Standing proudly at the Honolulu Harbor is Hawaii’s largest building, the Aloha Tower. The tower is also Hawaii’s most recognizable hospitality symbol.

Built in 1926 as a warming welcome for the tourist filled boats landing in the Honolulu Harbor. There was a celebration called “Boat Days” that has been going on in the 1920’s. This festival was all about the Aloha Spirit. Hula dancing, feasting and traditional Hawaiian music created a feeling of togetherness. Every one was joyful and elated to mingle and meet new people.

Boat days doesn’t exist now but there is a plaza buzzing below the tower. The Aloha Tower Market place is a quaint, historic market place, surrounding the base of the tower, that has a modern twist. there is shopping and fine dining for your vacation pleasure.

The tower it’s self has a cupola with a domed roof and a balcony. This open-air terrace has a breath taking view of the city. The word ALOHA hangs in giant letters on the tower. Quite an impressive sight. So are the enormous clocks on each side of the tower. One clock faces Mauka (Hawaiian word for “mountains” or “toward the mountains”) and the other clock faces Makai ( “ocean-side” or “toward the ocean”). A great photo for the album!

The tower is a lot more then just a welcoming center. The tower has a busy daily life that includes activities like observing water traffic from the tower’s deck and running the control center for the harbor.

The top of the Aloha Tower ,on the deck, is traditionally open to the public daily from 9:30 a.m. to sunset. You’ll feel refreshed by the sea and the fresh smell of the docks will have you feeling like an islander. The other great benefit of this attraction is that the visit is FREE!