Our very first visit to Hawaii whisked us away to the lively shores of Waikiki. The memory of that trip still brings a smile to our faces. Picture the sun setting over golden sands, with the gentle hum of ukuleles in the background and the enticing aroma of local cuisine filling the air. Waikiki offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, making it a must-visit destination for any traveler. Whether you’re here to surf the legendary waves, explore the vibrant nightlife, or simply soak up the aloha spirit, Waikiki has something for everyone. Let’s dive into how to make the most of your time in this tropical paradise with our top eight must-do activities.
Introduction to Waikiki
Waikiki is a vibrant neighborhood on the south shore of Oahu, known for its beautiful beaches, high-rise hotels, and mix of tropical luxury with Hawaiian culture. Located along the Waikiki shoreline in the Honolulu district, it’s one of Hawaii’s most famous destinations.
Waikiki has a fascinating history. It was once a retreat for Hawaiian royalty in the 1800s who enjoyed the prime oceanfront real estate. Several large Hawaiian chiefs maintained estates in Waikiki. In the early 1900s, Waikiki became a tourist destination when the Moana and Royal Hawaiian luxury beach resorts opened on the shore. This cemented its status as a playground for the wealthy and famous.
Today, Waikiki stretches about 2 miles of coastline. The epicenter consists of high-rise hotels, restaurants, shops and entertainment all packed into this vibrant neighborhood. With its stunning turquoise waters and pristine white sand beaches, Waikiki lives up to its reputation of being the ‘Playground of the Pacific.’ It’s an urban beach vacation destination combining luxury, natural wonders, Hawaiian culture and Pacific island flare.
1-Beaches
Waikiki is home to some of Hawaii’s most famous beaches, with pristine white sand and turquoise waters perfect for swimming, surfing and sunbathing throughout the year thanks to the tropical climate.
The iconic Waikiki Beach stretches for around 2 miles along the coast, lined with palm trees and beachfront hotels. This is one of the best beaches in Waikiki for swimming and beginner surf lessons. There are lifeguards on duty and the waves are smaller than other Oahu beaches. Rent a surfboard or standup paddleboard and ride the gentle rolling waves.
Just west of Waikiki, Ala Moana Beach Park is a spacious beach park spread over 100 acres. The protected swimming lagoon is ideal for families with calm, shallow waters. There’s also a broad expanse of sand perfect for sunbathing. Walk along the shoreline trail that connects Ala Moana Beach to Waikiki Beach in about 30 minutes.
On the eastern end of Waikiki, Queen’s Surf Beach draws experienced surfers to ride the powerful waves that break over an offshore reef. The beach also has a wall to block the strong currents, creating a calmer area for swimming. Watch the skilled surfers catch barrels and big waves.
With its world-famous beaches and idyllic waters, Waikiki offers beachgoers an array of water activities like surfing, swimming, standup paddleboarding and simply relaxing in the sunshine. The beaches provide the quintessential Hawaiian backdrop of swaying palms and white sand.
2-Hiking Diamond Head
One of the top things to do in Waikiki is hiking the Diamond Head State Monument trail. This volcanic crater was formed over 250,000 years ago and was used as a strategic military location in the early 1900s due to its advantageous views.
The hike is 0.8 miles long and consists of two sets of steep stairs and a tunnel. While short, it provides sweeping 360 degree views of Honolulu and Waikiki down below. On a clear day you can see from Kahala to Pearl Harbor from the top.
The best time to go is early morning before it gets crowded. Be sure to wear good walking shoes and bring water. There are bathrooms and a small snacks and water available for purchase inside the crater. Go early to beat both the crowds and the heat.
The $5 entry fee per person is well worth it for the iconic views of Waikiki you’ll get from the top. Just be prepared for hundreds of stairs!
3-Nature Experiences
One of the best ways to experience the natural side of Hawaii is by getting out on the water in Waikiki. Several companies offer catamaran and boat tours that take you snorkeling, whale watching, or swimming with dolphins and sea turtles. The calm protected waters right off Waikiki Beach are home to spinner dolphins, green sea turtles and tons of colorful fish. Guides will share all about the marine life and you’ll likely spot sea turtles swimming right by the boat. During winter months, humpback whales make the journey to Hawaii to mate and give birth – tours offer incredible up-close sightings.
For land-lovers, Kapiolani Park provides a green oasis in the middle of the city. The 300 acre park has ponds, gardens, tennis courts and even a bandstand that hosts weekend concerts. Families especially love visiting the Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Aquarium located right in the park. The zoo highlights exotic animals like lions, giraffes and komodo dragons in a compact setting. Next door is the Waikiki Aquarium, honing in on the incredible marine life found in Hawaiian waters. It has both outdoor and indoor exhibits showcasing sharks, jellies, coral and more. Kapiolani Park is the perfect place to take a break from the beach and see a different side of Hawaii’s nature.
4-Shopping in Waikiki
Waikiki offers world-class shopping with a range of options from luxury boutiques to local shops filled with handmade Hawaiian souvenirs. Shopping lovers will find plenty to enjoy in this vibrant neighborhood of Honolulu.
The central area for shopping in Waikiki is along Kalakaua Avenue. This famous street is home to many high-end designers and brands including Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., Cartier, and more. For those seeking luxury goods, this area can’t be missed.
Nearby is the Royal Hawaiian Center which houses over 110 boutique shops, restaurants, and entertainment all in an open-air setting. This center makes it easy to spend hours browsing the latest fashions and gifts.
However, shopping in Waikiki isn’t just about designer brands. Tucked away on side streets and in small clusters throughout the neighborhood are local Hawaiian boutiques selling unique fashions, art, jewelry and more. These shops offer the chance to bring home one-of-a-kind souvenirs and support local business owners.
For the ultimate shopping experience, visitors will want to spend a day exploring the enormous Ala Moana Center. This mall houses over 350 stores and restaurants including an expansive food court. Shoppers can find anything from drugstore sundries to the highest end fashion in this shopping mecca.
No matter your budget or preferences, the shopping scene in Waikiki has something for everyone. It’s easy to stroll from boutique to boutique while taking in spectacular views of the turquoise waters along the way. Waikiki presents a world-class retail experience making it a top attraction for shopaholics visiting Hawaii.
5-Dining in Waikiki
Waikiki offers a wide variety of dining options to satisfy all tastes and budgets. Thanks to the area’s multicultural heritage, you’ll find Hawaiian, Japanese, Chinese, Korean and American cuisine readily available.
Seafood is abundant on local menus, with fresh catches like mahi mahi, ahi tuna, and shrimp. Traditional Hawaiian dishes like poke, lau lau (pork wrapped in taro leaves), loco moco (hamburger with a fried egg and rice), and haupia (coconut pudding) are also popular.
For fine dining, La Mer is renowned for its contemporary French cuisine and oceanfront views. Morimoto Asia offers Chef Masaharu Morimoto’s unique “Hawaii-meets-Asia” dishes. Or try the award-winning Roy’s Waikiki for its Euro-Asian fusion specialties.
More budget-friendly picks include Leonard’s Bakery, known for its hot malasadas (donuts). Rainbow Drive-In is a classic burger joint open since 1961. Marukame Udon has delicious fresh noodles and tempura.
Outdoor cafes and restaurants line the main strip at Waikiki Beach, perfect for enjoying the seaside setting. Or try a romantic dinner cruise departing from nearby, featuring Hawaiian music and hula dancing.
With its diversity of excellent restaurants, coupled with fresh local ingredients and inspiring views, dining in Waikiki is a highlight for any visitor.
6-Nightlife
Waikiki is famous for its vibrant nightlife scene, with hotspots to experience live Hawaiian music, tropical cocktails, dancing, and more. The best places to experience Waikiki after dark include:
Duke’s Waikiki – This beachfront bar and restaurant features live Hawaiian music and hula dancing on stage nightly. Sip on a mai tai while listening to contemporary and traditional Hawaiian songs. They also have a brunch show on Sundays.
RumFire at the Sheraton Waikiki – For incredible views overlooking Waikiki Beach, check out this upscale restaurant and lounge at the Sheraton. Nightly live music and dancing create an energetic vibe. Their cocktail menu specializes in rum drinks, many with a Hawaiian twist using local flavors.
Sky Waikiki – On the rooftop of the iconic Waikiki Trade Center, this is one of the best spots for panoramic views of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head. Dance the night away under the stars to DJs spinning lively beats. They also offer bottle service and signature cocktails.
Mahina & Sun’s – For a more laidback, local scene, this beachfront bar hosts live music from local Hawaiian bands every night. Watch incredible sunsets while listening to ukulele and contemporary Hawaiian music.
Hawaiian Brian’s – This beachfront bar and grill has live music from reggae bands and DJs into the late hours. With a lively scene and signature cocktails named after Hawaiian gods and goddesses, it’s a go-to nightlife hotspot.
Nightly luaus and Polynesian revue shows, like Chief’s Luau and the Rock-A-Hula show, offer a festive way to experience Hawaiian culture through music, dance, and storytelling. And for late-night dancing, top nightclubs in Waikiki include Addiction Nightclub, Rumours Nightclub, and District Nightclub. With its mix of local Hawaiian flavor and tropical energy, Waikiki truly comes alive after sunset.
7-Cultural Experiences
Waikiki and the island of Oahu offer many opportunities to experience Hawaiian culture and history. Some top attractions include:
Iolani Palace
Iolani Palace was the official residence of the Hawaiian monarchy and is the only official royal palace in the United States. The palace has been beautifully restored and offers guided tours where you can walk through the historic rooms and learn more about the Hawaiian royal family. Don’t miss the chance to see the throne room and grand hall.
Bishop Museum
Founded in 1889, Bishop Museum is known as the Hawaii State Museum of Natural and Cultural History. It has an extensive collection of Hawaiian artifacts and also features a planetarium, science adventure center, and traveling exhibits. You can easily spend a whole day exploring the comprehensive exhibits covering everything from Hawaiian gods and royalty to natural history.
Honolulu Museum of Art
This exceptional art museum has an impressive collection of works spanning 5,000 years. Galleries feature art from Hawaii as well as holdings of American, European, and Asian works. The museum also has a tranquil garden courtyard and offers a variety of special exhibitions and events.
Pearl Harbor Memorials
Pearl Harbor is a must-visit to learn about the events of December 7, 1941 when Japan attacked the US Pacific Fleet. The USS Arizona Memorial pays tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives on the sunken battleship. The Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum displays WWII aircraft and details America’s aviation history.
Polynesian Cultural Center
Located on Oahu’s north shore, this popular attraction showcases the cultures of Polynesia. You can explore recreated villages, watch live productions, learn traditional dances, and take a canoe ride. It provides an entertaining and interactive way to immerse yourself in Polynesian culture.
With its wealth of historical and cultural attractions, Waikiki offers many memorable ways to discover more about Hawaii’s heritage and traditions. Visitors can come away with a deeper understanding of native Hawaiian culture.
8-Family Friendly Activities
Waikiki offers plenty of fun for the whole family to enjoy together. Relax and play at beautiful beach parks, visit wildlife exhibits and aquariums, and find restaurants catered towards pleasing kids.
Kapiolani Park, Honolulu Zoo and Aquarium
This 300-acre park is Waikiki’s largest and most popular greenspace. Families can enjoy open lawns, gardens, ponds and picnic facilities. The Honolulu Zoo displays over 1,200 exotic animals in tropical, natural habitats. See lions, zebras, elephants and more. The Waikiki Aquarium features 500 marine species and offers educational programs.
Ala Moana Beach Park
Ala Moana Beach Park boasts calm waters perfect for swimming and playing. Rent a sailboat, paddleboard or kayak and head out on the water. Enjoy picnic areas, a jogging path, courts for tennis and volleyball, plus equipment for other games and activities.
Kid-friendly restaurants
Waikiki has no shortage of restaurants catering to kids. Try pancakes shaped like animals at Eggs ‘n Things or hearty American fare like burgers, chicken fingers and grilled cheese at Duke’s Waikiki. For Italian, Via Gelato serves up homemade gelato and fast casual pasta dishes.
Conclusion
Waikiki offers something for every type of traveler, from scenic beaches and outdoor adventures to world-class shopping and dining. The neighborhood’s top highlights include iconic Waikiki Beach, the Diamond Head hike, the Honolulu Zoo, the Ala Moana Center mall, and the bustling dining and nightlife along Kalakaua Avenue.
With its prime beachfront location and abundance of resorts and hotels, Waikiki is the perfect place to stay during your Hawaii visit. Look for accommodations either right on Waikiki Beach or within an easy walk of all the action. The best times to visit Waikiki are April to June and September to November when the weather is ideal and crowds are manageable.
Whether you’re seeking a relaxing beach getaway, an action-packed adventure, or a taste of Hawaiian culture, you’ll find it in this dynamic and iconic Honolulu neighborhood. Waikiki brings the best of Oahu together in one vibrant destination.
Plan your trip with ease by visiting our Accommodation and Transportation pages. Discover unbeatable deals for a seamless and unforgettable Hawaii adventure!