Oahu Attraction Guide

Aloha Tower Marketplace

Aloha Tower Marketplace is a Honolulu Harbor waterfront spot beside Aloha Tower, now centered on HPU campus spaces, dining, events, cruise access and harbor views.

Plan Your Visit

Aloha Tower Marketplace, Oahu

The Aloha Tower Marketplace used to be known as a bustling waterfront shopping center. In 2013, Hawaii Pacific University took control of the marketplace. They turned the former shopping center into a mixed-use facility with retail, restaurant and student dormitories. The project was completed in 2015. Today, dining options have become more limited, with places such as The Old Spaghetti Factory, Mexilulu and Aloha Tortilla Factory & Cafe.

Most visitors who come here are either passengers on the Star of Honolulu, a dinner cruise ship, or guests at the popular Ka Moana Luau, which is held here. You can also take a short but scenic stroll along the waterfront, which overlooks Honolulu Harbor, where cruise and container ships arrive on a daily basis.

The historic Aloha Tower is located here as well. There's an elevator that takes visitors to a 360-degree viewing platform on the 11th floor. it was long valued for wide harbor and city views. The view included Honolulu downtown, the airport, the harbor and Waikiki from a bird's eye view. The Aloha Tower observation deck is currently closed for repairs per the Department of Transportation Harbors Division. There is currently no expected open date.

Key Features

Honolulu Harbor waterfront setting in downtown Honolulu
Located beside the historic Aloha Tower landmark
Now a mixed-use property with Hawaii Pacific University spaces
Dining, events and public waterfront walkways remain the main visitor draws
Close to cruise piers, dinner cruises and harbor activities
Aloha Tower observation deck is currently closed to the public
Good for a short walk, harbor photos or pre-event time
Cruise ships, tour boats and working harbor traffic may be visible
Parking and access can vary during events and cruise-ship days
Better for a focused waterfront visit than a full shopping trip

A place for your island days

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Aloha Tower Marketplace feel different from a regular mall?

The property changed after Hawaii Pacific University became part of the site. Today it combines campus spaces, dining, event areas and harborfront walkways instead of a large retail-mall layout.

What makes the setting memorable?

The marketplace sits right beside Honolulu Harbor, where cruise ships, tour boats and working harbor traffic give the area a different feeling from inland shopping centers.

Can visitors still go up Aloha Tower?

The Aloha Tower observation deck is currently closed, so visitors should enjoy the tower exterior and harborfront views unless public access changes.

Why is Aloha Tower important to Honolulu?

For decades, Aloha Tower was one of Honolulu's most recognizable harbor landmarks and a welcoming sight for passengers arriving by ship.

What is the best photo angle?

Good photos usually include Aloha Tower with the harbor behind it, cruise ships at the piers or the waterfront walkways with downtown Honolulu nearby.