Things to do nearWaikiki
Waikiki, on the south shore of Oahu, Hawaii, draws visitors with its iconic crescent beach, volcanic backdrop, and vibrant oceanfront culture.
Waikiki's history stretches back centuries, when Hawaiian royalty claimed this stretch of coast as a place of rest and recreation. The name itself means "spouting water," a reference to the wetlands and streams that once defined the landscape before the area was transformed in the early twentieth century into the resort destination it is today.
The beach runs roughly two miles along Oahu's south shore, framed by the extinct volcanic crater of Diamond Head to the east. Swimmers, surfers, and outrigger paddlers share the gentle breaks, while the grassy lawns of Kapiolani Park offer shade and open space at the water's edge. The Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Aquarium both sit within walking distance.
Kalakaua Avenue, Waikiki's main boulevard, is lined with open-air restaurants serving fresh poke, plate lunches, and shave ice alongside international dining. The area blends everyday local life with a rich cultural calendar that includes hula festivals and traditional Hawaiian craft demonstrations.
Waikiki rewards visitors who look past the busy storefronts to find its deeper character, from the bronze statue of Duke Kahanamoku to the quiet reef pools at low tide.
7-day forecast
Chance of rainTips for visiting Waikiki
Visit the beach early in the morning, before 8 a.m., to enjoy calmer surf and fewer crowds along the shoreline.
Try a beginner surf lesson from one of the longtime beach boys who have taught the sport here for generations.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen, as Hawaii law prohibits certain chemical sunscreens to protect coral reefs.
Walk to the Diamond Head State Monument for a short but rewarding hike with panoramic views over Waikiki and the Pacific.
Catch the free hula and live music performances at Kuhio Beach Hula Mound most evenings at sunset.
Top tours & experiences near Waikiki
Private Adult Surf Lesson in Waikiki
Get 1:1 surf coaching with a 75-minute private lesson (ages 16+)
German-Guided Oahu Circle Island Tour
See 30+ Oahu sights in 6–7 hours on a small-group island tour
Sail to Diamond Head From Waikiki
Diamond Head sail with snacks and unlimited nonalcohol drinks
Guided Stand-Up Paddle Lesson in Kailua
Learn SUP in Kailua with a Japanese-speaking instructor in a small group
Semi-Private Turtle Canyon Snorkel Tour on a Zodiac Boat
Snorkel Turtle Canyon with gear and guide instruction included
Semi-Private Surf or Paddleboard Lesson in Waikiki
Learn to surf or stand-up paddleboard with a semi-private group in Waikiki
Solo eFoil Lesson at Sand Island, Honolulu
Learn eFoiling with a solo board and three coached water runs
Honolulu Sunset & Fireworks Cruise
Private Friday-night charter with Waikīkī views and boat-side fireworks
Diamond Head Sail & Swim From Waikiki
Sail past Diamond Head, then anchor off Waikiki for a swim
Private Snorkel & Scuba Boat Charter in Waikiki
Private 5-hour Waikiki charter with snorkeling and scuba options
2024 Harley Davidson Low Rider S 117ci ABS
Enjoy a fun way to see Hawaii with Waikiki drop-off and pickup included
Family & Group Surf Lesson at Waikiki Beach
Surf together in a 75-minute family lesson at Waikiki Beach
1-Hour Public Shuttle From Cruise Pier to Waikiki
Ride the public shuttle from the cruise ship pier to Waikiki hotels
West Oahu Dolphin Watching & Snorkel Tour
Spot dolphins, snorkel clear west Oahu waters, and enjoy a Hawaiian lunch onboard
Explore Oahu North Shore Guided Tour With Dole Plantation
See Oahu’s North Shore: Dole Plantation, Haleiwa, surf spots and beach turtles
Watch Waikiki Fireworks on a Honolulu DJ Cruise
Dance with a live DJ and view Waikiki fireworks from the water
Private 2-Hour Honolulu Cruise to Turtle Canyon
Cruise Waikiki to Diamond Head on a private 2-hour charter with bar and optional snorkel stop
Private Waikiki Boat Tour with Snorkeling
Customize your ocean adventure with snorkeling, wildlife spotting, and BYOB relaxation
Private Waikiki Snorkel Charter
Explore Hawaii’s natural beauty from a private flybridge vessel
Private Waikiki Sunset Boat Cruise with Diamond Head Views
Private coastal views, sunset scenery, and your own soundtrack
Small Group Sunset Cruise with Appetizers & BYOB
Enjoy a Hawaiian sunset from a catamaran with included appetizer buffet and BYOB flexibility.
Private Oahu Helicopter Tour with Doors-Off Option
Take a private 60-minute Oahu helicopter flight with guaranteed window seats