Architectural Walking Tours

Join Our Unique Architectural Walking Tours

Downtown Honolulu

The Architectural Walking Tour of Downtown Honolulu is a rare treat for local residents and visitors to explore the area through the eyes of an architect or architectural historian. The tour is a great reminder that our busy downtown is not just our state’s business center and financial district but it also harbors some of Hawaii’s most significant and cherished treasures of the Monarchy and Territorial periods.

Downtown Tour Highlights Include: Restored Hawaii Theatre, Our Lady of Peace Cathedral, St. Andrews Cathedral, Washington Place, State Capitol, Iolani Palace, Honolulu Hale, Kawaihao Church, Mission House Museum, Aliiolani Hale, the Kamehameha Statue, and more.

Chinatown — New!

The Architectural Walking Tour of Chinatown, which was listed on the National Register in 1973, focuses on the unique style, materials, and relationships of the buildings in that district.

Run down building in Chinatown, Honolulu

View & Register for Upcoming Downtown & Chinatown Tours

How to Join Our Tours

Make Advanced Reservations: Our walking tours are held on pre-reserved Saturday mornings from 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM with check in at 8:45 AM.

Tour Dates & Online Registration: View our Events Calendar and sort by “Walking Tours” in the drop down list to view upcoming tours.

Tour Group Size: Tour groups consists of 4–14 walkers. Tours with less than 4 walkers may be cancelled (registered walkers will be informed in advance).

What to Expect: Each tour provides architectural and historical insights about the fascinating buildings in Honolulu’s Downtown and Capitol or Chinatown district.

Where: Tours will begin at AIA Honolulu's Center for Architecture at 828 Fort Street Mall, Suite 100 in downtown Honolulu.

What to Bring: Walking shoes, water bottle, sunscreen, and an umbrella are recommended. We will provide a map for you to follow as your guide accompanies you to all of the sites of interest. Face masks are optional. Please do not attend if you are experiencing any illness symptoms.

Tour Cost: $25/person for Downtown tour, $20/person for Chinatown tour (paid in advance).

Downtown Walking Tour Booklet Cost: $10 (if purchased in combination with the tour, booklet is $5). Booklet may also be used for a self-guided tour. We currently do not offer a Chinatown booklet.

Self-Guided Walking Tours: You have the option to purchase our Downtown walking tour booklet for a self-guided tour. If interested, email us and we will send you an invoice you can pay online (Visa or MC). If you want us to mail you the copy the cost is $15. You can also arrange for a time to pick it up at the CFA for the regular $10 cost.

Questions? Email AIA Honolulu at contact@aiahonolulu.org or call (808) 628-7243.