Welcome to the Honolulu City Tour
Journey through the history of Hawaii with this self-guided walking tour of Downtown Honolulu. This Honolulu City tour will take you on a riveting voyage through the fall of the Hawaiian kingdom, from the Bayonet Constitution to the coup that overthrew the nation for good. Stroll down historic streets and admire amazing architecture like the Iolani Palace and the Aliʻiolani Hale. Get to know Queen Liliʻuokalani, who tried to save her nation from annexation. And relive the events of that fateful day when life in Hawaii changed forever.
About the Tour
Your tour begins outside the Aloha Tower Marketplace, where many cruise ships dock. From there, you’ll head through Hawaii Pacific University toward downtown Honolulu. Along the way, you’ll get acquainted with the Kingdom of Hawaii and the threats it faced from without and within.
Unearth a world of backroom bargains and scheming traitors as you make your way to Aliʻiolani Hale, one of the city’s most breathtaking landmarks. Next on your Honolulu city tour, pay your respects to King Kamehameha, the great unifier, before heading to Kawaiahaʻo Church to see a different side of Hawaiian history.
Stroll past the awe-inspiring Honolulu City Hall next, then stop by the thought-provoking Sky Gate sculpture.
Continuing on, you’ll hear all about the Honolulu Rifles and the Bayonet Constitution, when the Hawaiian monarchy really started losing ground. Next, you’ll get the story of Queen Liliʻuokalani, Hawaii’s first sovereign queen, last monarch, and fiercest champion. As you explore downtown, you’ll relive the events which led to the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy. Then pay a visit to Iolani Palace and find out what happened after the queen was deposed.
At last, you’ll reach a statue of the queen just outside the Hawaii State Capitol. Your tour concludes here.
Want all of our tours? Upgrade to Action+:
- An annual $99.99/year subscription offers access to over 200+ tours.
- Unlimited use throughout the year.
- Includes free access to new tours as they are released.
Nearby Tours
Driving
7-8 Hours
185+ Stories
290+ Miles
Driving
2-3 Hours
70+ stories
20+ Miles
Driving
4-5 hours
70+ stories
88+ miles
Walking
1-2 Hours
20+ Stories
1.7 Miles
Honolulu City Map
Starting Point
Join the tour anywhere along the route. Follow the route in the indicated direction.
Suggested starting point is indicated by green START marker on the map:
Aloha Tower Valet Parking, 03 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96813
The suggested start is at the Aloha Tower Valet Parking, 03 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96813. Head south on Aloha Tower Drive and walk towards downtown.
How Does It Work?
- Access your tour: Download the Action Tour Guide app and sign in with the same email used for your website purchase. Your tour will appear under My Tours.
- Download your tour: Download it before you go. Once downloaded, no internet or cell signal is needed.
- Start your tour: Open My Tours, select your tour, and tap Start Touring when you reach a starting point.
- Listen your way: Use your phone’s speaker or headphones, or connect to your car’s audio system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not currently supported, compatibility is in development.
- GPS-triggered audio: Stories play automatically as you reach each location along the route.
- Stop and start anytime: Pause, take a break, make a detour, or continue another day. Tours are valid forever (one year for Action+).
Preview The Tour
Explore 230+ Tours
Inclusions and Exclusions
Action Tour Guide app: Download the app to access your purchased tour.
GPS-triggered audio: Stories and directions play automatically as you reach each location.
Tour anytime: Single tours and bundles never expire and can be used anytime. Action+ is an annual subscription that automatically renews each year unless canceled.
Narrated stories: Hear local history, culture, and stories from experienced narrators.
Stop and start anytime: Pause, take a break, make a detour, or continue another day.
Offline access: Download your tour before you go. Once downloaded, no internet or cell signal is needed.
Stories, stops, and directions: Follow the route to key attractions with automatic directions and stories at each location.
Transportation: Transportation, parking fees, and tolls are not included.
Admission: Entry tickets and reservations are not included.
Food and drinks: Meals and drinks are not included.
Rental car: A rental car is not included and may be required for driving tours.
