Honolulu Escape Rooms: Ala Moana 60-Minute Game Adventures

4.98

(466 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — we got lost inside the mall for a good ten minutes before even finding The Escape Game Honolulu. My cousin kept saying we should’ve just followed our noses to Mama Phở instead (it really does smell like star anise and lime out there). But eventually we found the spot, tucked between shops, and our game guide — I think her name was Jamie? — greeted us with this big grin like she knew we’d need help. She explained how everything works, didn’t rush us, even when my aunt kept asking if it was “scary” (it’s not, unless you’re afraid of clocks ticking down).

We picked the “Timeliner: Train Through Time” room because someone in our group is obsessed with time travel movies. The room itself was way more detailed than I expected — old train seats you could actually sit on, little brass knobs that felt cold under your fingers. The puzzles started out easy-ish but then there was this one clue that totally stumped us; Jamie checked in over the speaker and gave us a nudge without giving it all away. It smelled faintly like popcorn in there too, probably from the movie theater next door drifting through the vents. Kind of funny what sticks with you.

I liked that you could play with strangers if you wanted (we almost did), but we ended up just us five. There’s something weirdly bonding about shouting over each other while trying to solve a riddle before the clock runs out — my uncle still insists he solved the final code but honestly, I think it was luck. When we finally escaped with three minutes left, everyone cheered like we’d won a championship or something. We took a goofy photo after, still buzzing from adrenaline and maybe relief.

If you’re looking for a day trip activity in Honolulu near Waikiki that isn’t just beach or shopping, this escape room is actually worth trying. It includes admission for one adventure and a local guide who keeps things fun but doesn’t hover. Also: it’s family-friendly (my little cousin tagged along), and they let you leave any time if you get overwhelmed — which is nice to know even if you don’t use it.