Hawaii's state capital and historic center, home to Iolani Palace, Chinatown, and the Aloha Tower waterfront.

About Downtown Honolulu

Downtown Honolulu is the governmental and historic heart of Hawaii, home to Iolani Palace—the only royal palace on U.S. soil, where the Hawaiian monarchy resided until the 1893 overthrow. The imposing Hawaii State Capitol, Kawaiahao Church (built from coral blocks in 1842), and the Mission Houses Museum are all within a few blocks.

Adjacent Chinatown is Honolulu's most eclectic neighborhood, a vibrant district of lei shops, dim sum restaurants, art galleries, craft cocktail bars, and the Oahu Market where locals shop for fresh fish and tropical produce. First Friday art walks transform the neighborhood monthly. The Aloha Tower Marketplace on the waterfront was once the "Gateway to Honolulu" for arriving ocean liners.

Downtown is compact and walkable, with the Hawaii State Art Museum, Foster Botanical Garden, and the bustling Merchant Street financial district all within easy reach. The area is connected to Waikiki, Pearl Harbor, and the rest of Oahu by TheBus and the new Skyline rail system.

Nearby Landmarks

Iolani Palace Chinatown Aloha Tower Hawaii State Capitol Kawaiahao Church

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost $20-25
Time 10-15 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost $15-22
Time 10-15 minutes

Step-by-Step Directions

Exit the terminal and take a taxi or rideshare ($12-18, 10-15 min). For TheBus, take Route 20 or the Skyline rail from the airport toward Downtown/Ala Moana. Alight at the downtown stops along King or Hotel Street.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi $20-25 10-15 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare $15-22 10-15 minutes Budget-conscious, app users

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Taxis and rideshares are available 24/7 at HNL. The very short distance (5 km) means fares are only $12-18. TheBus runs until about 11 PM on most routes. Downtown Honolulu is quiet after 9 PM on weekdays, though Chinatown bars stay open until 2 AM on weekends.

Luggage Tips

The short taxi ride handles any luggage easily. TheBus has luggage restrictions (must fit on lap). Downtown hotels are generally close to vehicle drop-off points. If continuing to Waikiki later, downtown offers no public luggage storage.

Accessibility

HNL airport and TheBus are fully ADA accessible. Downtown Honolulu sidewalks are generally flat and wheelchair-friendly. Iolani Palace grounds are accessible, though the interior tour has stairs (virtual tour alternative available). Chinatown's narrow streets can be crowded but are passable.