Aloha Tower | Go Hawaii

Aloha Tower

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Aloha Tower

What: A historic landmark and port with a shopping and dining marketplace
Where: 15 minutes east of Waikīkī near Downtown Honolulu and Chinatown
 
Located on the Honolulu Harbor in Downtown Honolulu, about 15 minutes west of Waikīkī, Aloha Tower is an iconic symbol of Hawaiʻi. Built in September of 1926, this was the tallest building in the islands for four decades and its clock was one of the largest in the United States. The tower stood as a welcoming beacon for visitors since travel to Oʻahu was done entirely by sea. Duke Kahanamoku set his first swimming world record here at Pier 7 and the wharf was also known for Boat Days, a lively celebration to welcome the arrival of visiting ships.
 
Today, Aloha Tower is still a docking port for Oʻahu’s cruise ships, including The Star of Honolulu. But this historic place has also transformed into the revitalized Aloha Tower Marketplace: a mixed-use space now part of Hawaiʻi Pacific University, featuring student residences, meeting spaces, community event areas and a variety of restaurants. Enjoy an ocean-view lunch, listen to live music at night and explore unique shops or walk just a couple of blocks to Chinatown’s art district. You can also visit the Observation Deck, located on the 10th floor of Aloha Tower and dine at Gordon Biersch or Hooters, or dance at the night away at Nashville Waikīkī—all with beautiful views of the harbor on one side and the cityscape of Honolulu on the other.