King Street is one of 2 high streets in central Honolulu, Hawaii and home to a variety of historic sites, dining, and nightlife. This popular main drag has been a fixture in city centre Honolulu for decades, offering a good mix of historical landmarks, restaurants and cafes, shops and boutiques, and family attractions.

The Capitol District in city centre Honolulu encompasses parts of King Street, and includes the only royal palace located in the United States. King Street is also known as a popular spot for nightlife in Honolulu, with a variety of bars, restaurants, and clubs open until late in the evening.

King Street - one of the highlights of 10 Most Popular Streets in Honolulu (Read all about Honolulu here)

Highlights of King Street

One of the must-see destinations on King Street is the Iolani Palace, the historical residence of the last 2 reigning monarchs of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Multiple types of tours are offered within the palace, with both guided and self-guided options available, and locals recommend booking your tour in advance for this popular site.

If you’re hungry, you’ll find plenty of options for dining on King Street, ranging from Japanese and Italian restaurants to fresh seafood and classic Hawaiian fare. For shopping destinations you can check out Kingsgate Plaza, or head over to the Ala Moana Centre, a massive 4-story open-air mall.

Good to know when visiting King Street in Honolulu

City buses include stops along King Street, and are a safe and inexpensive way to travel around Honolulu. Buses are equipped with bike racks, and are also wheelchair accessible. Waikiki Trolley also runs 3 trolley lines for tourists visiting Honolulu, to popular destinations in the area.

Most of King Street is one-way for vehicle traffic. If you’re driving, keep in mind the speed limits in Honolulu are typically lower than in other parts of the world, and road lanes can be narrower, so drive carefully. Several attractions are nearby, such as the Hawaii State Art Museum and the Hawaii State Capitol.

photo by Daniel Ramirez (CC BY 2.0) modified

King Street