Aloha Tower — Attraction in Honolulu

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...

Cool little music venue. Read about the history of the clock tower and that was pretty cool. I will say it's a small venue.

We went to the KCCN birthday bash and let me just say it was a good time. We were pleasantly surprised by the food stands offered. Drink prices were what we expected, $13 for a 24 oz.

The parking lot was $10, could've been worst. You could always try for street parking but you'll probably just end up at the parking lot if they have availability.

UPDATE: We went to JBoog yesterday and man was it packed! I guess expected for an all ages show and it was J Boog but ultimately it was super hard to see or hear the show. Especially because weren't trying to squeeze in with the crowd and catch some COVID or something so were just stayed in the back the whole time. I think the main problem is just how little space there really is between the clock tower and the stage and it really is just a small venue. Had a good time but let down by the sound and all the young/drunken chatter around us no matter where we stood. To be going again...lol This time we had the Ono Poke nachos for a $14 snack. Really no complaints. They were tasty and you got a 1/4 lb...

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...