Downtown

Favorite Spots

Let me take you on a tour of Downtown Honolulu! 🌺🌴

Downtown Honolulu is the heartbeat of Hawaii, buzzing with history, economy, and government action. It’s the center of it all in the capital and biggest city of this island paradise. Bounded by Nuʻuanu Stream to the west, Ward Avenue to the east, Vineyard Boulevard to the north, and the stunning Honolulu Harbor to the south, this area is where modern meets historic in the most fabulous way.

This bustling hub is home to sleek skyscrapers and the opulent Iolani Palace, a beautifully restored 19th-century royal residence with its original furnishings – talk about stepping back in time! If you’re into art, the Hawaii State Art Museum showcases the best of local contemporary pieces, perfect for getting a taste of Hawaii’s vibrant creative scene.

Down by the harbor, the Aloha Tower Marketplace is where it’s at. With sea views from the iconic 1920s Aloha Tower, a huge waterfront stage, concert pavilion, and a slew of waterfront restaurants, it’s the ultimate spot to soak in the vibes.

Downtown is Hawaii’s political and business epicenter, blending historic landmarks with modern marvels. It’s a dynamic place where you can feel the energy of the past and the excitement of the present. How cool is that? 🌊🏙️🌴

Events

Ke Ao Lama Exhibition

Presented by the Hawai‘i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts (SFCA), KE AO LAMA, Enlightened World celebrates traditional and contemporary expressions of Paciﬁc Island nations through ﬁve interconnected exhibitions highlighting the expanse of inspired Indigenous thought and creativity—PILINA: Festival of Pacific Arts and Cultures 50th Anniversary, Our Sea of Islands, ‘Ai ā manō, Nā Akua Ākea: The Vast and Numerous Deities, and Hula Ki‘i: Traditional Hawaiian Puppetry. Monday thru Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free.

https://www.capitolmodern.org/exhibitions

Schools

Favorite Spots

Nico’s
Address: 1129 N. Nimitz Hwy. Honolulu, HI 96817

Nico’s Pier 38 is a well-known spot in Honolulu, situated near the Honolulu Fish Market, which ensures that their seafood is incredibly fresh. The restaurant, founded in 2004 by three partners—two of whom were commercial fishermen—has a long-standing reputation for offering high-quality seafood dishes.In 2012, Nico’s expanded into a larger space within the Honolulu Fishing Village, featuring a 160-seat open-air dining area, a full bar, and an onsite fish market. This location has become a popular spot for pau hana (after-work relaxation), with a pupu (appetizer) menu that includes favorites like garlic pesto shrimp, truffle oil-drizzled French fries, spicy edamame, and fried calamari.
https://nicospier38.com/

Murphy’s Irish Bar
In the early 1860’s there were 5 original “Retail Spirit” licenses issued on the island of Oahu. Murphy’s is the only license remaining. Murphy’s was then known as the Royal Hotel and the original owner was W.L. Green. Because the Hotel was located in the center of the waterfront, it was a gathering spot for merchants, ship captains, and gentlemen, including Royalty. Although King Kalakaua died in 1891, history tells us that the King frequented the Hotel, as did Robert Louis Stevenson. From Green, to Lanahan, to Walters, to “Scotty” Meston, to Sullivan, to Bollman, to Gillis, and on and on ownership changed hands frequently. Throughout the years from Monarchy to Republic, to Annexation, then to Territorial status, the building remained the same in the ever-changing waterfront environment.

Then in 1987, Don Murphy purchased what was then the Royal Hawaiian Saloon and opened Murphy’s Bar and Grill.Since 1987, we have been giving our clientele a little taste of the Irish homeland, all wrapped up in great food, good company, and an extensive bar with 16 unique beers on tap. We are open daily, from the weekly business lunches to intimate dinners to rousing celebrations with family and friends. https://www.murphyshawaii.com/