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.
Royal Mausoleum of Hawaii
Museum
Hānaiakamalama
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
Doris Duke’s Shangri La
Museum
‘Iolani Palace
‘Iolani Palace
The historic ‘Iolani Palace is one of a kind in the world of architectural innovations. Commissioned in the late 19th-century by King Kalākaua, it was built in a unique architecture style known as American Florentine, seen nowhere else in the world. For years it was the royal residence of the Kings and Queens of Hawaii, and it features a blend of Roman aesthetics with Hawaiian concepts. Curiously, the building was the first structure in Hawaii to have electric lights. ‘Iolani Palace is now a museum, and the public is free to admire the elegant koi wood staircase, private library, petite columns, sensuous curves and wide verandas.
‘Iolani Palace, 364 S King St, Honolulu, HI, USA, +1 808 522 0822
Honolulu Museum of Art
Museum
Aloha Tower
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
Liljestrand House
Forest, Historical Landmark
Hawaii State Capitol Building
Building
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.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
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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.
