Free tour

Walk and talk our way through Historic Downtown into Chinatown.

4.93

Excellent(15)

Honolulu

Duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes

Languages: English

Guru: Robbie

Registered on 17 July 2023

There is nothing better than being able to meet new faces in interesting places as I share fun facts and stories about the sites of a city to which I feel connected. I have travelled extensively and lived in three continents with several places that I can call home. I love nature, history, architecture, food, travel, people, walking and talking. Come join me on a tour of historic sites in downtown Honolulu, discover parts of Chinatown and take photos of key landmarks. LGBTQ friendly.

Free reservation and cancellation

Pay-what-you-want tour, no set price, reservation and cancellation are free

Tour description

A visit to Honolulu is not complete without an appreciation of the historic events and cultural shifts that speak to the open spirit of the Hawaiian people. Downtown is chock full of important sites whose stories have shaped an eventful, unique past. From the statue of King Kamehameha, with whom it all began, to Ali'iolani Hale, the Mission Houses, Iolani Palace, Washington House and the Eternal Flame - to name a few - the tour offers a window into key transformative periods. It is a short walk over to Chinatown - where our morning tour ends - whose restaurants, iconic Hawaii Theater, Oahu Market and Maunakea Marketplace, continue to play their part in its rejuvenation. The afternoon route for the tour can head to Chinatown soon after the start so as to have sufficient time at the markets before they close. It is my desire to share what resonates with me while remaining open to what peaks your interest.

This Downtown Honolulu /Chinatown tour is offered throughout the winter months and will now be wrapping early on March 20th. I will be in Toronto from April to December where I am available to provide walking tours.

Highlights

What will we see on this tour?

Meeting point:

447 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA

I will be by the King Kamehameha Statue on South King Street in front of the Hawaii Supreme Court wearing a Hawaiian Kukui Nut Lei.

Outside visit

Iolani Palace

By the gates to the Royal Palace, take in the unique American Florentine architecture and spacious grounds as we recall the key events that led to the forced abdication of Queen Lili'uokalani, Hawaii's last reigning monarch.

Free entry

Aliʻiolani Hale

Ali'iolani Hale is, today, home to the Hawaii State Supreme Court. Take in the impressive Italian Renaissance Revival architecture then - if a weekday - step inside an actual courtroom. Touch on the significance of Kapu to Hawaiian culture, the shift to a legislative system and the importance of this historic site through turbulent times.

Outside visit

Mission Houses Museum

The arrival of missionaries from New England in 1820 would forever change the cultural landscape and education system of the Hawaiian people. Walk the grounds (Tue-Sat) that includes Ka Hale La'au, the Oldest Frame House and Ka Hale Pa'i, the Print House. In the neighboring cemetery, locate the gravestones of Sanford B. Dole and descendants of Hiram Bingham I, who left an indelible mark on Hawaii 's history.

How much does this tour cost?

Free tours do not have a set price, instead, each person gives the guru at the end the amount they consider appropriate (amounts usually range from €10 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).