Oahu is home to Honolulu, the capital city of Hawaii. Honolulu spans Oahu’s southern shore, it’s the economic, political, and social hub of the State of Hawaii. There’s no mistaking the highways and high-rises but outside of the city center, Oahu is as country-like as the other Hawaiian islands. This creates a unique juxtaposition, a laidback tropical isle with an extraordinary metropolis. Downtown Honolulu & Chinatown form Oahu’s Central Business District (CBD), complete with skyscrapers and historic landmarks.
Legislative duties are performed within a few Downtown Honolulu city blocks, at the Hawaii State Capitol (seat of Hawaii’s government), Washington Place (governor’s residence), and Honolulu Hale (city hall). Nearby icons include Iolani Palace, home of Hawaii’s last reigning monarchs, and Kawaiahao Church, built with coral slabs from ocean reefs and one of the oldest and most famous churches in Hawaii. Beyond the historical and cultural sights, find eclectic stores, lei stands, classy bars, restaurants, and friendly pubs.
Distance from Waikiki to Downtown Honolulu: 15-minutes drive
Things to Do in Downtown Honolulu
- See Kamehameha I statue in front of the Hawaii State Supreme Court
- Tour Iolani Palace, the only royal palace on U.S. soil
- Explore the Hawaiian Mission Houses
- Shop clothing boutiques Roberta Oaks, Fighting Eel & Valia
- Get caffeinated at Local Joe or Kai Coffee
- Experience Chinatown at Maunakea Marketplace
- Escape the city at Foster Botanical Garden
- Catch a show at the Hawaii Theatre
- Sip on tropical cocktails at Skull & Crown Trading Co.
- Head up to the 10th-floor observation deck at Aloha Tower
- Shop one-of-a-kind artifacts and vintage items at Hound & Quail
- Purchases unique coins, stamps, paper money, and Hawaiian items at Hawaiian Islands Stamp and Coin
- Stop in for a delicious slice of pizza at J. Dolans Irish pub
Best Eats in Downtown Honolulu
- Döner Shack (Middle Eastern): Doner Wraps
- Fete Hawaii (New American): Kauai Ranch Hanger Steak Frites; Pasta
- Fook Lam Restaurant (Chinese): Authentic Dim Sum (Yum Cha)
- Little Village Noodle House (Northern Chinese): Honey Walnut Shrimp
- Murphy’s Bar & Grill (Irish Pub): Irish Nachos; Corned Beef & Cabbage; Homemade Pies on Friday’s
- The Pig & The Lady (Vietnamese): Buttermilk LFC (Laotian Fried Chicken); Banh Mi Pho French Dip; Vegan Pho
