As well as being of architectural interest, Honolulu Hale hosts regular events, including open-air concerts that are held in the courtyard and the enormously popular annual Honolulu City Lights, a Christmas season event during which a giant “Shaka Santa” (Santa flashing his one-handed shaka sign) and Tutu Mele (Mrs. Claus) adorn the building’s fountain pool accompanied by a flurry of colored light displays and lawn ornaments. Walking tours of downtown Honolulu often include a stop at Honolulu Hale.
Honolulu’s sun can be intense, so protect yourself when walking around downtown.
Visitors must clear a security check before entering the building.
Honolulu Hale is wheelchair accessible.
Honolulu Hale is located on South King and Punchbowl Streets in downtown Honolulu. Parking is available on Punchbowl Street and South King Street and within the public portion of the Civic Center parking garage. The metered parking on South King Street is only available from early morning until mid-afternoon.
Visitors can enter during business hours (typically early morning until late afternoon). The best time to visit Honolulu Hale is in December. There is a tree-lighting ceremony in early December, and for the rest of the month, Honolulu City Lights festivities light up the building. During Honolulu City Lights, the public is welcomed inside the building to see its collection of ornately decorated Christmas trees.
While in the area, it’s well worth walking to some of downtown Honoluu’s other nearby historic sites. Iolani Palace, the State Capitol Building, Aliʻiolani Hale (home of the Hawaii State Supreme Court), King Kamehameha statue, Kawaiahaʻo Church, and Mission Houses Museum are all within a 5-minute walk of Honolulu Hale.
