Aloha Tower is a beautiful Art Deco clock tower that stands prominently at the harbor in Downtown Honolulu.
Back when sea travel was the primary mode of transportation, this building served as Hawaii’s gateway, a lighthouse, and a control tower!
Today, due to its significant history, it is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
The tower is 10 stories high, and its top floor features an observation deck!
You can go up for free and enjoy panoramic views in all directions, including Downtown.
History of Aloha Tower
When it was built in 1926, this 55-meter tower was the tallest building in Hawaii.
At the time, it was the bustling center of the harbor, a busy area lined with numerous restaurants and shops.
While it might not seem as significant to those arriving by plane today, for the people who once traveled to this island in the middle of the Pacific, it was the first modern, beautiful, and elegant lighthouse they would see!
It must have perfectly embodied the image of Hawaii as an undiscovered land.
As a tower that has watched over Hawaii’s history, the surrounding area offers beautiful scenery and is a pleasant place for a walk.
Although Hawaii is becoming more and more urbanized, I hope that such wonderful views of its past will be preserved for the future.
Aloha Tower Marketplace
The area around Aloha Tower, including the harbor and Downtown, is still a reasonably lively area today.
The Star of Honolulu dinner cruise departs from Aloha Tower, and it’s also a disembarkation point for cruise ships, so many people visit!
However, the adjacent Aloha Tower Marketplace is no longer a shopping center. It has been converted into an event space for local residents and facilities for Hawaii Pacific University.
Unfortunately, this has made the area much less vibrant than it once was.
While it no longer feels like a major tourist destination, it’s still a recommended spot for a brief visit!
Aloha Tower General Information
| Name | Aloha Tower |
| Address | 155 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96813 |
| Map | |
| Hours | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Admission | Free |
| Closed | None (Open year-round) |
| Estimated Time Needed | Approx. 30 minutes |
| Restrooms | Available |
| Parking | Available (Paid) |
Recommended Transportation to Aloha Tower
TheBus – The Most Affordable Public Transit Covering All of Hawaii
Taxi & Uber – Ideal Chartered Vehicles for Small Group Travel in Hawaii
Areas Around Aloha Tower
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