Aloha Tower Honolulu
Historic waterfront landmark with shops, dining, and scenic Honolulu Harbor views. Once home to an iconic observation deck.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better parking.
Aloha Tower Honolulu
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better parking.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic waterfront landmark with shops, dining, and scenic Honolulu Harbor views. Once home to an iconic observation deck.
"Disappointed the tower is closed, but the harbor views and marketplace still offer a scenic and charming stop."
Check Tower Status First
Confirm if the observation deck is open before you go, as it's often closed for renovations. :informationdeskperson:
Validate Parking
Get parking validated with a purchase at a marketplace restaurant to save money. :parking:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Aloha Tower Observation Deck
Top of Aloha Tower
Offers panoramic views of Honolulu Harbor and the city skyline. (Currently closed for renovations).
Honolulu Harbor Views
Waterfront promenade
Scenic vistas of the bustling harbor, cruise ships, and Coast Guard vessels.
Aloha Tower Marketplace
Base of the tower
A waterfront hub with shops, restaurants, and historical exhibits.
Planning Your Visit
Tower Status & Views
Parking & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Tower Status First
Confirm if the observation deck is open before you go, as it's often closed for renovations. :informationdeskperson:
Validate Parking
Get parking validated with a purchase at a marketplace restaurant to save money. :parking:
Harbor Stroll
Enjoy the scenic waterfront walk and views of ships, even if the tower is closed. :walking:
Historical Exhibits
Explore the history of the tower and the harbor within the marketplace. :scroll:
Downtown Honolulu weekday parking: any tips?
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Tower Status First
Confirm if the observation deck is open before you go, as it's often closed for renovations. :informationdeskperson:
Validate Parking
Get parking validated with a purchase at a marketplace restaurant to save money. :parking:
Harbor Stroll
Enjoy the scenic waterfront walk and views of ships, even if the tower is closed. :walking:
Historical Exhibits
Explore the history of the tower and the harbor within the marketplace. :scroll:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Aloha Tower Marketplace a scenic spot with historical charm, offering pleasant harbor views. However, the prolonged closure of the iconic tower for renovations has been a significant disappointment for many, impacting the overall experience. The marketplace's current function as a university hub also alters its traditional retail feel. +1
"3.5 Stars – Disappointed About the Tower Closure, But Still a Scenic Stop
We visited the Aloha Tower Marketplace early in the morning, excited to go up the iconic Aloha Tower—only to find out it’s closed for long-overdue renovations and will be for the next 2 years. That was definitely a disappointment, especially since we had planned around the visit.
That said, the area still has its charm. There are some great photo opportunities around the harbor, and you can take in beautiful views of the Honolulu Harbor, the Coast Guard ships, and the Spirit of Honolulu cruise docked nearby.
While we couldn’t go up the Tower itself, we still enjoyed walking around the area and taking in the peaceful morning harbor views. Overall, it’s still a nice spot to explore, even if the main attraction is temporarily unavailable.
Tip: Check ahead for updates on the tower reopening—but don’t skip the area altogether. It’s a relaxing and scenic part of Honolulu worth strolling through."
Ricky Houseman
"Aloha Tower Marketplace is awesome! They have a bunch of great activities, history, and shops there! The area is beautiful! Without doubt worth a visit! Have a great day!❤️🌊⚓️😃🏝️"
Jack Carello
"Neat marketplace. Aloha Tower is free to go up, gives a good view of the harbor and town. Some restaurants in the marketplace but it is primarily a university now. Parking can be tight, it is also pay to park."
pbandj37
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Aloha Tower is located at 155 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96813. You can reach it by car, taxi, rideshare, or public bus. Parking is available at the Aloha Tower Marketplace, though it is paid.
Yes, TheBus routes serve the area around Aloha Tower. Check TheBus schedules for specific routes and times that align with your travel plans.
Parking is available at the Aloha Tower Marketplace, which is a paid lot. Some Reddit users suggest getting parking validated with a purchase at a restaurant like Gordon Biersch to reduce costs. +1
The Aloha Tower Marketplace is generally accessible. However, the tower itself may have limited accessibility due to ongoing renovations.
It's a significant walk from Waikiki to Aloha Tower, typically over 3 miles. Taking a bus, taxi, or rideshare is recommended for convenience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Aloha Tower Marketplace is free. However, access to the observation deck of the tower itself has historically been free but is currently closed for renovations.
The Aloha Tower Marketplace generally has shops and restaurants open daily, though hours can vary. The tower's observation deck has specific hours when open, but it is currently closed for renovations. Check their official website for the most up-to-date information.
Historically, the observation deck at Aloha Tower has been free to access. However, it is currently closed for renovations, so there is no access at this time.
The Aloha Tower is undergoing long-term renovations and is expected to be closed for approximately two years. It's best to check for official updates regarding its reopening.
The Aloha Tower Marketplace sometimes hosts events. The Star of Honolulu cruise departs from here, offering a popular dining and sightseeing experience.
🎫 🏙️ Onsite Experience
The marketplace offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and historical exhibits. You can enjoy views of the harbor, and historically, ascend the tower for panoramic city views. +1
The shops at Aloha Tower Marketplace historically included souvenir shops and boutiques. However, with the university's presence, the retail mix may have shifted more towards student needs.
Yes, there are restaurants at Aloha Tower Marketplace, with some catering to students and others offering waterfront dining. Mexilulu is noted as a major restaurant on the waterfront.
When open, the observation deck provides excellent views of Honolulu Harbor, the city skyline, and the Pacific Ocean. Even without tower access, the harbor views from the promenade are scenic.
Yes, the harbor views, the tower itself, and the surrounding waterfront offer great photographic opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Aloha Tower Marketplace has several dining options, including restaurants like Mexilulu and Gordon Biersch. Some eateries cater to the university student population. +1
While some restaurants offer full-service dining, there are often casual eateries or cafes within the marketplace that can provide more affordable options.
Yes, you can find coffee shops or cafes within the Aloha Tower Marketplace, such as Gordon Biersch, which offers coffee and other beverages.
Historically, there may have been food court-style options. The current offerings might be more focused on individual restaurants and cafes.
Mexilulu is mentioned as a significant restaurant on the waterfront. Gordon Biersch is also a popular spot for drinks and casual dining. +1
📸 📸 Photography
The waterfront promenade offers great views of Honolulu Harbor, ships, and the tower itself. The tower's architecture is also photogenic.
Late afternoons during the golden hour provide beautiful lighting for harbor and cityscapes. Sunrise can also offer a peaceful, scenic view.
When the observation deck is open, it provides unparalleled panoramic photo opportunities of Honolulu. However, it is currently closed for renovations.
Generally, photography is allowed in public areas of the marketplace and harbor. However, always be mindful of private property and any posted signage.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is good for capturing both wide harbor scenes and details of the tower. A tripod can be useful for low-light shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider checking if there are any special events or exhibits happening at the marketplace that might appeal to younger visitors. If you're planning a cruise like the Star of Honolulu, it can be a fantastic family outing with entertainment and dining included.
💰 Budget Travelers
Look for more affordable dining options within the marketplace, or consider packing your own snacks. While the tower's observation deck is closed, the free harbor views are a great budget-friendly attraction.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
If you're interested in a cruise, the Star of Honolulu offers incredible sunset and nighttime views that are perfect for photography, especially if there are fireworks.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Aloha Tower
Unfortunately, the tower is currently undergoing extensive renovations and is closed to the public. This has been a significant disappointment for many visitors who planned to ascend for the iconic views. However, the surrounding Aloha Tower Marketplace remains a point of interest, offering shops, dining, and historical context about the harbor's significance.
Despite the tower's closure, the area still holds charm. The waterfront promenade provides scenic views of the bustling Honolulu Harbor, allowing visitors to observe cruise ships, Coast Guard vessels, and the general maritime activity. It’s a reminder of the tower's original purpose and the harbor's enduring importance to Honolulu.
Navigating Aloha Tower Marketplace
Visitors can find a variety of shops and restaurants within the marketplace. While some establishments cater to students, others, like Mexilulu and Gordon Biersch, offer dining experiences with waterfront views. It's advisable to check the operating hours of individual businesses, as they may align with the university's schedule.
Parking at the marketplace is a key consideration. It is a paid lot, and can sometimes be tight. A common tip from locals and visitors is to get your parking validated by making a purchase at one of the restaurants, such as Gordon Biersch, which can help offset the parking fees.
Beyond the Tower: Harbor Views & Cruises
For a more immersive harbor experience, consider a cruise departing from Aloha Tower Drive. The Star of Honolulu is a popular option, offering sunset dinner cruises with live music, food, and stunning views of the coastline and city skyline, often culminating in fireworks.
These harbor-focused activities ensure that visitors can still enjoy the maritime essence of the Aloha Tower area, even when the tower's observation deck is inaccessible. It’s a chance to appreciate Honolulu’s connection to the sea and its rich history.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit