Walking Honolulu from the Harbor

So your ship just pulled into Honolulu Harbor. You've got a few hours, maybe a full day, and you want to experience something beyond the typical tourist loop. Good news: some of the best of Honolulu is right here, within a mile or two of where you're standing.

Start at the Tower

Before you head anywhere, look up. Aloha Tower has been welcoming ships to Hawaii since 1926—and yes, you can still climb to the observation deck for free. It's a great way to get your bearings and snap a photo of the harbor from above.

Wander Into Chinatown

Head mauka (toward the mountains) and within a few blocks you'll hit Chinatown—one of the oldest Chinatowns in the United States and absolutely nothing like a mall food court.

Start at the lei stands on Maunakea Street. Pick up a strand of pikake or tuberose for a few dollars—this is where locals buy leis for graduations, weddings, and just because. The fragrance alone is worth the stop.

Then explore:

• Kekaulike Market – Fresh tropical fruits, produce, and ingredients you won't find at Whole Foods
• Kuan Yin Temple – The oldest Buddhist temple in Hawaii, with its distinctive green ceramic roof
• Izumo Taishakyo Mission – A beautiful Japanese Shinto shrine tucked into the neighborhood

Hungry? Chinatown has dim sum spots, Vietnamese pho, and everything in between. Ask any local where they go—you'll get ten different answers, all of them good.

A Little Royal History

If you walk about 15 minutes east on King Street, you'll reach Iolani Palace—the only royal palace on American soil. This is where Hawaii's last monarchs lived before the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom. You can tour the inside (book tickets in advance online) or just walk the grounds and see the King Kamehameha Statue across the street.

Green Space: Foster Botanical Garden

Need a break from pavement? Foster Botanical Garden is a short walk uphill from downtown. Massive kapok and baobab trees, a prehistoric glen with ancient cycads, and an orchid conservatory. It's shady, quiet, and feels like stepping into another world.

Come Make Something

And if you're the creative type—or traveling with someone who is—come see us at The Bead Gallery.

We're about a mile from the harbor at 885 Queen Street (upstairs, above Flexa). We've been Honolulu's home for beads, gemstones, and jewelry-making supplies since 1997. Even if you don't make jewelry, our gemstone collection is worth a peek—we carry stones you won't find anywhere else.

We love meeting travelers, hearing where you're from, and helping you take a little piece of Hawaii home.

The Essentials

Welcome to Honolulu. Take your time. The island isn't going anywhere—and neither are we.