Best Things to do in Waikiki:
I lived in the North Shore of Oahu during college and was a tour guide at the Polynesian Cultural Center. My friends and I went to Waikiki to escape the rain and enjoy the vibrant city life in Waikiki.
I quickly acclimated to the laid-back lifestyle in Hawaii. We lived in a beach house and I slept on an inflatable pool raft. That raft got some good use… I used it during the day at the beach and slept on it at night. My blanket was a lavalava, and I remember missing the Circle Island Bus and sleeping on hotel pool loungers (we couldn’t afford hotel rooms) in Waikiki... those were the (carefree) days!
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best things to do in Waikiki:
Go to the Beach:
Waikiki beaches are some of the best on O'ahu. Waikiki sees the best weather year-round, with less rain and almost constant sunshine!
Throughout the shoreline of Waikiki, there are multiple locations to rent surfboards, stand-up surfboards (SUPs), beach umbrellas, beach chairs, and other beach necessities.
Flying over the Hilton Hawaiian Village
KAHANAMOKU BEACH/HILTON HAWAIIAN VILLAGE:
Located in front of the Hilton Hawaiian Village. This is a beautiful beach with great views of Diamond Head. There is also a man-made lagoon that’s perfect for small children.
FORT DERUSSY BEACH:
Named after an old army installation. It has a beach-side park with shade, a volleyball court, and beach-side bars, There are also beach vendors that rent stand-up paddle boards.
ROYAL HAWAIIAN BEACH:
This is where you’ll find the majority of hotels in Waikiki, and because of that, it gets busy. Catamarans pull up on the beach, you can join a surf lesson. If you get hungry go to the famous Duke’s Waikiki.
KUHIO BEACH:
There are a series of “swim walls” that create protected swimming areas, great for families with children. Public parks line the street as well as a walking path. You’ll also find some shade from the palm trees.
QUEEN KAPIʻOLANI (QUEEN’S) BEACH:
Queen’s Beach, named after Queen Kapiolani, is popular with surfers and bodyboarders. You’ll find more locals here than tourists. They host volleyball matches and live musical performances on the stage at Queen’s Beach.
SANS SOUCI BEACH:
As you make your way to Sans Souci Beach and Kaimana’s Beach you’ll find fewer people. Sans Souci Beach is the best place to snorkel in Waikiki to see tropical fish and turtles. Just know there isn’t much of a beach there since the tide usually comes to the wall. Hanauma Bay is my favorite place to snorkel on Oahu (go to the end of this post for more info).
KAIMANA’S BEACH:
The last beach going east in Waikiki is Kaimana’s Beach, they have parking nearby so it attracts more locals. Surfers like this area but they don’t have any rental equipment or food at this beach.
take a Surf Lesson:
Take a surfing lesson from local instructors. Waikiki’s waves are gentle and perfect for beginners. Click here for a kid’s surfing lesson in Waikiki (up to age 12).
You never know who you’ll run into out there, many of our crews keep their surfboards in Waikiki to use on layovers.
Go on an Outrigger:
There's nothing like surfing the rolling waves of Waikiki in an outrigger canoe. This is a great experience for the whole family. Where else in the world can you do this?
Hike Diamond Head summit trail:
I love flying around the Hawaiian Islands!
Hike to the summit of Diamond Head for panoramic views of Waikiki and Honolulu. Get an early start to avoid the hottest part of the day (the park opens at 6:00 a.m.), take water, wear comfortable shoes, and don't underestimate the hiking trail… the 560-ft climb, including 175 stairs, over 1.6 miles roundtrip makes this a good workout.
I ran from Waikiki to Diamond Head and went up and back. It was probably more of a workout than I was looking for. If you’re not up for this, Uber there then leave the workout for the uphill climb. However, the hike was worth it, and it's one of the best things to do in Waikiki!
Admission to Diamond Head is $10 per car and pedestrians can enter for $5. Diamond Head State Monument is open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The last entry is at 4:00 p.m. Entry & Parking reservations are required for non-residents.
Click here for reservations.
Click here for a self-guided hike up Diamond Head with roundtrip transportation from Waikiki.
Visit Doris Duke's Shangri La:
Visit Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture & Design to see Tobacco heiress Doris Duke's estate and gallery. She was often called “The Richest Girl in the World.” She was an avid traveler and explored over 60 countries. The estate was designed to reflect her love for South Asia, the Middle East, and South Africa. Her home is stunning, and her art collection from around the world is amazing. After doing a little research I learned that she took surfing lessons from Duke Kahanamoku (see “the Duke” statue below) and rumor is they dated, and had a child together who tragically died. This museum is open on the weekends, Thursday through Sunday. Book in advance since they have limited tours each day.
Join a Circle Island Tour:
•Oahu Ultimate Grand Circle Island Tour
•16-Point Guided Circle Tour with Snorkeling and Dole
•Circle Island Tour with Lunch & Waimea Waterfall
•Hidden Gems of Oahu Circle Island Tour with Byodo-In Temple
•North Shore Circle Island Small-Group Tour
Go to a Luau:
One of the best things to do in Waikiki is to attend a luau. The Hilton Hawaiian Village offers an outdoor luau with panoramic views of the beach and lagoon. My favorite is the Samoan fire knife dance. Before dinner, you can participate in a group hula lesson and enjoy live music. Another great option is to attend the luau at the Polynesian Cultural Center.
Waikiki Aquarium:
Discover the marine life and ecosystems at the second-oldest operating public aquarium in the United States. Take the Behind-the-Scenes Tour. It's an educational program they offer once a week, reserve your tour online. Kids love seeing the back of the exhibits and learning how the aquarium runs.
Take a Sunset Catamaran Cruise:
Enjoy the sunset views from the water on a catamaran cruise. They offer a few different tours, including a sunset cruise with cocktails. You might get lucky and see spinner dolphins and humpback whales (during the winter).
Join a Sunset Catamaran Sail and Swim
get a picture with “The Duke”:
Pay your respects to the Father of Surfing and Olympic gold medalist at this statue on Waikiki Beach. Duke Kahanamoku grew up in Waikiki and was a five-time Olympian gold medalist in swimming who popularized the sport of surfing around the world.
Learn all things Hawaiian:
1525 Bernice St. Honolulu, HI 96817
The Bishop Museum is Hawaii’s largest museum dedicated to preserving the history of Hawaii. Several buildings will teach about different aspects of Hawaiian life. The Bishop Museum is open seven days a week 9-5. It’s located just outside Honolulu.
Get your pastry on at Leonard’s Bakery:
933 Kapahulu Avenure Honolulu, HI 96816
Since 1950 this locally-owned Portuguese bakery has been making its famous Malasadas and other popular pastries and desserts. They have about seven versions of Malasadas (fried Portuguese doughnuts): Plain sugar, guava cream, coconut cream, chocolate, cinnamon, custard, and a seasonal flavor. Each is made to order and the key is to eat them when they’re warm!
Join a Full-Day Guided Hawaiian Food and Photo Tour this includes a stop at Leonard’s Bakery.
Watch a free Fireworks show:
Every Friday at 7:45 p.m. the Hilton Hawaiian Village puts on a free fireworks show. You’ll find good viewing areas along Waikiki Beach.
Explore the oldest hotels in Waikiki:
Moana Surfrider Historical Tour: 2365 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
My husband and I stayed here on one of our visits to Waikiki and we loved this historical hotel. Shirley Temple and many other celebrities have vacationed at the Moana Surfrider. On the tour, you’ll learn about their stays and view 200 artifacts throughout the hotel, including old photos, postcards, etc. The hour-long tour is offered every Monday and Wednesday beginning at 11 a.m. Meet in the second-floor lobby of the Moana’s Banyan Wing (the original central section, built-in 1901).
Moana Surfrider- Afternoon tea:
Enjoy Afternoon Tea, Friday-Sunday 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. on The Veranda. The tea collection includes Hawaiian Coconut, Guava, Passion Orange, or Mango Pineapple. Pair that with curry chicken salad croissants and orange-blueberry scones.
OCEANFRONT SPA:
Relax and unwind at the Moana Lani, Waikiki’s only oceanside spa at the Moana Surfrider. With your massage, you’ll have access to the steam room, sauna, and whirlpool. Massages come with passion fruit sugar scrubs, tropical oils, coconut milk and an aloe vera body mask.
Royal Hawaiian Hotel Historical Tour: 2259 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
Known as the "Pink Palace in the Pacific" for its iconic pink hue. Have you ever wondered why the Royal Hawaiian was painted pink? Learn fun facts like this and more during the free historical tour on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Tours begin at the Royal Hawaiian Bakery and are based on availability.
Make a Lei:
The Royal Hawaiian Center offers free 60-minute lei-making classes on Fridays and Saturdays at 1:00 p.m. in the Building B Breezeway on Level 1.
Don’t miss a free HULA performance at The Royal Hawaiian Center on Saturdays from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Ride a Submarine:
Dive beneath the waves on a submarine tour for an underwater adventure and explore Waikiki’s vibrant marine life. The Atlantis Submarines will descend 100 feet beneath the surface of the ocean for an unforgettable Hawaiian experience.
Visit the only Royal palace in the United States:
After construction was completed in 1882, the Iolani Palace became the official home of the Hawaiian monarchs, until the monarchy was overthrown in the late 1800s. The palace was later used as a government building. Now, visitors can tour this historic building and learn about the history of Hawaiian royalty. A golden statue of King Kamehameha the Great is across the street to the south outside of the Aliiolani Hale, the original palace which today houses the Hawaii Supreme Court.
take a Twilight tour at the Honolulu Zoo:
There are approximately 1,200 different animals from the tropics that now reside at the Honolulu Zoo. Their Twilight Tour is a unique way to experience the zoo and a fun evening activity in Waikiki. During Twilight Tours, guests are taken on a two-hour guided tour. You’ll see the bedtime rituals of certain animals, and visit others that are just waking up.
Attend a concert at an amphitheater:
Attend a concert or outdoor event at the popular Waikiki Shell.
Chase a waterfall:
Manoa Falls is located in Manoa Valley, about a 20-minute drive from Waikiki. If possible, try to visit on a weekday since it’s one of the most popular waterfalls in Oahu. It gets busy during the weekend. The 1.7-mile return trip takes 1-2 hours and ends at Manoa Falls. Unlike some of the other waterfall hikes on Oahu, Manoa Falls is not a waterfall you can swim in. It’s a great, short, and easy trail that is suitable for most.
Some of the movies filmed at Manoa Falls are Jurassic Park, Catching Fire, and scenes from the television shows Lost, and Hawaii Five-0.
Join a Manoa Falls Waterfall Hike with lunch and transfers.
Shop till you Drop:
Shopping in Hawaii is my favorite… Give me all of the Hawaiian souvenirs! My favorite souvenirs are Macadamia Nuts, Hawaiian jewelry, Hawaiian Christmas ornaments, Hawaiian bag tags, Hawaiian body products, surf tees, and surf hats. One of my favorite stores is SoHa Living at Hilton Hawaiian Village. They have island-themed home goods, beautiful Island jewelry, etc.
Kalakaua Avenue:
There are lots of shops along Kalakaua Avenue, from luxury retailers like Gucci to smaller shops where you can find local goods and souvenirs.
One of the shops you'll see over and over again is the ABC Store. There are 40 of them to be exact. This is a convenience store where you can find local Hawaiian goodies plus drinks, snacks, and food. Dukes Lane Market and Eatery (near Kalakaua Avenue), is a glorified ABC store with restaurants and a cool design! My crew brought me here to try the Mochi Malasadas…they were good!
Outdoor Shopping Centers:
There are several outdoor shopping centers along Kalakaua Avenue, including the International Marketplace and Royal Hawaiian Center.
Duke's Marketplace is a landmark that has been around for decades. It reminds me of the old International Market Place, so glad this is still around. The market has 89 kiosks and it’s fun to browse and buy souvenirs but be sure to haggle with the vendors. The vendors at the front charge more than vendors towards the back of the market.
The Ala Moana Center is the largest open-air shopping center in the world. When I went to college on the North Shore this was our favorite place to shop. See their free hula show on the Centerstage, daily at 5:00 p.m. and Sundays at 1:00 p.m.
take the Waikiki Trolly
Take the hop-on-hop-off trolly to visit must-see sights. You can get an unlimited day pass for the Waikikì Trolley. Stops include Ala Moana Center, Honolulu Museum of Art, Chinatown, Sea Life Park, and Leonard’s Bakery.
•The Blue Line travels along coastal Waikiki, visiting Halona Blowhole and Sea Life Park.
•The Green Line goes directly to Diamond Head Crater.
•The Red Line visits historic Honolulu sites such as lolani Palace and Punchbowl Crater.
•The Pink Line goes to the Ala Moana Center Shopping Mall.
Rent a bike:
Biki has 1,300 bikes and 130 self-service Biki Stops throughout Downtown Honolulu and Waikiki. The bike rental is $4.50 for 30 minutes. Add their free app to find a bike.
•Bike the 2.5-mile loop to Ala Moana Beach Park. Across the street is the Ala Moana Shopping Center - the world's largest open-air mall.
•Bike the easy 4-mile-long Waikiki loop to get familiar with the strip.
•Go to King Street, a quick 30-minute ride. Turn off along the way to see lolani Palace, sample dim sum in Chinatown, or browse the historic Fort Street open market (Tuesday & Friday 7-1:30).
Join a private E-Bike Ride and Diamond Head Hike tour.
Church on the Beach:
When I get layovers in Waikiki on Sundays, I attend Church on the Beach at the Hilton Hawaiian Village at 10 a.m. They have hula dancers and after church last week a group of people got baptized on the beach.
Nearby attractions:
Hanauma Bay:
Hanauma Bay was voted the best beach in the United States in 2016, and there’s a reason this is the most popular snorkel spot on Oahu. Hanauma Bay is perfect for snorkelers of all ages and abilities. The bay is well protected from the waves due to its surrounding walls, which means that the water inside the bay stays calm. Go in the morning to beat the crowds, as the day goes on it becomes more crowded with locals and visitors wanting to experience the excellent snorkeling. Reservations are available two days in advance starting at 7:00 a.m. (Tickets sell out quickly). If you don’t get tickets walk-in tickets are available. Your entire party needs to arrive by 6:45 a.m. for walk-in tickets. Hanauma Bay is closed on Mondays & Tuesdays and is a 30-minute drive from Waikiki.
Join a Hanauma Bay State Park Snorkeling Trip. *State Park entry ticket not included
Pearl Harbor National Memorial:
One of the most popular attractions on Oahu is Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial. Tickets aren’t required to visit the Pearl Harbor National Memorial or the Visitor’s Center, but they are required if you want to visit the USS Arizona Memorial.
Tickets are available 8 weeks in advance (here), and more open up 24 hours in advance. Same-day tickets are sometimes available but not guaranteed. If you’re a history lover you won’t want to miss this.
Click here to join a tour of Pearl Harbor, USS Arizona, and the City Highlights Tour.
Polynesian Cultural Center
The Polynesian Cultural Center is Hawaii's top tourist attraction. I was a tour guide at the PCC during College and enjoyed taking tours to the six Polynesian Island Villages to learn about the Polynesian Culture. The history of the Polynesian Islands and culture is fascinating! In Samoa, you’ll learn how to crack open a coconut and see young men climb 40-foot coconut trees with their bare feet. In the Hawaiian Village, learn the hula and try poi. Then get your Fijian groove on pounding a derua (bamboo). Tickets can sell out months in advance so buy your tickets ASAP. The HA: Breath of Life show is spectacular!
Polynesian Cultural Center Tours:
•Polynesian Cultural Center Island Villages Ticket
•Islands of Polynesia Tour & Live Cultural Performance: Ha: Breath of Life
