Aloha Tower Marketplace — Attraction in Honolulu

The Aloha Tower Marketplace is a unique waterfront destination in Honolulu, Hawaii, blending history, culture, and leisure. Here’s a detailed overview:

Historical Significance:

• The Aloha Tower was built in 1926 and served as a welcoming beacon for visitors arriving by ship. It’s one of Hawaii’s most recognized landmarks and has an observation deck providing panoramic views of Honolulu Harbor, downtown Honolulu, and the Ko’olau mountains.

Shopping and Dining:

• The marketplace offers a variety of shops, from local boutiques to souvenir stores, perfect for gifts or Hawaiian-themed products. • Dining options include casual eateries and restaurants with waterfront seating, allowing you to enjoy scenic views while dining. Popular choices include seafood dishes and traditional Hawaiian plates.

Observation Deck:

• The observation deck is one of the top attractions. It’s free to visit and offers breathtaking views, making it a great spot for photos or simply taking in the beauty of Honolulu.

Entertainment:

• Live music and cultural performances are common at the marketplace, particularly during weekends and special events. Traditional Hawaiian music and hula performances are crowd favorites.

Location & Accessibility:

• Located at 1 Aloha Tower Drive, it’s easily accessible from downtown Honolulu. Parking is available, and the area is well-served by public transportation. • The marketplace’s proximity to the cruise terminal makes it popular among visitors arriving by ship.

Events & Activities:

• The marketplace frequently hosts events such as farmers’ markets, craft fairs, and seasonal celebrations. • You can also book boat tours or harbor cruises nearby to explore the coastline.

Tips for Visiting:

• Best Time to Visit: Mornings for fewer crowds or evenings to enjoy the sunset views from the observation deck. • What to Wear: Comfortable attire and footwear for walking. A hat and sunscreen are recommended if visiting during the day. • Budget-Friendly Options: While shopping and dining can range in price, visiting the observation deck and enjoying live music are...

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...

A very interesting historic landing site for thousands of ocean liners and large commercial passenger ships for many years.

Read all of my review & give me a Like ... If you like! 😊

I have exciting, though a bit vague, memories myself of landings & departures as a young boy on the way to and from Japan years ago when my father was an officer in the U.S. Navy ... spotting and then waving goodbye to friends on the pier as the ship (a U.S. Presidents' Ocean-Liner of yester-year) slowly backed out of the slip w/ thousands of colorful streamers connecting the ship to the crowd below and confetti fluttering everywhere ... like you might see in the old movies!

Its a great place to walk around and read about the history. Make sure you climb the Aloha clock Tower​ (Back to the Future, lol). The pier is still in use including for harbor tour ships. The buildings on the pier now house a modern...