Kaka'ako Street Art & Murals

Blocks of warehouse walls turned into an open-air gallery — Kaka'ako's murals grew out of the Pow! Wow! festival (now World Wide Walls) and keep evolving as the neighborhood does. Free, walkable, and best combined with SALT's shops, breweries, and food. Honest note: it's a changing canvas, so that mural you saw on Instagram may be gone.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly are the Kaka'ako murals?

The densest cluster is around SALT at Our Kaka'ako — roughly the blocks bounded by Ala Moana Blvd, Cooke St, Pohukaina St, and Coral St. Just start at SALT (691 Auahi St) and wander outward; you can't miss them.

How long does it take to see the murals?

An hour covers the core blocks at a relaxed pace with photo stops; two hours if you're a completist or keep stopping for coffee and shops. It pairs perfectly with lunch at SALT.

Is it free to see the Kaka'ako street art?

Completely free — it's all on public-facing walls in a walkable neighborhood. Street parking and paid lots around SALT if you drive.

Can I take wedding or commercial photos at the murals?

Casual photos are fair game. For commercial shoots, some walls are on private property (Kamehameha Schools land around SALT), so professional shoots technically need permission — check with Our Kaka'ako.

Is Kaka'ako safe to walk around?

The SALT area is busy and fine, especially daytime and evenings when restaurants are open. Like anywhere in urban Honolulu, some quieter industrial blocks have visible homelessness — stay aware, and I'd do the mural walk in daylight.

What is Pow! Wow! / World Wide Walls?

The mural festival that started in Kaka'ako in the early 2010s and put the neighborhood on the map — it's since rebranded as World Wide Walls and expanded to over 20 cities. Recent Hawaii editions have painted in other Honolulu neighborhoods too, so Kaka'ako's collection is a living archive that turns over year to year.

What else is in Kaka'ako besides murals?

SALT has boutiques, coffee, and restaurants; Honolulu Beerworks, Waikiki Brewing and other craft breweries are within a few blocks; and Kaka'ako Waterfront Park is a short walk for ocean views. The farmers market on Saturdays at Ward is also close.

When is the best light for mural photos?

Morning and late afternoon — midday tropical sun blows out the colors and throws harsh shadows. Weekday mornings mean nobody in your shot.

Nearby in Ask Honolulu

• Kaka'akoNeighborhood0.03 km · 0 min walk
• BevyBar0.36 km · 4 min walk
• Merriman's HonoluluRestaurant0.72 km · 9 min walk
• MW RestaurantRestaurant0.74 km · 9 min walk
• Mission Houses Historic SiteMuseum0.86 km · 11 min walk