Kaka'ako Travel Guide! Everything You Need to Know About Salt and the Farmers Market—Including How to Get There and Safety Information

What Kind of Neighborhood Is Kaka'ako? Hawaii's Hottest New Trend Area

In this column, we'll show you how to enjoy the must-see attractions, popular restaurants, and farmers' markets in Honolulu's Kaka'ako neighborhood.

How to get there from Waikiki, and things you should know in advanceSafety PrecautionsI've put together a guide, so if you're visiting Kaka'ako for the first time, please be sure to check it out!

Click here to see the ranking of popular tours in Hawaii.

You can easily explore Kaka'ako, too!
▼Click here for recommended Honolulu sightseeing tours▼

Oahu/ Freedom of Movement/ 1-7 days] Waikiki, Ala Moana, and Kakaako Sightseeing Tour by LeaLea Trolley (v-69)開始時間The "M" in "M" is a combination of "M" and "A":所要時間The "M" in "M" is a combination of "M" and "A":

Oahu / Japanese Guide / 1 Day] Pink Pillbox, a hot topic on SNS, + Photo Spot Tour in Ward Kakaako (with sea turtle watching) (No.3)開始時間8:00-14:00所要時間Approx. 7 hours17,800 yen

Oahu/Half-Day] Honolulu Sightseeing Tour by Segway! Tour around popular spots such as Magic Island and Kakaako (v-71)開始時間The "M" in "M" is a combination of "M" and "A":所要時間The "M" in "M" is a combination of "M" and "A":

5 Must-See Popular Spots for Kaka'ako Sightseeing

Kaka'ako is located between Waikiki and Downtown,The Former Warehouse DistrictIt is.

It has now been transformed into a trendy area filled with stylish shopping centers, cafes, and wall-to-wall art. Here are five must-visit spots to check out first!

For those who want to enjoy both the ocean and exploring the city☆
▼Click here for recommended activities on Oahu▼

Oahu / English speaking staff / 1.5 hours] Parasailing ☆Okay from 5 years old. 3 heights to choose from.開始時間The "M" in "M" is a combination of "M" and "A":所要時間The "M" in "M" is a combination of "M" and "A":

Oahu / SUP / Experience] Sunset SUP Lesson at Ala Moana Beach (v-199)開始時間The "M" in "M" is a combination of "M" and "A":所要時間The "M" in "M" is a combination of "M" and "A":

Oahu / Souvenir Photo / Half Day] Location Photo Plan with Japanese Language Attendant: Choice of Beach, Park, or Church (v-134)開始時間The "M" in "M" is a combination of "M" and "A":所要時間The "M" in "M" is a combination of "M" and "A":

Click here for Honolulu sightseeing tours

SALT at Our Kaka'ako (SALT)

The centerpiece of Kaka'ako tourism is the open-airMixed-use retail complexIt's called "SALT at Our Kaka'ako."

Restaurants, cafes, dessert shops, local boutiques, and moreMore than 40 storesare gathering.

There’s art painted on the building’s walls, so even just walking around inside makes for some great photo opportunities. There’s also a dedicated multi-level parking garage, so visitors arriving by rental car can rest easy!

Word Village

"Ward Village," which stretches along Ala Moana Boulevard, is a redeveloped area home to shopping centers, movie theaters, and restaurants.

The Word Center features stores such as Nordstrom Rack and T.J. Maxx, among othersOutlet-styleThere are also stores there, so I recommend it to anyone who wants to enjoy some great shopping deals.

There's also a grassy park in the area, making it a great spot to take a break and enjoy a leisurely stroll!

Kakaako Waterfront Park

Stretching along the coast, “Kakaako Waterfront Park” is an open park featuring grassy hills and a network of walking paths.

It's not a sandy swimming beach, but you can watch the surfers, orsetting sunYou can enjoy a picnic while taking in the view and spend a relaxing day soaking up the local atmosphere.

The park closes at night, so after enjoying the sunset, be sure to head out while it's still light out!

Wall Art in Kakaako

When you think of Kaka'ako, you think of the colorful murals that cover the walls of warehouses and buildingswall artis well-known for its

The number of artworks has grown thanks to an art event featuring artists from around the world, and the site has now become a popular spot for taking Instagram-worthy photos.

Since the art is updated regularly, it’s a real treat to discover new pieces every time you visit!

For information on areas featuring famous works and how to navigate them, see “The Complete Guide to Wall Art in Hawaii"We cover this in detail in [...].

H-Mart Kaka'ako Store

"H Mart" is a large Korean-owned supermarket that opened in 2020.

A wide variety of Korean snacks, condiments, and prepared foods are lined up,For distributionIt's also perfect for finding souvenirs.

The second floor is a food hall that features the popular garlic shrimp restaurant “Giovanni.” It’s perfect for anyone who wants to combine lunch and shopping!

Saturdays Only!
How to Enjoy the Kaka'ako Farmers Market

If you're visiting Kaka'ako on a Saturday morning, the farmers' market is a must-see.

You can enjoy a Hawaiian breakfast with vegetables and fruits grown by local farmers and freshly prepared local dishes!

We also have plans available exclusively on Saturdays!
▼Click here for our recommended farmers' market tours▼

Oahu/Japanese speaking guide/Half day tour】Honolulu B-Grade Gourmet Tour☆Enjoy acai balls and Giovanni's garlic shrimp! Kakaako Farmer's Market Plan is available only on Saturdays (transportation included, ages 0 and up OK) (v-130)開始時間The "M" in "M" is a combination of "M" and "A":所要時間The "M" in "M" is a combination of "M" and "A":

Oahu/Saturday Morning] Diamond Head Sunrise Hike + KCC Farmer's Market♪ Free Time in Kailua & Bicycle Plan (v-42)開始時間The "M" in "M" is a combination of "M" and "A":所要時間The "M" in "M" is a combination of "M" and "A":

Oahu/Japanese speaking guide/Saturday only] Enjoy gourmet food at KCC Farmer's Market & North Shore Stroll♪ Enjoy the famous garlic shrimp lunch! Includes malasada, private charter & transportation〉（v-127）開始時間The "M" in "M" is a combination of "M" and "A":所要時間The "M" in "M" is a combination of "M" and "A":

Date, Time, and Location

The Kaka'ako Farmers Market is,Every SaturdayIt is held from 8:00 a.m. to noon.

The venue is located along Ala Moana Boulevard in Ward Village. Since popular food stalls sometimes sell out early,In the morningI recommend going there.

The venue and time are subject to change, so be sure to check the latest information before you go!

Local Delicacies to Try at the Market

At the venue, you can enjoy tropical fruits, local breakfast dishes, and desserts made with ingredients from Hawaii.

The best way to enjoy the market is to buy a little bit of whatever catches your eye and sample the food as you walk around.

Handmade items like honey and jam—which you can only find here—make perfect souvenirs!reusable shopping bagIf you bring one along, you can shop to your heart's content without worrying.

Popular Places to Eat in Kaka'ako

Kaka'ako offers a wide variety of casual dining options, ranging from Hawaii's famous garlic shrimp to healthy organic food.

Here are some shops you'll want to stop by while you're out exploring!

You can also enjoy the local culinary specialties!
▼Click here for recommended food tours▼

Oahu / Japanese Guided Tour / 1 Day] North Shore Sightseeing + Waikele Outlets Full Day Tour (v-82)開始時間The "M" in "M" is a combination of "M" and "A":所要時間The "M" in "M" is a combination of "M" and "A":

Oahu/Japanese speaking guide/1 day] Oahu Famous Places Tour☆What's this tree, Dollar Haleiwa Sightseeing & Famous Garlic Shrimp included! (v-15)開始時間The "M" in "M" is a combination of "M" and "A":所要時間The "M" in "M" is a combination of "M" and "A":

Oahu / Japanese Guide / 1 Day] From the North Shore to movie locations! Spectacular Coastal Driving Tour & Authentic Garlic Shrimp Lunch (No.47)開始時間7:30-17:30所要時間Approx. 10 hours19,000 yen

Giovanni's Garlic Shrimp

"Giovanni's," the famous garlic shrimp restaurant on the North Shore that always has a line out the door, also has a location in Kakaako.

Since it's located in the food court on the second floor of H-Mart, you don't have to go all the way to the North ShoreThe Real TasteOne of the best things about it is that you can enjoy it.

You'll definitely be hooked on this combination of garlic-packed shrimp and rice once you try it!

Down to Earth Organic Deli

"Down to Earth" is a Hawaii-based supermarket specializing in organic and natural foods.

At the deli inside the store,Full of VegetablesYou can choose as many prepared dishes and healthy hot foods as you like.

They also carry a wide selection of organic cosmetics and household goods, so it’s a great place to pick up a little something for yourself. Since it’s right across from H-Mart, why not stop by while you’re there?

How to Get from Waikiki to Kaka'ako

Kaka'ako is close to Waikiki, and you can easily get there by bus, trolley, or taxi.

Choose the most convenient way to get around based on your travel style and the number of people in your group!

Includes a convenient pick-up and drop-off service☆
▼Click here for recommended sightseeing tours in Honolulu▼

Oahu/Japanese Guide/Morning】Cruise off Waikiki & Honolulu City Tour☆Peek into the world of the sea! Glass Boat Exciting Experience (No.24)開始時間8:30-12:30所要時間Approx. 4 hours19,800 yen

Oahu / Japanese guide / 5-8 hours private tour] Charter a luxury car with a bilingual guide! Let's enjoy Honolulu freely☆《Same price for up to 6 people, pick-up and drop-off available》（No.19）.開始時間Negotiable所要時間Approximately 6 hours (can be adjusted depending on tour content)45,500 yen

Oahu/Japanese Guides/Half Day to Full Day] Van Charter ☆Popular YouTuber guide can be designated, airport pick-up plan available (v-99)開始時間The "M" in "M" is a combination of "M" and "A":所要時間The "M" in "M" is a combination of "M" and "A":

Click here for tours with transportation included

Take The Bus (Routes 20 and 42)

For those who want to get around on a budget, Oahu's public bus system, "The Bus"TheBus" is convenient.

From Waikiki, take the No. 20 or No. 42 bus, which passes through Kaka'ako, and get off near Ward Village.

Bus stops and routes are subject to change, so it's a good idea to check the official website or app before boarding.

Get There by Trolley, Taxi, or Uber

If you're looking for a casual way to get around while sightseeing, we recommend taking the trolley.

LeaLeatrolleyThere's a route that goes through the Ward and Kaka'ako areas, and it stops at Salt at Our Kaka'ako, too.

When you have a lot of luggage or are traveling in the evening or later, it’s safer to use a taxi or a ride-hailing app like Uber. It’s also nice that if you’re traveling in a group, you can all share a ride!

Safety and Precautions for Sightseeing in Kaka'ako

While Kaka'ako is popular as a trendy neighborhood, there are some areas where you need to be careful, such as on quiet streets or at night.

To ensure you can enjoy your sightseeing with peace of mind, be sure to familiarize yourself with the precautions in advance.

It's reassuring to have a Japanese guide with you☆
▼Click here for recommended Oahu sightseeing tours▼

Oahu / Japanese Guide / 1 Day] Many repeaters keep coming back! Complete Tour of Popular Spots on Oahu Island with Night View of Tantalus Hill (No.17)開始時間7:30-19:30所要時間Approx. 7 hours19,000 yen

Oahu/Japanese speaking guide/4.5 hours] Tour of popular sightseeing spots Kailua Town and Lanikai Beach (heavenly ocean) recommended for first time visitors to Hawaii (No.13)開始時間7:30-12:15所要時間Approx. 4 hours and 45 minutes7,500 yen

Oahu/Japanese Guide/4.5 hours] Special Saturday-only tour! Let's visit popular spots efficiently☆Diamond Head Hiking & Honolulu Sightseeing Tour (No.12)開始時間7:30-12:15所要時間Approx. 4 hours and 45 minutes9,400 yen

Click here for tours with Japanese guides

Incidents in Public Restrooms and Precautions to Take

In May 2018, a Japanese tourist couple was attacked in a public restroom at a park in the Kaka'ako district.

In light of this incident, the Consulate General of Japan in Honolulu is urging people to exercise caution when using public restrooms in Kakaako.

Restrooms are available at Salt at Our Kaka'ako, Ward Village, and other locations,Inside a shopping centerI recommend using the one from [...].

It's safer to go for a walk during the day with a group of people

When walking down side streets to check out wall art and the like,Bright daylightTry to travel in groups whenever possible.

When you get absorbed in taking photos, you tend to take your eyes off your belongings, so it’s safer to carry your bag in front of you.

When traveling after dark, please choose well-lit, busy streets or use a taxi or ride-hailing app.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Kaka'ako Tourism

summary

Kaka'ako is an area where you can experience a side of Hawaii that’s a little different from Waikiki—whether it’s shopping at Salt at Our Kaka'ako or Ward Village, exploring street art, or visiting the Saturday morning farmers’ market.

Since it's easy to get there from Waikiki by bus or trolley,A Half-Day City WalkIt's perfect for that, too.

Be sure to stay safe—for example, by exploring mainly commercial areas during the day—and enjoy the unique, stylish atmosphere of Kaka'ako!

▼Click here for articles to read in conjunction with this article.

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