Map offers walking tour of downtown landmarks

By Mike Leidemann
Advertiser Staff Writer

A new map of 50 historic landmarks in downtown Honolulu will spur business and help residents and visitors learn more about the area, officials said yesterday.

Dubbed the Honolulu Historic Trail, the map provides a two- to three-hour self-guided walking tour of important buildings and cultural sites.

"It's the first step of many new ways we have to enhance the downtown area," said David Scott, executive director of Historic Hawai'i Foundation.

Mayor Jeremy Harris said the map was developed by the City's Office of Economic Development and more than 30 local organizations.

The map, which has a plastic cover and folds to about the size of a credit card, will be distributed throughout Chinatown and Downtown Honolulu and at hotel desks in Waikiki, Harris said.

"This is an area that is one of the most exciting vibrant places in Honolulu and, sadly, not that many people know about it," Harris said.

The map, with an initial printing of about 10,000 copies, cost about $10,000 to produce; costs were shared equally by the city and the private Aloha Tower Marketplace.