Discover Honolulu’s history on a self-guided audio tour. Explore iconic landmarks, royal heritage, and modern politics at your own pace.
- King Kamehameha Statue - Kamehameha certainly lived up to this dramatic start. His contemporaries described him as an intimidating warrior who “moved in an aura of violence.” During the 1700s, numerous chiefs battled for control of the Hawaiian Islands.
NOTE: This 1.6-mile-mile-long tour covers the essentials of Downtown Honolulu in 1-2 hours.
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Kawaiahaʻo Church - That’s Kawaiaha’o Church. At one time, this was the national church of the Hawaiian Kingdom.
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Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives - This museum showcases items from Hawaii’s missionary period.
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Ali’iolani Hale - Originally, Kamehameha V built Ali’iolani Hale as a palace for Hawaiian monarchs. But King Kalakaua decided to convert it to government offices.
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Honolulu Hale (City Hall) - King Kalakaua returned from his world tour at the end of 1881. Hawaiians decorated the whole city and strung a grand “Welcome Home” banner across Honolulu Harbor. But as Hawaiians celebrated the return of Kalakaua, others plotted his downfall…
Remember the Reform Party? This was the mostly American political party that slowly took control of Hawaiian politics after the 1875 Reciprocity Treaty.
- Patsy Takemoto Mink Statue and Memorial - This statue honors a more recent figure in Hawaiian history, Representative Patsy Takemoto Mink.
Patsy Takemoto was a third-generation Japanese-American who grew up in Hawaii.
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Sky Gate by Isamu Noguchi - When you look at Sky Gate, what do you see? Just a collection of bendy black tubes? Maybe a simple spider web? A three-legged animal? Noguchi himself described Sky Gate as “an evocation to the skies of Hawaii.”
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Hawaii State Capitol - Prior to the construction of the Capitol Building, Hawaiians used the ‘Iolani Palace as their seat of government. You’ll see the palace soon.
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Eternal Flame Memorial - This memorial honors the men and women who died in the December 7th, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor—“a date which will live in infamy” in the words of President Franklin Roosevelt.
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Washington Place - See that two-story mansion on our right, set back from the road? That’s Washington Place, the one-time home of Queen Liliʻuokalani!
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Iolani Barracks - We’re standing before the Iolani Barracks. Before Dole and the Annexation Club completed their coup against Queen Liliʻuokalani, the Barracks housed the Queen’s Royal Guard.
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Iolani Palace - Before us stands Iolani Palace, dating back to 1879. This is the only royal palace in the United States!
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Queen Liliuokalani Statue - As the 1900s wore on, Liliʻuokalani gradually retreated from public life. She took up full-time residence in her home at Washington Place, where Native Hawaiians visited her constantly. To them, she never stopped being their Queen. And in turn, Liliʻuokalani never stopped loving her people. In her memoir, she wrote:
“It is for them that I would give the last drop of my blood; it is for them that I would spend, nay, am spending, everything belonging to me.”
- Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
- Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
- Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
- Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
- Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
- Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
- Learn more: dive deeper into any story you enjoyed with extra stories.
- Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!
- Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations
Embark on a self-guided walking tour of Honolulu’s rich history. Start at Iolani Palace, delve into royal Hawaiian heritage, then visit the iconic King Kamehameha Statue. Explore the Hawaii State Capitol’s modern political significance, marvel at the architectural beauty of Aliʻiolani Hale & Kawaiahaʻo Church, and conclude at Queen Liliʻuokalani Statue, commemorating Hawaii’s last monarch.
After booking, check your email to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. These steps require good internet/Wi-Fi access. From there, follow the audio instructions and the route.
New, extra validity — now yours for an entire year! Use multiple times over multiple trips!
This isn’t an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.
- How to access: Once you book a tour, you’ll get a confirmation email with instructions. Follow the instructions right away: • Download the separate app • Enter the password • Download the tour • MUST DO while in strong wifi/cellular.
- How to start the tour: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction. • Go to the starting point. (Note: no one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided). • The audio will begin automatically at the starting point. If you face audio issues, visit the FAQ. • Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
- Walking Tours: couples can share one using headphones.
- Flexibility and Convenience: • Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. It’s perfect for tailoring your exploration and revisiting your favorite spots on future trips. • Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace, free from the constraints of a group.
- Comprehensive Tour Experience: • The app provides a full itinerary, travel tips, narrated audio stories, scripts, images, videos, and recommendations for additional activities. • Enjoy a private experience without the crowds, ideal for personalized stops and photo opportunities.
- Ease of Use and Accessibility: • The app is hands-free and activates stories via GPS, offering support through call, chat, or email. • There is no need for a continuous cell or Wi-Fi connection as the GPS map works offline.
- Memorable Keepsakes: • Utilize the app’s images to create a photo book or share on social media, ensuring you have high-quality, crowd-free memories from your trip.
- Preparation: • After booking, download the app and the tour using a strong Wi-Fi connection. • Review the tour at home before your trip for a better experience.
- Starting the Tour: • Open the app upon arrival at your destination. • Select the appropriate tour based on your starting point. • Head to the starting location; the audio will begin automatically. • Follow the suggested route and adhere to the speed limit for an optimal experience. • By following these instructions and taking advantage of the app’s features, users can enjoy a personalized, flexible, and in-depth exploration of their destination at their own pace and convenience.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
