Are you looking to explore the history of Honolulu through the ages? There are a number of historical destinations in Honolulu including the time-honored buildings, monuments, palaces, and parks where you can learn about the glorious past of Honolulu. The presence of these historical sites and museums will take you on a walk through Honolulu ‘s rich history.
If you are willing to have an in-depth historical information about Honolulu, we recommend that you take a wonderful guided tour to cover the major historical attractions. Also, check the opening and closing time for each so that you can organize your time. Make sure that you go through the complete list of historical places in Honolulu for a great trip!
Top Historical Places in Honolulu
Let's witness the history of Honolulu with these top historical places - monuments and landmarks:
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U S S Arizona Memorial
(8614 Votes)
The World remembers the fateful day when Pearl Harbor was attacked. It was an even that led to even more death and destruction than what it was a part of. The Pearl Harbor Visitor Center stands as a reminder of the dark day when so many soldiers unexpectedly lost their lives. The USS Arizona, the ship that sank into the ocean taking with it several brave lives still remains there and the memor...Read more -
Iolani Palace
(4250 Votes)
Iolani Palace stands for absolute opulence. The gorgeous palace with its exquisitely furnished rooms is a real sight to see and a popular tourist attraction in Honolulu. If you want to be taken back into a luxurious and extravagant era of royals and riches, this is the perfect place to be. This place was the seat of the Hawaiian Monarchy and the grandiose look of those times has been preserved...Read more -
National Memorial Cemetery Of The Pacific
(4270 Votes)
The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific is quite a somber place to visit in Honolulu. A stark reminder of those who lost their lives in World War II. It is also a very important burial place for all war veterans in the United States. The cemetery is quite beautifully built and it has a stoic atmosphere to it. Seeing the gravestones, sculptures and the inscriptions can be quite heartening...Read more -
Duke Kahanamoku Statue
(552 Votes)
Duke Kahanamoku is a Hawaiian sports figure considered to be the world's greatest watermen, swimmer, surfer and outrigger canoe paddler. Born in 1890, he held the world record in the 100-yard freestyle and went on to win Olympic gold in the 100-meter freestyle and a silver in the relay in 1912. He repeated history when he won two gold medals in 1920 and won a silver medal again in the 1924 Olym...Read more -
St. Augustine By-the-sea
(91 Votes)
The Saint Augustine by-the-Sea has it origins in the year 1854 when Father Modestus Favens built the first chapel in Waikiki. In the late 19th century, the church was used for the first mass for American Soldiers who were commissioned near the Diamond Head. The church was expanded and later moved to its current location under the care of Father Valentin. Today, the church can easily be called t...Read more -
Hanaiakamalama
(2765 Votes)
Managed by the Daughters on Honolulu Organization, Queen Emma Summer Palace is one of the less serious historic attractions around Honolulu. While most others invoke rather sad emotions, this pretty place invokes great nostalgia and transports you back in time. The Queen Emma Summer Palace or the Hanaiakamalama, which used to be a summer retreat, has now become a place of interest for tourists...Read more -
U S S Oklahoma Memorial
(108 Votes)
Located on the Ford Island near the Battleship Missouri Memorial, USS Oklahoma Memorial is dedicated to 429 sailors and mariners who were killed during the 1941 Pearl Harbor attack by the Japanese. The number of brave lives lost on the Oklahoma was second to the USS Arizona and even though the memorial was built 60 years later, the place still remembers the deadly attack like a fresh wound. The...Read more -
Aliiolani Hale
(55 Votes)
The Ali'iolani Hale built in 1870’s was the first western-styled structure made in Hawaii and was ordered by King Kamehameha V. Constructed in Italian renaissance style, the iconic clock towersand the gardens that surround the entrance, multiply the charm of the place. Highlights include: A statue of the King Kamehameha- the Great. The Hale was attacked in the 1889 revolt led by R...Read more -
St. Andrew's Cathedral
(51 Votes)
Saint Andrew's Cathedral is home to the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Hawaii. The church was initiated in 1860’s on the request of Kamehameha IV and Queen Emma. The king wanted to establish a place to worship the Anglican tradition. His wish remained unfulfilled since he died before ground-breaking. Today, the place is a cathedral of the Episcopal Church, popular for its French Gothi...Read more -
Established in the 1920’s on the 100th anniversary of arrival of Christian Missionaries in Hawaii, the Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives is popular for preserving the the two oldest houses in the state! The first house was made in the US mainland, shipped here and assembled back together while the second house was built by missionaries using coral blocks. This place is li...Read more -
Royal Mausoleum
(15 Votes)
The Royal Mausoleum State Monument is the final resting place of Hawaiian Royalty and includes the family of the Kamehameha and Kalakaua Dynasties. The place is believed to be one of the most sacred burial grounds and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The Mausoleum was originally built by King Kamehameha IV and Queen Emma as a burial site for their 4-year old son. Do pay yo...Read more -
U S S Utah
(23 Votes)
Built in the early 20th century, the USS Utah was a dreadnaught battleship that sank on its side when the Japanese attacked Peak Harbor in 1941. Two torpedoes hit the ship and ended its service. Even though many survived the attack, about 64 men lost their lives on the ship. The memorial that consists of the same ship that sank in 1941 and is kept in its sinking state, pays tribute to the valor...Read more -
Princess Bernice Pauahi Statue
(8 Votes)
Princess Bernice Pauahi was the last direct descendant of the Royal family of Kamehameha and was a Philanthropist who worked towards providing education to the children of Hawaii. The statue, located in the courtyards of the Royal Hawaiian center surrounded by plants, pays tribute to her life as she is seen sitting with a book in her hand with a small child seated next to her. Stop by to see th...Read more -
Prince Jonah Kuhio Statue
(8 Votes)
Prince Jonah Kuhio was the only royal member who was elected to be part of the United States Congress and was a representative of the Hawaiian Territory. Known as an excellent athlete and his stately charm, the Prince Jonah Kuhio Statue keeps his memory alive even today. Stop by at the Kuhio Beach Park to see the beautifully detailed 7-feet tall statue standing on a marble base. The background ...Read more -
Hawaii is home to some of the most iconic surfers and swimmers in the world and the Surfer Statue pays tribute to just that! The statue consists of a man on a surfboard riding on a wave. The detailed bronze statue overlooks the Kalakaua Avenue and is one of the many sculptures that are spread all across Honolulu. If you want, click a selfie with the statue and do stop by at the nearby Waikiki b...Read more