Downtown Honolulu and Chinatown: A Self-Guided Walking Tour

Oahu , United States

Downtown Honolulu and Chinatown: A Self-Guided Walking Tour

Active

2h - 2h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

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.

Available options

Downtown Honolulu and Chinatown: A Self-Guided Walking Tour

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

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 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.

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.

Stop 3 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.

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.

Stop 5 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.

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.

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.

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.

Stop 9 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.

Stop 10 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.

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.

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.

What's not included

Smart phone and headphones

Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour

Food and drink

Transportation

Available languages

Audio guide

Written guide

Important information

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

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.

Important notes

VOICEMAP CODE
───
Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS

───

Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app

Create an account

Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes

Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE
───

You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.

This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.

When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.

Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT
───
For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me

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