Downtown Honolulu Self-Guided Walking Tour

Oahu , United States

Downtown Honolulu Self-Guided Walking Tour

Active

(1 reviews)

1h - 3h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Step back in time and explore the charm of Historic Downtown Honolulu with our engaging audio tour! Discover the fascinating history, vibrant culture, and architectural wonders of this iconic neighborhood.

Wander through bustling streets lined with historic buildings, lush green parks, and bustling markets as our expert guides share captivating stories and intriguing facts.

From the royal palaces of the Hawaiian monarchy to the bustling Chinatown district, our tour covers it all. Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of Honolulu's past as you stroll through its historic streets.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, culture lover, or simply curious traveler, this tour is sure to delight!

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Available options

Downtown Honolulu Self-Guided Walking Tour

What's included

Take the tour when you want

Tours NEVER expire

Freedom to explore at your own pace

Tour Start is Customizable

Offline map (no wifi or data needed)

Tour highlights with activity and restaurant recommendations

Turn-by-turn directions using GPS

Hours of audio narration with stories, travel tips and music

Audio narration that plays automatically as you drive

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

The Kamehameha I statue is the starting point of the tour and has an unusual story associated with it. The statue is beautifully framed with the Ali’iolani Hale in the background.

Pro tip: If you come near Kamehameha Day (June 11), the statue will be draped in long leis in celebration!

Stop 2

The Ali’iolani Hale is a gorgeous and historical building - the name meaning “house of heavenly kings.” Here, you’ll hear some fascinating backstory about the building, and why it’s so important!

Stop 3

The Kawaiahao Church is an extremely historic church - the first Christian chapel on the Hawaiian Islands. The audio goes deep into the building itself and the history surrounding it.

Located on the grounds of the Kawaiahao Church, this tomb contains the People’s King of Hawaii - King Lunalilo. An extremely well-loved monarch who did a lot for his people. Learn all about him and his legacy on the tour. This is a sacred spot - please be respectful.

Stop 5

This building is the City Hall of Honolulu - and is beautiful both inside and out. In the lobby, you can view the historic architecture, and also art exhibits from local artists on display!

An imposing building with dramatic Greek-style pillars out front, the State Library is a sight to behold. The tour details the long history of reading and writing in Hawaii, and how the library was established.

Stop 7

Iolani Palace is the last stop on the tour - and it’s quite the epic place to end! This Palace is easily the most significant building on the tour. This is because it was an actual palace that generations of Hawaiian royalty lived in. Heaps of landmark events in Hawaiian history - both good and bad - took place here at the palace.

What's not included

Private transportation

Meals and refreshment

Entrance Fee - Iolani Palace

Available languages

Audio guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

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2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Get Started Easily: • Book Your Tour: Receive a confirmation and easy instructions via email. • Download the App: Follow the simple steps in your email. • Redeem the Tour: Use the redeem code in your email to redeem the tour in the app. • Prepare Ahead: Download the tour using strong Wi-Fi.

Begin Your Journey: • Select Your Tour: Go to the My Stuff tab in the Shaka Guide app to launch the tour. • Start the Tour: Select the tour starting point and follow the GPS instructions. • Follow Shaka Guide: Stick to the suggested route and speed for the best experience.

Why Choose Our Audio Tour: • Cost-Efficient: One tour for the entire vehicle—no per-person fees! • Ultimate Flexibility: Start, pause, and resume on your schedule. • Convenience: Use the tour any day, over multiple days if needed.

Top Features: • Hands-Free: The tour works automatically - GPS-activated stories, directions, and music play as you drive for a seamless experience. • Works Offline: No need for continuous wifi or data. • Reliable Support: Get help via call, chat, or email.

Private and Personalized: • Crowd-Free: Enjoy a private tour with just your group. • Customizable Stops: Pick the stops you want and skip the ones you don’t!

The Ultimate Guided Tour: • Detailed Itinerary: Includes travel tips and recommendations. • Engaging Narration: Captivating stories and history.

What Our Users Say: • “A fantastic way to explore! Easy to use and very informative.” • “Loved the flexibility to stop and go as we pleased. Highly recommend!”

Meeting point

The tour starts at the King Kamehameha Statue in Honolulu.

Important notes

HOW TO REDEEM YOUR TOUR:

Thank you for purchasing the Downtown Honolulu Tour.

Before you start your adventure, you'll need to redeem and download the tour in the Shaka Guide app. Follow the instructions below:

*Please Note: The redeem code is the 10-digit booking reference number on your ticket (located under the barcode).

How to Redeem Your Tour(s):
1. Download the Shaka Guide app from the App Store or Google Play
2. Open the app and sign up or sign in
3. Tap Support
4. Tap Retrieve Purchases
5. Tap Redeem Purchase
6. Enter the 10-digit Booking Reference number (under the barcode on their Viator ticket)
7. Hit Redeem Purchase and download the tour(s)

Once you've redeemed your tour, you'll find it under "My Stuff" in the app.

For a smooth ride, download the tour with wifi before you go.

We can't wait for you to explore with Shaka Guide!

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to aloha@shakaguide.com or call (808) 201-8138

DOWNLOAD THE APP HERE: www.shakaguide.com/download

About Oahu

Oahu, known as 'The Gathering Place,' is the third-largest of the Hawaiian Islands and home to the state capital, Honolulu. It offers a unique blend of urban attractions, historical sites, and stunning natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a diverse Hawaiian experience.

Top Attractions

Waikiki Beach

Waikiki Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the world, known for its golden sand, clear waters, and vibrant atmosphere. It's perfect for swimming, surfing, and people-watching.

Beach Half day to full day Free

Pearl Harbor National Memorial

Pearl Harbor is a historic site that commemorates the attack on Pearl Harbor during World War II. Visitors can tour the USS Arizona Memorial, Battleship Missouri, and the Pacific Aviation Museum.

Historical Half day to full day Free to $2.00 for the USS Arizona Memorial program

Diamond Head State Monument

Diamond Head is an iconic volcanic crater offering stunning views of Honolulu and the Pacific Ocean. The hike to the summit is moderate and rewards visitors with breathtaking panoramic views.

Nature 2-3 hours $5 per vehicle, $1 per pedestrian

Must-Try Local Dishes

Poke

A Hawaiian raw fish salad typically made with ahi tuna or salmon, soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions.

Lunch/Dinner Can be made with cooked fish or tofu for a vegetarian/vegan option.

Loco Moco

A hearty dish consisting of white rice topped with a hamburger patty, a fried egg, and brown gravy.

Dinner Can be made with a vegetarian patty or tofu.

Shave Ice

Finely shaved ice topped with flavored syrups and often served with a scoop of ice cream or sweetened condensed milk.

Dessert Vegetarian and vegan-friendly.

Popular Activities

Hiking Surfing ATV tours Zip-lining Beach lounging Spas Sunset cruises Luaus

Best Time to Visit

December to March

This is the peak tourist season due to the winter whale-watching season and the Christmas holidays. The weather is pleasant, with occasional rain showers.

20-30°C 68-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Hawaiian, Japanese, Chinese, Filipino
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

GMT-10:00 (Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Oahu is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates in tourist areas. However, visitors should always be aware of their surroundings and take basic safety precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help or services
• Avoid leaving valuables unattended on the beach
• Be aware of strong currents and rip tides when swimming

Getting there

By air

Daniel K. Inouye International Airport • 5 km from Honolulu

By bus

Honolulu, Waikiki

Getting around

Public transport

The Bus system is affordable and covers most of Oahu, including major attractions and neighborhoods. Fares are $3 per ride, and day passes are available.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Waikiki Honolulu North Shore

Day trips

Kualoa Ranch

30 miles from Honolulu • Full day

Kualoa Ranch is a 4,000-acre nature reserve and working cattle ranch offering a variety of outdoor activities, including ATV tours, horseback riding, and movie site tours.

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

10 miles from Honolulu • Half day

Hanauma Bay is a marine life conservation district offering excellent snorkeling opportunities in a protected, pristine environment. The bay is home to a diverse range of marine life, including tropical fish, sea turtles, and dolphins.

Kualoa Ranch

30 miles from Honolulu • Full day

Kualoa Ranch is a 4,000-acre nature reserve and working cattle ranch offering a variety of outdoor activities, including ATV tours, horseback riding, and movie site tours.

Festivals

Honolulu Festival • March Merrie Monarch Festival • April

Pro tips

Visit popular attractions like Waikiki Beach and Pearl Harbor early in the morning to avoid crowds and heat
Rent a car for at least a few days to explore the island's diverse landscapes and attractions
Try local dishes like poke, loco moco, and shave ice for an authentic Hawaiian culinary experience
Pack light, breathable clothing and reef-safe sunscreen to protect your skin and the environment
Learn a few basic Hawaiian phrases to show respect for the local culture and enhance your travel experience