Historic Honolulu Walking Tour | Downtown & Chinatown Audio Guide

Audio Tour Hawaii

Experience the towering statue of King Kamehameha and the heart of historic Honolulu. A city shaped by kings, queens, missionaries, merchants, and the unique cultures that continue to thrive today.

Self-Guided Excursions

Downtown Walking Tour

Discover Downtown Honolulu and Chinatown at your own pace. Follow in the footsteps of history where ancient footpaths became paved streets, and Iolani Palace stands proudly beside modern skyscrapers.
  • Per Device
    $7.99

    + Hawaii sales tax & credit card fee

Capitol of Hawaii

See all of Downtown Honolulu

Walk through former royal grounds, now home to government buildings, cultural centers, and local shops. See it all at your own pace. 

Historic District

Explore from Thomas Square to Chinatown.

Capital City

Learn about the innovative Hawaiian Kingdom.

Mobile Device

Redeem and use on your personal mobile device.

Works Offline

Once the route is downloaded, you are good to go.

Unique Code

Download tour on the VoiceMap mobile app.

How it works (simple & flexible)

Getting started is easy. Follow these quick steps:
Audio tours Oahu Hawaii
  • 1.One code per device.
  • 2.Sign-in and redeem.
  • 3.Download before you go.
  • 4.Press play and explore.
  • Reuse anytime.
Hawaiiʻs port city

One of the most walkable cities

This GPS-guided walking tour brings you to historic landmarks, public plazas, and colorful streets. Follow free markers while stopping for photos, tea shops, or hidden murals.

Included: Hawaiian - Royal beginnings, civic evolution, and mission-era stories.
Included: Local Landmarks - Government buildings, churches, and public squares.
Included: Chinatown - Markets, murals, eateries, and neighborhood stories.
Included: Scenic Walks - Shaded boulevards, public plazas, and riverside paths.
Included: Flexible Stops - Pause for refreshments, photos, or touring museums.
Historic Honolulu

300 years of stories from Downtown

This 4-mile self-guided route introduces you to King Kamehameha and spans from Thomas Square, and Chinatown.

Shaded sidewalks, rest stops, and simple directions make it easy to enjoy an area featured in so many film and television productions.

Travel beautiful parks to the bustling streets of Honolulu while visiting a variety of Museums and Art Galleries.

Feature Shaka GYPSY AT.Hi
Historic Walking Tour Basic version Not Available Complete Historic Honolulu
Tour Length 4 blocks, ~1 hour Not Available 3.5 miles, 2+ hours
Price per Device $4.99 Not Available $7.99
Local Voices One Not Available Kapena shares the stories
Story Depth Very basic Not Available Cultural & historical depth
Tour Style Structured and limited length Not Available Flexible with optional shortcuts
Best Value Short route, low depth Not Available Most complete & immersive

Locals and visitors will love this metropolitan walk:

Learn about Honolulu’s royal beginnings, civic development, and unique cultural evolution.

Pacific Jewel

Over 20 distinctive highlights reveal Downtown Honolulu’s royal and civic history, from Iolani Palace to the Capitol District.

More Tour Options

Self-guided combination packs

Expand your journey with easy combination packages. A single purchase unlocks the entire experience on one device and comes with free extras to enhance each trip.

Honolulu History Combo

Ultimate GPS Package

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Private Tours

Design the perfect private excursion for your family. Choose by route, tour length, or which famous Oahu locations you want to visit.

Audio Tours

Explore ʻon your own but never aloneʻ with these GPS-triggered self-guided audio tours. Real Oahu stories told by actual local people.

Tour Souvenirs

Bring memories from your vacation home with Hawaii tour souvenirs and merchandise. Show off your vacation when you get home.

Frequent questions

About this GPS package


Curious about how the audio tours work, how long each walk takes, or which route is right for your day? We’ve answered the most common questions to help you plan your self-guided walking adventure with ease. You will find plenty of tips to help you get the most out of your time in Honolulu’s historic district.

You are purchasing a unique, one-time-use code to redeem on the VoiceMap mobile application. It works on your mobile device, and it features self-guided excursions around the world. After you download the app, enter the code and download the route. Then you are good to go.

The tour also includes turn-by-turn directions, local food tips, and access to two scavenger hunts and two interactive quizzes. The route is fully accessible, with rest stops and optional museum detours, and can be explored entirely on your schedule.

The Historic Honolulu Walking Tour includes a GPS-guided audio experience that explores the city’s royal, political, and commercial roots. Guided by Kapena, who was born and raised in Honolulu, the tour shares stories of alii, missionaries, and merchants from a local perspective.

Getting ready for the Historic Honolulu Walking Tour is easy. Wear comfortable shoes and light clothing, especially if you’ll be out during the warmer part of the day. Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for sun protection. A refillable water bottle is a must, and packing a few light snacks is a good idea if you plan to take your time.

Before you head out, download the VoiceMap app, redeem your tour code, and make sure your phone is fully charged. A portable charger can be a handy addition, and downloading offline maps is a smart backup.
The 4-mile tour takes about 2 to 3 hours, depending on your pace, so aim for a morning start to avoid crowds and heat. Check the weather forecast, and bring a light rain jacket if needed.

With a little planning, you’ll be set to enjoy a smooth, flexible, and enriching experience exploring the capital of Hawaii.

Good question. Since this is a self-guided tour, some things aren’t included. Stuff like transportation to the starting point, meals, or entry into any paid attractions you might pass along the way.

You’ll also want to bring your own water, snacks, and anything else you need to stay comfortable while walking. As this is a fully self-guided experience, please ensure you arrive at the starting point with snacks, water, and sunscreen.

Unfortunately, you probably won’t meet Kapena unless you spot him walking through Thomas Square or catching a lunchtime plate lunch nearby.

Yes. Every Audio Tour Hawaii walking tour comes with a little extra fun built in. For this self-guided excursion, you’ll get access to two interactive quizzes and two themed scavenger hunts. They are entirely free, and you don’t even have to purchase the tour to try them.
All audio tour purchases are non-refundable, as each code is unique and can only be used once. However, we’re always happy to assist with redeeming your code or offer tips to help you get the most out of your experience. If you have any questions, we recommend reaching out before you begin your tour. VoiceMap also provides app support, and we are here to help every step of the way.

This self-guided tour is designed to be as flexible and inclusive as possible. The entire base route is wheelchair and stroller-accessible, featuring smooth paths and rest areas along the way. So, it is perfect for travelers of all mobility levels. You can walk the entire 4-mile route or take one of the built-in shortcuts if you’re short on time or simply want a more relaxed pace.

If you’re looking to add a little adventure, you’re welcome to detour into art galleries, churches, or local cafes. These extras aren’t part of the route, but they’re easy to add if you’re feeling curious. Whether you want a quiet stroll or a more educational outing, this tour gives you the freedom to shape your day around what interests you most.

Audio Tour Hawaii logo
GPS-Guided Narration

Real stories by local people

But wait, there’s more. Audio Tour Hawaii offers a variety of unforgettable GPS excursions across Oahu. After you finish this route, explore the resort district or add an adventure from Pearl Harbor.

Waikiki Walking Tour (P1)

Pearl Harbor Self-Drive

Waikiki Combo Pack

These are fully self-guided walks, so a little planning goes a long way. Many places have limited hours and if you want to visit, reservations are strongly recommended.