Aloha Tower’s observation deck is open to the public again. Hawaiʻi Public Radio reported from the October 15, 2026 reopening, the first public access in five years after a closure for pandemic-era repairs.
What reopened at Aloha Tower
The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT) describes an $8.5 million rehabilitation, including a replacement elevator, fire suppression system and ADA modifications. A timeline exhibit tells the story of the tower and Honolulu Harbor.
The 10th-floor deck at Pier 9 has views of the harbor and downtown. Admission is free. Window and mast work may bring intermittent closures after the centennial celebrations; HDOT gives no fixed closure dates in its release.
Aloha Tower stands beside Honolulu Harbor. This file photo does not establish today’s deck access.
Confirm the deck’s daily hours
A search excerpt of HDOT’s reopening release still shows dusk to dawn, while the live release currently reads dawn to dusk daily. Deputy Director Dre Kalili also told KHON that dawn-to-dusk access was the intent. Confirm daily hours and any work closure before going.
Use HDOT’s contacts directory for the general Oʻahu District Commercial Harbors office, (808) 587-2050. This is a general district office. Ask about current deck access and entry arrangements before making a special trip. If you need an accessible route, ask specifically about the elevator, the path from parking or drop-off, and the restroom. The announced ADA work alone does not establish that every route meets your needs.
Getting there: tower versus marketplace
The tower deck and surrounding Aloha Tower Marketplace have separate access information. The marketplace visitor page lists the address as 1 Aloha Tower Drive, Honolulu, HI 96813. Its marketplace hours are not the deck’s hours, and it still carries closure text superseded by the reopening report.
For paid parking, check the posted rates and any tenant validation before leaving your car. Budget for parking separately from free deck admission; confirm whether any validation applies to your visit.
Harbor views are part of a deck visit; check access before making a special trip.
October 16, 2026: the evening centennial celebration
HDOT has scheduled a free centennial celebration at Pier 9 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. HST on Friday, October 16, 2026, with live music, food trucks and an 8 p.m. drone show. Deck tours begin at 5:30 p.m. and stop 15 minutes before the drone show.
These are arrangements for the dated celebration. Confirm regular deck hours separately when planning another visit.
How to fit it into a downtown day
Keep the deck as a flexible stop in a downtown day. Our downtown Honolulu guide covers the neighborhood, and Honolulu on a budget offers other ideas to consider.
Save alternate places in My Trip before you leave. Confirm access before booking a separate ride or paying for parking just for the deck. If it closes for work, choose another stop from your plan.
