Historical Tour of Downtown Honolulu in Red Light District

Honolulu’s rich and complex history extends far beyond the typical tourist attractions. The Historical Tour of Downtown Honolulu in the Red Light District offers an eye-opening exploration of the city’s vibrant yet often overlooked past. Priced at $60 per person, this intimate tour accommodates up to 10 travelers, providing an engaging experience with insightful storytelling from knowledgeable guides. Participants will visit notable landmarks, including the historic Smith’s Union Bar, while enjoying alcoholic beverages for those 21 and older. This captivating adventure delves into the city’s intriguing history, leaving visitors with a deeper understanding of Honolulu’s diverse past.

Key Points

• The tour focuses on the historical red light district of downtown Honolulu, providing insights into the city’s seedy past.
• Guests can visit the oldest bar in Honolulu, Smith’s Union Bar, and toast the fallen from the battleship Arizona.
• The tour is priced at $60 per person and accommodates up to 10 travelers, ensuring an intimate experience.
• The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and service animals are allowed, making it inclusive.
• Positive reviews highlight the engaging storytelling and historical insights provided by the knowledgeable guides.

Tour Overview

The historical tour of downtown Honolulu explores the city’s red light district, offering visitors a glimpse into the area’s past.

Priced from $60 per person, the tour accommodates up to 10 travelers and has received an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 from 6 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor.

The tour includes alcoholic beverages for those 21 and older and a visit to Smith’s Union Bar, the oldest bar in Honolulu, where participants toast the fallen from the battleship Arizona.

The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible and near public transportation.

Meeting and Pickup

Participants meet at 1154 Fort Street Mall, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA, at the Old Blaisdell Hotel, identifiable by the "Blaisdell Hotel" sign and "jojos coffee" sign above the black iron gate.

The tour returns to the same location at the end. The meeting point is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and near public transportation, making it convenient for all travelers.

The tour’s maximum group size is 10 people, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience. Confirmation is received at booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.

Guests can also choose to reserve now and pay later.

Tour Experience

What does the "Tour Experience" entail?

The tour includes alcoholic beverages for those 21 and older. Guests will stop at Smith’s Union Bar, the oldest bar in Honolulu, for a toast to the fallen from the battleship Arizona.

The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and service animals are allowed. It’s also near public transportation, making it convenient for travelers.

The guide’s engaging storytelling and historical insights are highlighted in positive reviews, emphasizing the importance of understanding true events over simplified narratives about WWII history in Honolulu.

Customer Feedback

Positive reviews highlight the tour as entertaining and educational, focusing on WWII history in Honolulu.

Guides Jackie and Jim receive praise for their engaging storytelling and historical insights. Notable comments emphasize the importance of understanding true historical events versus simplified narratives.

The tour experience is described as:

1. Informative
2. Engaging
3. Eye-opening
4. Thought-provoking

Customers appreciate the opportunity to learn about Honolulu’s past beyond the common tourist attractions, with one reviewer stating, "This tour provides a unique perspective on the city’s history that you can’t find anywhere else."

Additional Information

What confirmation is received at booking for this historical tour of downtown Honolulu?

Travelers receive confirmation upon booking the tour. With free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, guests have flexibility.

The tour also offers a reserve now and pay later option, allowing customers to secure their spot without immediate payment.

This historical tour of downtown Honolulu in the Red Light District provides an engaging and educational experience focused on WWII history.

With a maximum group size of 10, the tour maintains an intimate setting for guests to learn and explore the city’s past.

Exploring Honolulu’s Red Light District

The tour explores Honolulu’s historic Red Light District, guiding visitors through the area’s colorful past.

Once known for its lively entertainment scene, the district provides insight into the city’s seedy underbelly during the early 20th century.

Guests visit notable sites, including:

1. Smith’s Union Bar, the oldest bar in Honolulu
2. Former brothels and dance halls
3. Landmarks associated with military personnel and wartime activities
4. Locations where illicit activities, like gambling and prostitution, thrived

The tour offers a thought-provoking look at a bygone era, challenging simplistic narratives and encouraging a deeper understanding of Honolulu’s complex history.

Honoring the Fallen at Smith’s Union Bar

One stop on the historical tour of Honolulu’s Red Light District is Smith’s Union Bar, the oldest bar in the city. Here, the tour group raises a toast to the fallen from the battleship Arizona, a somber moment to honor those lost in the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Stops	Historic Significance	Beverage
Smith’s Union Bar	Oldest bar in Honolulu	Toast to the fallen
	Commemorates WWII history	Alcoholic beverages (21+ only)
	Pays tribute to the battleship Arizona
	Provides historical insights
	Engages guests with storytelling

The tour’s guides, Jackie and Jim, captivate guests with their engaging narratives, ensuring the true historical events are understood, not simplified.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for This Historical Tour?

The tour does not specify a dress code. Comfortable walking shoes and casual attire are recommended, as the tour involves exploring the downtown area. There are no dress requirements mentioned in the tour details.

Are Children Allowed on This Tour?

The tour allows children, but they must be accompanied by an adult. The maximum group size is 10 travelers, so families with young children may find the experience more enjoyable. Strollers are permitted.

Can I Take Photos During the Tour?

Participants are welcome to take photos during the tour, but should be mindful of others’ privacy. The tour guides encourage capturing the historical sites and scenery, while respecting any requests from fellow travelers not to be photographed.

Is This Tour Suitable for Individuals With Limited Mobility?

Yes, the tour is suitable for individuals with limited mobility. According to the details, the tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and service animals are allowed. Plus, the tour is located near public transportation.

Are Any COVID-19 Safety Measures in Place for This Tour?

The tour operator’s website does not mention any specific COVID-19 safety measures in place. However, it’s recommended that travelers check with the operator directly to inquire about their current health and safety protocols prior to booking.

The Sum Up

The Historical Tour of Downtown Honolulu in the Red Light District offers a unique opportunity to explore the city’s captivating past. This immersive experience provides an eye-opening look at Honolulu’s vibrant yet complex history, going beyond the typical tourist attractions. With knowledgeable guides, participants can explore notable landmarks and enjoy alcoholic beverages, creating an engaging and insightful journey into the heart of this remarkable district.