Aloha Tower
Aloha Tower things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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Location: Situated at the entrance to Honolulu Harbor, it’s easily accessible by car and public transportation. Parking: There are parking options available nearby, but finding a spot can be challenging during peak times. Public parking garages and metered street parking are common options. Observation Deck: The tower features an observation deck offering panoramic views of Honolulu Harbor and the surrounding area. It’s a great spot for photos and to enjoy the scenery. History: The Aloha Tower was built in 1926 and was once the tallest structure in Hawaii. It is an iconic symbol of the state and has been restored to preserve its historical significance. Retail and Dining: The area around the Aloha Tower Marketplace offers shopping, dining, and entertainment options. You can find a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants. Food and Drink: • Variety: The Marketplace has a range of dining options, from casual eateries to more upscale restaurants. You can enjoy local Hawaiian cuisine or other international dishes. • Quality: Reviews of the food options are generally positive, though it can vary by establishment. It’s a good idea to check recent reviews of specific restaurants if you’re planning to dine there. Crowds and Wait Times: • Peak Hours: The tower and its surroundings can be crowded, especially during weekends and cruise ship arrivals. Visiting early in the day or later in the afternoon may help avoid the heaviest crowds. • Wait Times: Wait times for the observation deck are typically short, but it’s best to check in advance if there are any special events or peak times. Historical Context: • Significance: The Aloha Tower was once a key navigation point for ships entering the harbor and has played a significant role in Honolulu’s maritime history. Its clock and beacon were important for maritime navigation. Overall Experience: • Pros: The Aloha Tower is a must-visit for its historical value and scenic views. It’s a great place to start exploring Honolulu and learn about its history. • Cons: The area can be crowded, and parking can be difficult to find. Some visitors might find the surrounding shops and restaurants to be touristy. Overall, the Aloha Tower is a charming and historically significant landmark that offers a glimpse into Honolulu’s past and beautiful views of the harbor.
Vijay ThakkarVijay Thakkar
20
Located on busy Honolulu Harbor in downtown Honolulu, Aloha Tower is an iconic symbol of Hawaiʻi and one of the most recognizable landmarks in the state. Completed in 1926, Aloha Tower was the tallest building on the island for four decades, offering spectacular views of the harbor with its top floor housing an observatory and lookout station for harbor pilots. Its lighthouse served as a navigation landmark that could be seen from 15 miles at sea, while its clock was one of the largest in the United States. The tower stood as a welcoming beacon for visitors when travel to Oʻahu was done entirely by sea, the "ALOHA" etched on its walls greeting thousands of ship passengers entering Honolulu Harbor. Until recently, Aloha Tower serve as a welcoming landmark and for docking of cruise ships. But now cruise ships are longer and larger in tonnage, and docks across the bay in pier 1 and 2. Its market place now becomes part of the University of Hawaii campus, and the tower not open to the public. Stairs are cordoned off, and the elevator shuttered. But the tower still be a good place to take selfies and take pictures.
Doug HoDoug Ho
00
We had the chance to catch the Ka Moana Luau at Aloha Tower, and it was an unforgettable evening! We got our tickets through Costco.com with the Go City pass, which included the luau as one of the attractions, making it super affordable and convenient. Even though our seats were toward the back, we had a perfect view of the stage, and the cast put on an absolutely amazing show. The music, dancing, and storytelling were all so captivating! The food was decent for buffet style food. The drinks were very tasty, though a bit on the pricier side, but honestly, the whole experience made it worth it. If you’re looking for a fun and authentic luau in Honolulu, this is it, and it was much better than the Luau I went to in Maui.
Jameson C (2018Gemini)Jameson C (2018Gemini)
10
Tower is closed, permanently. Yet, there are tour groups still selling tickets here???😡 Water around the tower base at Pier 8 is filthy beyond description. Beautiful fish, and some dying coral, but locals have allowed garbage to collect in the water and the sea life is dying off because of it. There are marine biologists all over the island, and none of them, none of the restaurants, none of the mega hotels care enough about the local inlets to organize garbage cleanups? Shame on the locals, and double shame on the tourists who go into someone else's homes and leave their garbage anywhere they choose. The coral, the fishes, and the mammals suffer because of humans' indifference. Anyway, skip the tower.
Jennifer KnightJennifer Knight
40
I wish I could tell you how awesome this historic landmark is. How it’s maintained so well and cared for as a relic of Hawaii’s past. Truth is, the Aloha tower is the exact opposite. Although this tower is a historic landmark in downtown Honolulu, it seems to have become yet another victim of carelessness and disregard for repair. It’s depressing how many historic locations around Oahu are neglected. It seems the upper lookout point used to be open but that is not the case currently. Both the Hawaiian and United States flags flying atop the tower are in shambles. Just really sad that those who should be responsible for the upkeep of this landmark are failing at their jobs.
Jakob ZetwickJakob Zetwick
180
Questionable at first. Deliberated the entrance. However, once the experience began, it became quite apparent that it would be comical and cultural at the same time. The drinks were good, not free, but good. The food was pretty decent for buffet. The staff was very friendly. The pre-activities were less hands-on than I expected, but it didn't distract from the overall experience. We chose not to upgrade and got a shell lei to take home instead of flowers. It was an overall great experience. Our two kids 17 and 12 enjoyed themselves also.
Christie SwanmomChristie Swanmom
00
Nearby Attractions Of Aloha Tower
Iolani Palace
Ka Moana Luau
Star of Honolulu
King Kamehameha Statue
Aloha Tower Marketplace
Chinatown Cultural Plaza
Chambers Escape Games
Aloha Tower
Trident Adventures
Pier 2 Cruise Terminal

Iolani Palace
4.6
(2.4K)Click for details

Ka Moana Luau
4.5
(1.6K)Click for details

Star of Honolulu
4.4
(1.5K)Click for details

King Kamehameha Statue
4.6
(1.3K)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Aloha Tower
Liliha Bakery Nimitz
The Pig and The Lady
Fête
J. Dolans
Zippy's Nimitz
Legend Seafood Restaurant
Murphy's Bar & Grill
Lucky Belly
Kamana Kitchen
Little Joe's Steakhouse

Liliha Bakery Nimitz
4.5
(1.9K)Click for details

The Pig and The Lady
4.4
(1.1K)$$$
Click for details

Fête
4.6
(682)Click for details

J. Dolans
4.6
(648)Click for details
Basic Info
Address
Aloha Tower, 155 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96813, United States
Map
Phone
+1 808-544-1453
Call
Website
alohatower.com
Visit
Reviews
Overview
4.2
(894 reviews)
Ratings & Description
attractions: Iolani Palace, Ka Moana Luau, Star of Honolulu, King Kamehameha Statue, Aloha Tower Marketplace, Chinatown Cultural Plaza, Chambers Escape Games, Aloha Tower, Trident Adventures, Pier 2 Cruise Terminal, restaurants: Liliha Bakery Nimitz, The Pig and The Lady, Fête, J. Dolans, Zippy's Nimitz, Legend Seafood Restaurant, Murphy's Bar & Grill, Lucky Belly, Kamana Kitchen, Little Joe's Steakhouse

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