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Honolulu architecture

Honolulu is the heart of the only U.S. state that is entirely an archipelago and was once home to the only royal palace on American soil, the Iolani Palace. The city is a vibrant blend of Asian, Pacific Island, and American cultures, all centered around the legendary beaches of Waikiki.

  • 10Landmarks
  • 1842Oldest · Kawaiahaʻo Church
  • 131 mTallest · First Hawaiian Center
  • 8Architects

Before you go

  • Fly intoDaniel K. Inouye (HNL)

    The airport features beautiful open-air terminals and lush tropical gardens, allowing travelers to feel the island breeze and smell the saltwater the moment they step off the plane. It is named after the late Senator Daniel K. Inouye, a Medal of Honor recipient and a giant of Hawaiian politics.

  • CurrencyUS Dollar ($)
  • LanguageEnglish & Hawaiian

    While English is the official language, the local 'Hawaiian Pidgin' adds a rich, creole-based texture to daily life across the islands. The language is deeply rooted in the 'Aloha Spirit,' where words like 'ohana' (family) and 'mahalo' (thank you) are used universally by residents.

  • Getting aroundSkyline

    Skyline is the first fully automated, driverless metro system in the United States. The legendary 'TheBus' network is world-renowned for its efficiency and coverage of the entire island of Oahu. Waikiki Trolleys offer specialized routes tailored specifically for visitors navigating the famous beach district.

10 landmarks in Honolulu

  1. ʻIolani Palace
    Photo: Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

    ʻIolani Palace

    364 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96813

    The only official royal palace in the United States, completed in 1882 for King Kalākaua. It features 'American Florentine' architecture, blending Italian Renaissance elements with unique Hawaiian motifs. Notably, it had electricity and telephones years before the White House was even wired. The palace served as the seat of the Hawaiian monarchy until the overthrow in 1893. Today, it stands as a meticulously restored museum honoring the kingdom's history and sovereignty.

    Built
    1882
    Architect
    Thomas J. Baker
    Style
    American Florentine
    Height
    24 m (79 ft)
    Stories
    2
    Today
    Museum
  2. Aliʻiōlani Hale
    Photo: Coolcaesar, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

    Aliʻiōlani Hale

    417 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96813

    Famous as the police headquarters in 'Hawaii Five-O,' this building was originally designed as a palace for King Kamehameha V. It was eventually converted to government use and now houses the Hawaii State Supreme Court. The exterior is famously guarded by the iconic gold-leaf statue of King Kamehameha the Great. Its clock tower has been a central landmark for the downtown district for over a century. Visitors often explore the Judiciary History Center located within its grand coral-block walls.

    Built
    1874
    Architect
    Thomas J. Baker
    Style
    Clock Tower / Neoclassical
    Height
    20 m (66 ft)
    Stories
    2
    Today
    Hawaii State Supreme Court
  3. Aloha Tower
    Photo: Daniel Ramirez from Honolulu, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

    Aloha Tower

    155 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96813

    For decades, this was the tallest building in Hawaii and served as a welcoming beacon for travelers. Its four clock faces are iconic symbols that greet every ship entering Honolulu Harbor. The tower was once a critical observation post for the military during World War II. Today, its observation deck offers stunning panoramic views of the ocean and the downtown skyline. It remains one of the most photographed and beloved historic structures in the entire archipelago.

    Built
    1926
    Architect
    Arthur Reynolds
    Style
    Hawaiian Gothic
    Height
    56 m (184 ft)
    Stories
    10
    Today
    Observation / Marketplace
  4. Hawaii State Capitol
    Photo: Xpixupload Camera location21° 18′ 24.34″ N, 157° 51′ 26.53″ W View this and other nearby images on: OpenStreetMap 21.306, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

    Hawaii State Capitol

    415 S Beretania St, Honolulu, HI 96813

    A masterpiece of Postmodernism, the building is designed to symbolize the natural beauty of the islands. The cone-shaped legislative chambers represent volcanoes, while the supporting columns are designed to look like palm trees. A surrounding pool of water represents the Pacific Ocean that isolates and protects Hawaii. Unlike most capitols, this building has an open-air central courtyard that allows the trade winds to blow through. It is considered one of the most unique and symbolic statehouses in the nation.

    Built
    1969
    Architect
    John Carl Warnecke
    Style
    International / Brutalist
    Height
    30 m (98 ft)
    Stories
    4
    Today
    State Capitol
  5. First Hawaiian Center
    Photo: The Eloquent Peasant, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

    First Hawaiian Center

    999 Bishop St, Honolulu, HI 96813

    Standing at 131 meters, this is currently the tallest building in the state of Hawaii. The design features a distinct dual-personality facade to reflect different views of the island. The mountain-facing side is solid and vertical, while the ocean-facing side is made of transparent glass. It houses a public art gallery on the ground floor to promote local Hawaiian artists. The building's prismatic shape helps it blend seamlessly into the modern skyline of Bishop Street.

    Built
    1996
    Architect
    Kohn Pedersen Fox
    Style
    Modern / Skyscraper
    Height
    131 m (430 ft)
    Stories
    30
    Today
    Bank / Office
  6. IBM Building
    Photo: Daniel Ramirez from Honolulu, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

    IBM Building

    1240 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814

    This mid-century modern icon is famous for its striking concrete brise-soleil that wraps the exterior. The honeycomb pattern was designed to provide natural shade while still allowing for ocean breezes. It was created by Vladimir Ossipoff, who is often called the 'master of tropical modernism.' The building has been preserved as a central piece of the new Ward Village development. Its distinctive look makes it one of the most recognizable commercial buildings in the Kaka’ako area.

    Built
    1962
    Architect
    Vladimir Ossipoff
    Style
    Mid-Century Modern
    Height
    25 m (82 ft)
    Stories
    6
    Today
    Ward Village Sales Center
  7. Hawaii Theatre
    Photo: Joel Bradshaw, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

    Hawaii Theatre

    1130 Bethel St, Honolulu, HI 96813

    Known as the 'Pride of the Pacific,' this Beaux-Arts theater first opened its doors in 1922. It underwent a massive renovation to restore its ornate carvings and massive interior mural. The theater originally hosted silent films and vaudeville acts before becoming a modern performing arts venue. It is an architectural gem in the Chinatown district, featuring a classic marquee that lights up the night. The interior is famous for its incredible acoustics and Neoclassical atmosphere.

    Built
    1922
    Architect
    Emory & Webb
    Style
    Beaux-Arts
    Height
    18 m (59 ft)
    Stories
    3
    Today
    Performing Arts Center
  8. Alexander & Baldwin Building
    Photo: Joel Bradshaw, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

    Alexander & Baldwin Building

    822 Bishop St, Honolulu, HI 96813

    This building is a prime example of the 'Dickey Style' featuring a signature double-hipped roof. The high-pitched roof design was specifically engineered to encourage airflow in the tropical climate. It is adorned with intricate terra cotta tiles that depict various types of local Hawaiian foliage. The structure served as the headquarters for one of the 'Big Five' sugarcane corporations. It remains a stately presence in downtown Honolulu, blending Mediterranean and Hawaiian influences.

    Built
    1929
    Architect
    C.W. Dickey & Hart Wood
    Style
    Territorial / Mediterranean
    Height
    22 m (72 ft)
    Stories
    4
    Today
    Corporate Office
  9. Liljestrand House
    Photo: Bob Liljestrand, 3300 Tantalus Drive, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

    Liljestrand House

    3300 Tantalus Dr, Honolulu, HI 96822

    Perched high on Tantalus Drive, this residence is a masterpiece of site-specific tropical architecture. It was designed to work in harmony with the trade winds and the steep hillside terrain. The house features cantilevered lanais that provide breathtaking views of the city and Diamond Head. It is widely considered Vladimir Ossipoff’s most significant residential project. Today, it is preserved by a foundation to educate the public about sustainable and modern design.

    Built
    1952
    Architect
    Vladimir Ossipoff
    Style
    Modern Tropical
    Height
    12 m (39 ft)
    Stories
    2
    Today
    Historic Site / Museum
  10. Kawaiahaʻo Church
    Photo: Mark Miller, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

    Kawaiahaʻo Church

    957 Punchbowl St, Honolulu, HI 96813

    Often called the 'Westminster Abbey of Hawaii,' this church was built using 14,000 massive coral blocks. These blocks were hand-harvested by divers from the local reefs over several years. It served as the national church of the Hawaiian Kingdom and witnessed many royal ceremonies. The upper gallery features portraits of the Hawaiian royal family who once worshipped there. It continues to be a vibrant center for the Hawaiian community and the Christian faith.

    Built
    1842
    Architect
    Hiram Bingham
    Style
    New England Congregational
    Height
    15 m (49 ft)
    Stories
    2
    Today
    Church

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