Visit Kakaako: Explore Honolulu’s Vibrant Urban Neighborhood and Cultural Hub (updated 2023)

If you are looking for a fun and hip place to discover outside of Waikiki and Honolulu area then head out to the cool Kakaako district. Kakaako is located in the warehouse district of Honolulu bordering the Ala Moana Center, Ward Center and downtown Honolulu.

Kakaako has always been on the fringe of hangout areas for artists and car detail shops with craft breweries that have made this a haven for a long time in this once gritty industrial section of Honolulu. Recently, more galleries, shops and multi-use complexes have sprung up in the area and making this an uber trendy area to hang out.

When you visit Kakaako, You’ll notice that there are lots of new developments going on in the area with big shopping venues being built. But the street vibe, murals and local hang out spots are all still here to discover and enjoy when you visit Kakaako.

Where is Kakaako located in Honolulu?

Kakaako is a vibrant neighborhood located in Honolulu, Hawaii. It is situated on the southern shores of the island of Oahu, just south of downtown Honolulu and adjacent to Ala Moana. Kakaako has undergone significant redevelopment in recent years and is known for its artistic and cultural scene, trendy dining establishments, and modern condominiums. It’s a dynamic area that offers a mix of urban living and island charm, making it a popular destination for residents and visitors alike.

Kakaako History

Started originally as a blue-collar neighborhood in the early 1800s that morphed into industrial complexes and small businesses, the changes then developed into mixed used spaces. Eventually artists started to move in with cheaper rents and help to drive the creative energy to the area along with the craft beer scene, the new Ward center development complex of shops and restaurants. Finally, the cool and hip Salt Space opened up with more breweries, hidden speak easies, restaurants and boutique stores and colorful Instagrammable street art, green spaces and events to draw in locals and visitors to enjoy the vibrant area.

Now the trendy and hip areas are edged with new multi-purpose areas and condo high rises that support the lifestyle and cool things to do around Kakaako.

How to get to Kakaako district

If your planning to visit Kakaako, it’s easy enough to take a taxi or Uber to the center of the district at Salt or you an also take public transportation on Ala Moana to the Ward Center and then walk around to the various parts of the district.

For public transportation you can take The Bus which stops at Kaka’ako on routes 1,2,3,4,5,6,8,9,13,15,17,18,19,20,22,23,24,40,42,51,52,55,56,57

You can catch the Waikiki Trolley and the red line to get to Kakaako and the Salt Center.

Also, there are biki bike stations all around the area and easy to use these fun bikes to explore the area.

Eventually the metro train system will also have a stop at the Kakaako district.

Top things to do and explore around Kakaako

The hot urban scene mixed in with industrial, street art and craft brews and galleries to explore has a lot of cool and new things happening all the time in the city Check out some of these activities and put them on your calendar when you visit Kakaako.

Cool events and happenings at Kakaako

The area is drawing an international appeal with the popular Pow Wow Street art festivals, the Honolulu Night markets and live music at various venues and craft brewery events. There’s plenty to do and see around Kakaako with events, performances and street festivals happening yearly but mostly during the summer season.

Explore the Kakaako Murals from Pow Wow

This popular street art event with famous street artist converging into the district annually to paint some cool street art scenes around the area has made this a popular spot for Instagram visitors to scour the neighborhood for the hot new images and maybe selfies with these images.  It does feel like a fun scavenger hunt, but you can find the new works on the major streets located on Coral, Pohukaina and Auahi streets.

Or you can check out the festivals and happenings with Pow Wow here for the latest and fun events in the area.

Walking the streets for the colorful street art murals around Kakaako district

There are lots of international mural artists that come to Honolulu for the annual Pow Wow, street art festival

Check out Salt at Our Kaka’ako (Pa’akai)

Salt is this cool and hip multi use complex of shops, galleries, brew pubs and dining venues is a young and fresh with events happening all the time to bring in crowds and visitors to complex.

This vibrant and fun space typically has regular events that happen regularly so check on their event calendar here for new happenings going on.

Cool vibes and even the stairs are colorful at Salt

There’s lots of fun dining, coffee houses and specialty food venues around Salt to enjoy and hang out for the day

Tasting some delicious hand made chocolates at LonoHana Estates and some really yummy chocolate inspired drinks

Colorful boutique stores and hip fashion shopping venues at Salt

Hang out at the Kakaako waterfront park or Mother Waldron Playground

There’s some nice open playground areas to hang out in Kakaako and the nice waterfront area next to the Children’s Discovery Museum which is a family friendly venue to enjoy in the area.

Attend the regular events at Kakaako

Local events happen year-round but more so during the summer months when more shows and events fill up the calendar of things to do or cool shows happening. Here are some of the popular events that happen all around the district at different locations.

Eat the Street

A monthly event with over 70 food trucks converging at Kakaako park and a party atmosphere drawing in the colorful and quirky all into one area and enjoying delicious foods and activities at the park around Kakaako area

Check the current happenings on their FB page below

(11) Eat The Street | Facebook

Location 747 Ala Moana Boulevard, Honolulu

Check out Eat the Street in Honolulu

Honolulu Night Market

This event is starting up again post pandemic with a night market happening every third Sunday of the month and over 40 retail vendors and food trucks gathering for this fantastic event that happens mostly summer time and once monthly. You’ll also find art showcases, live music and entertainment and a variety of pop-up tents with cool things to check out.

Located at the Corner of Keawe and Auahi streets

Check out this fun video exploring the night market

Ward Village Events

Kakaako Farmers Market – right off the central plaza in the village and occurs every Saturday from 8-12pm

919 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814

Happening at the plaza area of Ward Village which also offers a variety of public events at the Central Plaza including Yoga, hula shows, movies and musical performances.

Let’s check out the farmers market at Kaka’ako below

Events at Salt

A popular roster of events happens at Salt celebrating everything from classical music, Yoga events to the Hot Summer nights concert series.

Check out the current happenings on Aloha Friday summer events

Visit the Craft Brewery scene at Kakaako

With five local breweries located right in the district, you can easily walk to each one and enjoy some of the cool street art scenes in between your walks. The craft brewery scene here in Kakaako has always been a strong draw to the area for locals and visitors alike.

The easiest walk from Salt is at Honolulu Beerworks right on Cook street with the same edgy and fun vibe to this colorful hang out spot. You can do some cornhole toss while tasting some of their signature brews and eclectic combinations in a tasting menu you can choose yourself.

Sampling a delicious flight of Craft beers at Honolulu Beerworks at Kakaako

Tossing some cornhole bags while enjoying some brews outdoor in Kakaako

Check out some other fun brew tours in this video tour below

Explore on foot or do the Biki at Kakaako

It’s easy to get around the Kaka’ako district walking around some of the key attractions mentioned above. Or to cover more ground in a fun way, why not use the Biki bike systems so you can easily tour the area and check out the many colorful street art murals around Kaka’ako area.

Other attractions to visit in the area

While you are exploring Kakaako, it’s easy to also check out some of the nearby attractions and fun venues in the area including:

Ala Moana Shopping Center

Ala Moana Park

Aloha Tower

Historic downtown district

Honolulu Chinatown

Iolani Palace downtown

Other fun places to explore around Honolulu area

If you are visiting around Honolulu area, check out these other fun attractions and activities to do around the city.

Free things to do in Honolulu

A visit to Iolani Palace

Top things to do in Honolulu now

What to see and do around Waikiki area

Top places to eat in Honolulu

A Waikiki Beach guide

Weather and best time to visit Honolulu, Oahu

Waikiki is a popular beachfront neighborhood located on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. It’s renowned for its beautiful beaches, shopping, dining, and entertainment options. The best time to visit Waikiki depends on your preferences for weather, crowd levels, and budget. Here’s a breakdown of Waikiki’s weather and the ideal times to plan your trip:

Weather Overview:

• Year-Round Tropical Climate: Waikiki enjoys a tropical climate, making it a desirable destination throughout the year. It features warm temperatures, high humidity, and consistent trade winds.
• Summer (June to August): Waikiki’s summer months are warm and dry, with temperatures typically ranging from 75°F to 88°F (24°C to 31°C). These months offer plenty of sunshine, making it ideal for beachgoers and water sports enthusiasts. However, it’s also the peak tourist season, resulting in larger crowds and higher prices.
• Fall (September to November): Fall in Waikiki remains warm, with temperatures between 73°F and 87°F (23°C to 31°C). Rainfall is minimal during this period, and the island is less crowded than during the summer. It’s an excellent time for a more relaxed visit.
• Winter (December to February): Waikiki’s winter is mild, with temperatures averaging between 68°F and 80°F (20°C to 27°C). This season is the rainiest, especially on the windward (eastern) side of Oahu. While you might experience some rain, it’s still possible to enjoy the beaches and outdoor activities, and you’ll find fewer tourists during this time.
• Spring (March to May): Spring is similar to fall, with pleasant temperatures ranging from 69°F to 82°F (21°C to 28°C). Rainfall decreases, and the landscape becomes lush and green. Spring is a great time for both weather and fewer crowds.

Best Times to Visit Waikiki:

• Fall (September to November): Many consider fall the best time to visit Waikiki. The weather is warm and pleasant, there’s minimal rainfall, and the island is less crowded than during the summer.
• Late Spring (April to June): Late spring is also an excellent time to visit. The weather is fantastic, and it’s a bit less crowded than during the peak summer season.

Considerations:

• Peak Tourist Season: If you prefer warmer weather and don’t mind larger crowds and higher prices, visiting during the summer (June to August) can still be enjoyable.
• Water Activities: Waikiki offers various water activities, including surfing, snorkeling, and paddleboarding. Be sure to check the ocean conditions and surf reports for safety.
• Festivals and Events: Keep an eye on the event calendar for festivals, cultural events, and activities happening in Waikiki during your visit.
• Hurricane Season: Hurricane season in the Pacific typically runs from June to November. While the chances of a hurricane directly impacting Waikiki are relatively low, it’s a good idea to monitor weather forecasts during this period.

In conclusion, Waikiki’s tropical climate makes it a year-round destination. The best time to visit depends on your preferences, with fall and late spring offering a balance between pleasant weather and fewer crowds. However, Waikiki’s beauty and attractions can be enjoyed at any time of year.

Conclusion to visiting Kakaako district in Honolulu

To conclude, a trip to the Kakaako district in Honolulu offers a dynamic and enriching experience at the heart of the city. This urban neighborhood and cultural hub provide a vibrant fusion of art, cuisine, shopping, and community. From the captivating street murals that adorn the buildings to the trendy boutiques and local dining options, Kakaako radiates a lively and creative ambiance. Exploring the district allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the vibrant local culture and witness the exciting revitalization of this formerly industrial area. With its proximity to stunning beaches, parks, and notable landmarks, Kakaako offers a well-rounded experience for all. Whether one seeks artistic inspiration, gastronomic delights, or simply the vibrant atmosphere, a visit to Kakaako district is sure to create lasting memories and evoke the energetic spirit of Honolulu.

Thanks for checking out this post on visiting Kakaako, hope it was interesting and that you get to visit this colorful district for the murals, fun events, shopping and dining and other cool venues around the area.

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