Historical Tour of Downtown Honolulu in Red Light District in Oahu
Oahu, United States

Historical Tour of Downtown Honolulu in Red Light District

Outty Ranking 59 4.5 · 8 traveler reviews1.5 hoursFrom $45

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September 2026

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Adults

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From, per person$45
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Outty Ranking

59/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.5/5

Based on 8 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Historical Tour of Downtown Honolulu in Red Light District worth booking?

Historical Tour of Downtown Honolulu in Red Light District is a 1.5-hour experience in Oahu, United States, from $45 per person. It scores 59 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look, based on a 4.5/5 rating across 8 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
59 / 100
Rating
4.5/5 (8)
Duration
1.5 hours
From
$45 per person

Explore Honolulu's mysterious past with Honolulu Red Light Tours, delving into the intriguing world of Hawaii's 1930s brothels. Uncover the tales of secret establishments, vibrant characters, and the allure that shaped t

What you get

    About this experience

    Explore Honolulu's mysterious past with Honolulu Red Light Tours, delving into the intriguing world of Hawaii's 1930s brothels. Uncover the tales of secret establishments, vibrant characters, and the allure that shaped the city's history. Guided by knowledgeable storytellers, this tour offers a unique glimpse into Honolulu's captivating and enigmatic underbelly. Wheelchair accessible tours at 1:00 and 3:00 PM. Contact us for private tours of 4 or more visitors for days/times we are normally closed.

    What's included

    Included

    • Alcoholic beverages

    What you'll see and do

    1. Downtown Honolulu

      The tour begins at the Blaisdell Hotel. This is where the working girls checked in with the Chief of Police. The tour then continues through the historic red light district with stops at 6 former brothels where guests will learn the steamy history and stories of each building. Our tour guide will meet you at the Old Blaisdell Hotel (1154 Fort Street Mall). This is a historical Redlight tour in Honolulu's Chinatown's heyday of prostitution from the the 1930s-1944. This is a short walking tour and is designed with all physical abilities in mind. We can accommodate visitors in wheelchairs for our earlier tours as the historic elevator stops running at 4:30 PM. The entire route is wheelchair friendly.

      60 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Oahu

    Meet at 1154 Fort Street Mall. The Old Blaisdell Hotel. Look up above the trees and see a “Blaisdell Hotel” sign. There is a “jojos coffee sign” hanging over the black iron gate. We will meet you at the gate.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Meet at 1154 Fort Street Mall. The Old Blaisdell Hotel. Look up above the trees and see a “Blaisdell Hotel” sign. There is a “jojos coffee sign” hanging over the black iron gate. We will meet you at the gate.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
    Group size
    Up to 10 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Honolulu Red Light Tours

    Know before you go

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Specialized infant seats are available
    • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Must be 21 to consume alcohol

    Photos

    Blaisdell Hotel todayOur first tour!Mendonca BldgFormer brothelOldest bar in Honolulu and watering hole of the USS ArizonaThe Sumida Bldg

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 8 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    7 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    The guide

    4 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Traveler reviews

    8 verified traveler reviews for Historical Tour of Downtown Honolulu in Red Light District. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    7
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    1
    Sort
    892shellyg · November 2025

    A nice walking tour with interesting history!

    A really delightful way to spend our last morning on Oahu. Jacqueline greeted us do warmly and was dressed to reflect the 1940’s WWII era. She had a wealth of knowledge about the Hotel Street and Chinatown areas and the brothels that were in the area.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for choosing to spend your time with us. We are very enthusiastic about the colorful history of our neighborhood and truly enjoy sharing it with others.

    via Tripadvisor

    C4323OSmikew · April 2025

    The Best tour about history of red light !!!

    This was the best tour we could possibly done very informative of how Chinatown was ran. Jackie was excellent. She was able to share several different stories about the area. I would highly recommend this tour for anyone wanting to know the history of Honolulu and the way things were done in those times. Jackie thanks so much you wonderful!

    Response from the operator: Thank you for booking with our small business! We really appreciate you taking the time to go for a walk through history with us!

    via Tripadvisor

    Alice_S · January 2025

    Awesome tour of a little known about time

    Absolutely fascinating and awesome tour! The underside of life in Honolulu during WWII comes to life as Jackie and Jim took us back through history. Entertaining and educational. I highly recommend!

    Response from the operator: Alice - it was a pleasure to meet you and share the history of 1930's-1944 Chinatown.

    via Viator

    alices32 · January 2025

    Just awesome!!!

    Absolutely awesome and highly recommend! I did this tour twice before under the prior operator and it is equally as awesome, if not better! Jim and Jackie were delightful guides. Plan on taking future guests! Definitely a "do not miss" for those interested in the underside of history!!!!!

    Response from the operator: Thank you for spending your afternoon with us! Such a great time sharing the sordid history of Chinatown with you!

    via Tripadvisor

    X2138QXmarisar · September 2024

    Would never book again!

    I'd say the tour was awful but no one even showed up to give said tour! I and my friend waited at the meeting location for 30 minutes after the supposed tour was supposed to start and not one person showed up nor did we even receive a call to tell us it was cancelled. We still haven't heard anything from this company. I tried to contact the company but no number was listed in my confirmation email. Do not recommend!

    Response from the operator: Aloha - We apologize for your experience. Not an excuse but we were having issues with Viator confirmations at the time of your booking. You should have received a full refund. We apologize and we now have figured out the cumbersome web behind online bookings. Please visit Chinatown again. Katt's Closet

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    1.5 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
    Price range
    $45 to $75
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    3
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Why this scores 59

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)74
    Review evidence (18% weight)26
    Booking momentum (14% weight)19
    Value for money (12% weight)92
    Listing quality (10% weight)72
    Local standing (8% weight)43
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Historical Tour of Downtown Honolulu in Red Light District: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Oahu.

    How much does Historical Tour of Downtown Honolulu in Red Light District cost?

    +

    Prices start at $45 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Oahu usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Historical Tour of Downtown Honolulu in Red Light District take?

    +

    Plan for about 1.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Oahu is not rushed.

    Is Historical Tour of Downtown Honolulu in Red Light District worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 59 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.5/5 across 8 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Oahu, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Historical Tour of Downtown Honolulu in Red Light District?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Historical Tour of Downtown Honolulu in Red Light District suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Historical Tour of Downtown Honolulu in Red Light District?

    +

    Around 3 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Oahu can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Oahu and add a light layer if any part of the 1.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Historical Tour of Downtown Honolulu in Red Light District start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Oahu within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Oahu?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Oahu experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Oahu: Full or Half Day Grand Circle Island Tour, Oahu Small-Group Circle Island Tour with Turtle Snorkeling, Pearl Harbor Remembered Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Oahu?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Oahu?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

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