Image from https://ourkakaako.com/street-art/
Welcome to Kaka'ako, Honolulu’s vibrant arts district, where every corner bursts with colorful murals and street art that transform industrial walls into an open-air gallery. This guide offers a self-guided walking tour map to explore the best murals and artists in Kaka'ako, perfect for art lovers and culturally curious travelers seeking a unique Honolulu experience. Plus, we’ll show you how to blend into this artistic wonderland with bold, colorful outfits from JAMS World—because why just admire the art when you can become part of it?
Why Kaka'ako is Honolulu’s Street Art Capital
Once an industrial hub of warehouses and auto shops, Kaka'ako has evolved into Oahu’s coolest neighborhood, thanks to the annual POW! WOW! Hawai‘i festival. Held every February, this global art event, co-founded by Jasper Wong and Kamea Hadar, brings local and international artists to paint stunning murals that celebrate Hawaiian culture, diversity, and creativity. The result? A dynamic, ever-changing canvas of street art that draws visitors from around the world.
Whether you’re snapping Instagram-worthy shots or soaking in the stories behind the murals, Kaka'ako offers an off-the-beaten-path adventure. To make your visit unforgettable, slip into vibrant printed shirts for women or a flowing pareo from JAMS World’s Visage collection. These bold, colorful designs echo the neighborhood’s artistic spirit, making you a walking masterpiece against Kaka'ako’s vivid backdrop.
Your Self-Guided Kaka'ako Street Art Walking Tour
This walking tour covers the heart of Kaka'ako’s mural-rich streets, starting at the iconic SALT at Our Kaka'ako complex. The route is about 1.5 miles, takes 1–2 hours, and hits the highest concentration of street art. Grab a coffee at Arvo Cafe (691 Auahi St.) to fuel up, and let’s dive in!
Walking Tour Map
Here’s a simple map to guide your journey:
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Start: SALT at Our Kaka'ako (691 Auahi St.)
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Key Streets: Auahi St., Cooke St., Pohukaina St., Koula St., Ala Moana Blvd.
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End: Mother Waldron Park (525 Coral St.)
Tip: Check POW! WOW!’s interactive map for real-time mural locations, as some change annually.
Step-by-Step Tour
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SALT at Our Kaka'ako – “Naupaka and Kaui” by Kamea Hadar - Begin at the SALT complex, a hub of shops and eateries. Look up at the parking structure’s ocean-facing wall to spot Kamea Hadar’s Naupaka and Kaui. This mural tells the Hawaiian legend of the naupaka flower, depicting a lifelike Naupaka, sister of the fire goddess Pele, and her lover, Kaui. Its vibrant colors pop against the concrete, making it a perfect photo op. Wear JAMS World’s Visage print dress to match the mural’s bold hues for a stunning Instagram shot.
Image from https://ourkakaako.com/street-art/
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Pohukaina Street – Kevin Lyons’ Monster Murals - Head to Pohukaina St. to find Kevin Lyons’ playful, 60-foot-long mural of colorful monsters in orange, blue, and yellow. Kids and adults alike love these quirky characters, which scream fun and creativity. Pair your visit with a JAMS World color block shirt to blend into the vibrant scene.
Image from https://ourkakaako.com/street-art/
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Auahi Street – “Pu‘uwai of ‘Ohana” - At 729 Auahi St., marvel at Pu‘uwai of ‘Ohana, a mural depicting a boy, a dragon-like creature, and his family against a tropical backdrop. This piece tells a fantastical story of a local boy traveling through time to reunite with his ‘ohana (family). Its lush colors make it a must-see. A JAMS World kimono adds a flowy, artistic flair to your photos here.
Image from https://ourkakaako.com/street-art/
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Cooke Street – Tristan Eaton’s Uncle Binda Tribute - Stroll to Cooke St. and Halekauwila St. for Tristan Eaton’s mural honoring his uncle Binda, featuring a tiger, Elvis, and Binda’s wife. This vibrant piece blends pop culture and personal storytelling, making it a standout. Complement it with a JAMS World rayon shirt for a bold, artistic vibe.
Image from https://eyesonthestreets.blog/2025/07/29/aloha-e-komo-mai/
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Koula Street – Kim Sielbeck’s Blue Tiger - On Koula St., Kim Sielbeck’s blue tiger mural prowls among jungle leaves in striking blues, greens, and pinks. Its vivid colors make it a favorite for photos. Rock a JAMS World tote bag in a matching print to complete your artsy look.
Image from https://eyesonthestreets.blog/2025/07/29/aloha-e-komo-mai/
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Mother Waldron Park – Collaborative Murals - End your tour at Mother Waldron Park (525 Coral St.), where multiple murals by artists like Mayonaize, Vincent Zepha, and Kaplan create a vibrant collection. These pieces layer diverse styles, from abstract to fantastical, perfect for a final photo stop. Slip on a JAMS World hat to add a pop of color to your shots.
Tips for Exploring Kaka'ako’s Street Art
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Best Time to Visit: Early mornings or late afternoons for cooler weather and softer lighting for photos.
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Safety: Kaka'ako is generally safe, but stay aware of your surroundings in this urban area.
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Refreshments: Stop at Honolulu Beerworks (328 Cooke St.) for a craft beer or Lanikai Juice at SALT for a fresh smoothie.
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Transport: Walk, rent a Biki bike, or join a Segway tour for a guided experience.
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Capture the Moment: Use your phone or camera to snap photos, and tag JAMS World and #KakaakoArt on social media to share your vibrant adventure.
Become Part of the Art with JAMS World
Kaka'ako’s murals are bold, colorful, and full of personality—so why not match that energy with your outfit? JAMS World’s Hawaiian outfits for women and men, like the Visage collection, feature vibrant prints that echo the district’s artistic vibe. Imagine posing in front of a mural in a flowing pareo or a vivid color block dress—your photos will pop with style and aloha spirit.
Since 1964, JAMS World has been crafting printed shirts for women, robes, and accessories that celebrate Hawaii’s vibrant culture. Each piece is designed to make you feel like a walking work of art, perfect for Kaka'ako’s creative streets. Browse the full collection at JAMS World and find your perfect look for this artsy adventure.
Pro Tip: Pair a JAMS World tote bag with your outfit to carry essentials while keeping your style on point. Check out the Visage print for a bold, mural-inspired look.
Plan Your Kaka'ako Art Adventure
Kaka'ako’s street art is a must-see for anyone craving a colorful, cultural experience in Honolulu. With this walking tour map, you’ll discover iconic murals, talented artists, and the perfect spots to capture unforgettable photos. By wearing JAMS World’s vibrant Hawaiian outfits, you’ll blend seamlessly into this artistic wonderland, turning heads as you explore.
Ready to dive into Kaka'ako’s art scene? Plan your visit, grab your JAMS World gear, and contact us at JAMS World for style tips or to share your Kaka'ako photos. Mahalo, and happy exploring!
