The 10 Most Beautiful Buildings in Hawaii
Hawaii’s cultural history and rich diversity have shaped the islands’ art, design, and architecture styles over the centuries. With influences from Polynesia, the Americas, Japan, China, the Philippines and even Siberia, Hawaii has produced some striking and innovative edifices worth checking out.
1. Royal Mausoleum of Hawaii
Museum
2. Hānaiakamalama
Hānaiakamalama was the summer retreat for Queen Emma and her family from 1857 to 1885. Also in the Nu’uanu Valley, it is now an exhibition showcasing the queen’s belongings and royal antiques.
Hānaiakamalama, 2913 Pali Hwy, Honolulu, HI, USA, +1 808 595 3167
3. Doris Duke’s Shangri La
Museum
5. Honolulu Museum of Art
Museum
6. Aloha Tower
This iconic landmark, which opened in 1926, was once one of the tallest buildings in Hawaii, offering incredible views of the harbor. Once serving as a lighthouse to guide incoming boats, these days it’s an indelible feature of the Aloha Tower Marketplace.
Aloha Tower, 155 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI, USA, +1 808 544 1453
7. Liljestrand House
Forest, Historical Landmark
8. Hawaii State Capitol Building
Building
9. Hawaii Theatre
Cinema, Theater, Theatre
Waikiki Natatorium War Memorial
Built in memoriam to the 10,000 men and women from Hawaii who served during WWI, the Waikiki Natatorium War Memorial is a solemn testament to the Beaux-Arts style. In addition to the entrance arch, the natatorium also houses a large saltwater swimming pool, where, during the opening ceremonies in 1927, Olympic gold medalist Duke Kahanamoku swam to mark the occasion. These days, it’s a popular gathering place for locals and is on both the National and State Registers of Historic Places.
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.