10 Best Architectural Buildings in Honolulu, Hawaii: A Guide to Iconic Structures

Honolulu, Hawaii, is a vibrant city with a unique blend of cultural influences reflected in its architecture.

From historic landmarks to modernist structures, the city’s buildings offer a visual journey through its evolving aesthetic and architectural milestones.

What makes Honolulu’s architectural landscape so captivating?

The answer lies in the diverse styles and rich history that each building represents.

Visitors and residents alike can appreciate the beauty and significance of these structures as they explore the city.

1. Iolani Palace

Iolani Palace was the royal residence of the rulers of the Kingdom of Hawaii, beginning with Kamehameha III and ending with Queen Liliʻuokalani. It is located in the Capitol District of downtown Honolulu.

The palace features both European and Hawaiian elements.

This two-story building is 54 feet tall and 140 feet long.

Built from bricks and supported by a wooden frame, it also includes six towers in a Renaissance style.

Visitors can take docent tours to learn about its rich history and see the beautifully restored rooms.

Notable nearby sites include the Mission House and Washington Place.

2. Hawaii State Capitol

The Hawaii State Capitol is a notable landmark in downtown Honolulu.

Dedicated by John A. Burns, it opened on March 15, 1969, replacing the ʻIolani Palace.

The building showcases a unique architectural style called “Hawaiian international architecture.”

Self-guided tours are available on weekdays, allowing visitors to explore the building and its grounds.

The Capitol houses both the executive and legislative branches of Hawaii’s government, making it a central hub for state politics.

For more details, visit the Hawaii State Capitol.

3. Aloha Tower

The Aloha Tower was completed in 1926 and stands 184 feet tall. Located at Pier 9 of Honolulu Harbor, it was the tallest building in Hawaii for many years.

The tower features a style known as Hawaiian Gothic, a late Gothic Revival design.

Originally serving as a lighthouse, it guided many ships into the harbor.

Architect Arthur L. Reynolds designed the building, adding a modern twist with a convexly rounded dome.

Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Honolulu from the observation deck.

The Aloha Tower remains a significant historical landmark in Honolulu.

4. Kawaiahaʻo Church

Kawaiahaʻo Church, known as the “Westminster Abbey of Hawaiʻi,” is a historic Congregational church located in Downtown Honolulu. The church was constructed from 1836 to 1842.

It features New England-inspired architecture, with a symmetrical facade, round-arched portals, and pilasters.

Built using 14,000 coral rock slabs from an offshore reef, the church has been the site of many royal events, including weddings and inaugurations.

Kawaiahaʻo Church is also part of the Honolulu District Historic Landmark walk.

5. Shangri La

Shangri La, the former home of heiress Doris Duke, is now a museum of Islamic art and design. The five-acre site boasts beautifully landscaped grounds and ocean views.

Visitors can reach Shangri La via a fifteen-minute bus ride from the Honolulu Museum of Art. Reservations and additional tickets are required.

The museum showcases art from various Islamic civilizations like the Spanish Umayyad, Ottoman Syrian, and Mughal empires.

The architecture combines modernist elements with these traditional styles, making Shangri La a unique attraction in Honolulu. Learn more about this unique site here.

6. St. Andrew’s Cathedral

St. Andrew’s Cathedral in Honolulu is a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture. Its design was inspired by the Gothic cathedrals in Europe, which Queen Emma visited in 1865.

The cathedral’s construction began in 1867 near Queen Emma Square in the heart of Honolulu.

It was designed by architects William Slater and R.H. Carpenter from London.

The cathedral features massive columns and Gothic vaulting, leading the eye to the beautiful open Chancel.

The stone apsidal screens and ambulatory behind the High Altar add to its architectural beauty. Visitors can see more details here.

7. Aliʻiōlani Hale

Aliʻiōlani Hale is located at 417 South King Street in Honolulu. It has housed the Hawai’i Supreme Court since 1874.

Commissioned by King Kamehameha V, its construction spanned from 1871 to 1874.

The building features Italian Renaissance Revival architecture. It is part of the Hawaii Capital Historic District.

A statue of King Kamehameha I stands prominently in front, adding to its historical significance. Learn more about Aliʻiōlani Hale here.

8. Royal Hawaiian Hotel

The Royal Hawaiian Hotel is a significant architectural landmark in Honolulu. Located on Waikiki Beach, it opened in 1927.

Known as the “Pink Palace of the Pacific,” the hotel features a distinctive Spanish-Moorish style.

This historic building is part of The Luxury Collection brand by Marriott International. Its design and history make it a must-see in Honolulu.

For more details, visit their official website.

9. USS Arizona Memorial

The USS Arizona Memorial, located at Pearl Harbor in Honolulu, marks the resting place of over 1,100 sailors and Marines. This significant site commemorates the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.

Designed by Alfred Preis, the memorial was constructed in 1962.

It stands above the sunken remains of the USS Arizona, making it both a historical and architectural landmark. The white, reinforced-concrete structure is supported by concrete piles anchored 150 feet deep.

Visitors can learn more about this historic site at the USS Arizona Memorial.

10. Mission Houses Museum

The Mission Houses Museum in Honolulu, Hawaii, showcases the influence of early 19th-century Christian missionaries. Located in downtown Honolulu, it consists of three restored buildings built between 1821 and 1841.

Visitors can explore original structures, including a frame house, a printing house, and a coral-stone building. The museum offers guided tours and hosts events like the Hawaii Shakespeare Festival. For more information, visit Mission Houses Museum.

Historical Significance of Honolulu’s Architectural Marvels

Honolulu’s architecture reflects a rich tapestry of cultural influences and historical changes.

From ancient Hawaiian structures to modern innovations, the city’s buildings offer a glimpse into its unique history and identity.

The Evolution of Architectural Styles in Honolulu

Honolulu’s architectural landscape has evolved dramatically.

Early structures were constructed using indigenous materials and techniques, such as thatched hale (houses) made from local wood and grass. These early designs focused on sustainability and harmony with nature.

In the 20th century, Western influences began to shape the city’s skyline.

Architects drew inspiration from Italian Renaissance, Mediterranean, and Gothic Revival styles during rapid urbanization.

The Alexander & Baldwin building exemplifies this fusion, blending classical elements with island aesthetics.

Contemporary Honolulu now showcases modern skyscrapers and eco-friendly designs.

This evolution highlights the city’s ability to adapt while preserving its historical essence.

Influence of Indigenous Hawaiian Culture

Indigenous Hawaiian culture deeply impacts Honolulu’s architecture.

Traditional beliefs and practices emphasize the importance of environment and community. The use of natural materials and open-air designs echo these values.

Many buildings incorporate symbols and motifs that reflect Hawaiian heritage.

The art and architecture are often infused with references to native flora, fauna, and mythology.

This cultural infusion ensures that new developments respect and celebrate the island’s unique history.

Institutions like the Historic Hawaii Foundation work to protect and preserve these cultural treasures.

Their efforts ensure that future generations can continue to appreciate the city’s rich architectural heritage.

Iconic Architectural Features and Designs

Architectural features in Honolulu often showcase natural elements and sustainability. These designs highlight the connection between the environment and modern construction.

Integration of Natural Elements

Many buildings in Honolulu skillfully integrate natural elements.

The Alexander & Baldwin building features Italian Renaissance architecture with arched windows and a poignant little balcony, which blend with the surrounding tropical landscape.

The East-West Center at the University of Hawaii at Manoa combines modernist design with lush gardens and open spaces that encourage natural light and ventilation.

These structures demonstrate how architecture can harmonize with nature, using materials and designs that reflect the island’s scenery and climate.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Structures

Sustainability is a key feature in Honolulu’s architecture.

Buildings like those designed by I.M. Pei at the East-West Center use eco-friendly practices.

These structures emphasize energy efficiency, often incorporating solar panels and green roofs.

Many modern buildings in Honolulu are LEED-certified, reflecting a commitment to minimizing environmental impact.

For instance, the use of natural ventilation, native plants in landscaping, and water-efficient systems are common traits.

Efforts to preserve the environment include using recycled materials and incorporating rainwater harvesting systems.

Through these practices, Honolulu’s architecture showcases a blend of innovative design and environmental stewardship.