Kakaako Arts District
Honolulu, United States · Neighborhood
About Kakaako Arts District
The Kakaako Arts District is Honolulu's trendiest urban neighborhood, known for transforming former industrial warehouses into an outdoor art gallery. It gained international fame through the POW! WOW! Hawaii festival, which brought world-renowned street artists to cover entire building facades in colorful murals. Today, the area blends cutting-edge street art with a thriving scene of microbreweries, hip boutiques, and modern Hawaiian dining.
Don't miss
- Marvel at the ever-changing, multi-story street art murals painted across industrial warehouses along Cooke and Pohukaina Streets.
- Explore SALT at Our Kaka'ako, an open-air city block packed with independent boutiques, local coffee shops, and eateries.
- Sample island-inspired beers and ciders at popular neighborhood craft breweries like Aloha Beer Co. and Honolulu Beerworks.
- Walk over to Kaka'ako Waterfront Park to catch sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and watch surfers off the south shore.
Plan your visit
Late afternoon is ideal because you can explore the murals before it gets too hot and transition directly into dinner and craft brewery hopping. Weekdays are generally quieter for taking photos, while weekends offer lively community markets.
Exploring the street art district is completely free and requires no advance tickets. You will only need to pay for your food, drinks, and boutique purchases along the way.
From downtown Honolulu or Waikiki, Kakaako is easily reached via a 10- to 15-minute ride on TheBus or a short rideshare. You can also rent a Biki bikeshare bicycle to ride down the scenic coastal path.
Tips for visiting
- Wear comfortable walking shoes since the best murals are spread across several open blocks without much shade.
- Bring a fully charged phone or camera and snap photos early in the morning or late afternoon when lighting is soft.
- Stop by the SALT at Our Kaka'ako complex for clean public restrooms, shaded seating, and air conditioning.
- Look up mural map locations online before visiting to make sure you do not miss hidden pieces in alleyways.
- Hydrate frequently and carry sunscreen, as Hawaiian sun reflected off the paved streets can get quite intense.
Kakaako Arts District FAQ
Is the Kakaako Arts District safe to walk around?
Yes, Kakaako is generally very safe and pedestrian-friendly, especially around SALT and the main mural corridors. Like any city neighborhood, it is wise to stay aware of your surroundings, particularly when exploring quieter industrial alleys after dark.
Are the murals updated or painted over regularly?
Yes, many of the murals change over time as new artists are invited to refresh warehouse walls. While some signature pieces remain for years, repeat visitors will often find exciting new artwork around town.
Can you visit Kakaako with children?
Kakaako is very family-friendly, and kids love spotting the vibrant, cartoonish characters depicted on the walls. The open-air complex at SALT also has casual dining spots and sweet treats like local ice cream that children will enjoy.
Is parking easily accessible in the neighborhood?
Paid parking is available in the multistory garage at SALT at Our Kaka'ako, where many shops offer validation with a purchase. Metered street parking is also scattered throughout the area, though spots can fill up quickly during peak lunch and dinner hours.
More things to do in Honolulu
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Waikiki Beach Landmark
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Trek through a lush rainforest valley filled with towering bamboo groves leading to a dramatic 150-foot waterfall.
AI-written guide, last updated 2026-10-09. Check opening times and ticket prices on the official website before you go. Photos: cmaranski, dpung on Pixabay.