guard now houses a gift shop where you begin the tour of the Palace.

25

Hawaii State Capitol

Visit the Hawai'i State Capital and see the Father Damien Statue, State Seal, Aquarius Mural and hear about the two saints from these islands.

Duration 5 minutes
26

Queen Liliuokalani Statue

See the Statue of Queen Lili'uokalani located between the Hawai'i State Capitol and 'Iolani Palace in Downtown Honolulu. You will hear a bit about her story and hear a song she composed during this tour.

Duration 5 minutes
27

Iolani Palace

We end this tour behind 'Iolani Palace at the Queen Lili'uokalani Statue but highly recommend you tour the Royal Residence before, during, or after this GPS-guided walking tour of Downtown Honolulu. Please make any reservations for the Palace Tour in advance and plan your route accordingly. But if the grounds are open, you can also walk around the outside for free.

Duration 60 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    Wheelchair accessible
  • Additional information
    Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Additional information
    Service animals allowed
  • Additional information
    Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Additional information
    Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Additional information
    All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Additional information
    Participants should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Provided by Audio Tour Hawaii : AT.Hi

What our experts say

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    Start early to avoid the heat.
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    Grab local snacks at Maunakea Marketplace.
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    Visit 'Iolani Palace before or after the tour.
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    Stroll through Chinatown for unique shops.
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    Bring water and wear comfortable shoes.

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