Like many city centers, Downtown Honolulu is a mix of cultures, histories, arts, and nightlife. With tourist-filled Waikiki just a short jaunt away, this central Honolulu area is bordered by Honolulu Harbor to the south, Nu'uanu Stream to the west, Vineyard Boulevard to the north, and Ward Avenue to the east, making it a prime destination for busy locals and tourists.
Although not nearly the size of New York City, Downtown Honolulu still manages to share a few traits with the Big Apple. Both being on an island, real estate goes for a premium, so a strange mix of neighborhoods often share space. The Capitol District, the Central Business District, Chinatown, and the Waterfront all call Downtown Honolulu home, making it seem like the relaxed, younger sister to NYC's Manhattan.
You'll find the historic, academic vibe in the Capitol District, home to Iolani Palace and Barracks, the state capitol, state library, and Kawaiaha'o Church. Definitely worth a visit, Iolani Palace boasts the residence of the last two Hawaiian monarchs before the overthrow in 1893, King Kalakaua and Queen Lili'uokalani. Afterward, it served as the government seat until 1969, when it was revamped to become the museum it remains today. Also worth a glance while on these shady streets are Ali'iolani Hale (Hawai'i State Supreme Court), and Washington Place, a Greek revival home where Queen Lili'uokalani was arrested during the overthrow.
For a hint of Wall Street, head to the Central Business District, where you'll find the Alexander & Baldwin Building, First Hawaiian Center, and the Bishop Bank Building, along with several cathedrals and breweries. Here's where you feel like you're in any big city, with sky scrapers towering above as people in suits rush by on business.
But don't worry, just a quick trolley ride down the road takes you to Chinatown, much less seedy than NYC's equivalent. Filled with tiny, packed shops and more Asian eateries than you can imagine, Chinatown also houses the Oahu Market and Hawai'i Theatre, giving this area charm and keeping the neighborhood going strong. Visit here for First Friday Art Walk and Chinese New Year—you won't regret it.
Once the tallest building in Oahu, Aloha Tower still demands attention in the Waterfront District. A welcoming sight to incoming ships since 1926, the tower oversees 11 million tons of incoming cargo annually. Adding to the majesty of the area is the Hawai'i Maritime Center, where visitors can learn the history of Honolulu Harbor. Nearby float the Falls of Clyde, an historic shipping vessel, and Hokule'a, a full-scale replica of an ancient voyaging canoe. With the opening of the Aloha Marketplace in 1994, the Waterfront District became the only harbor in the nation to combine retail and restaurant outlets, a visitor center, and a working commercial harbor—definitely setting it apart from big sister NYC.
