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.
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.
Learn to surf together on Oahu’s North Shore
Cruise the Waikiki coast with your own drinks and snacks
Customize your flight height and glide over Waikiki for unforgettable aerial views with expert crew support
Snorkel Turtle Canyon on a 2-hour semi-private catamaran with 6 guests max
Customize your ocean adventure with snorkeling, wildlife spotting, and BYOB relaxation
Learn to ride Hawaiian waves with patient instructors in a fun, safe environment.
Private East Oahu day tour with 8 scenic stops, including Kailua and Byodo-In Temple
Spot dolphins, snorkel clear west Oahu waters, and enjoy a Hawaiian lunch onboard
Learn to surf or stand-up paddleboard with a semi-private group in Waikiki
Private 2-hour sunset cruise with Honolulu city lights from the sea
Circle Oahu in a day with a small-group tour to 30+ sights and 10+ stops
Cycle Waikiki to Chinatown with Aloha Tower views on a guided history ride
Ride Waikiki and taste local favorites with 5–6 food stops
Rent a stand-up paddleboard and paddle along Waikiki Beach
Build your own private Oahu itinerary with a local expert guide
Try scuba diving in Waikiki with small groups and free GoPro videos
Sail out for Waikiki’s Friday fireworks with sunset views
Cruise Oahu waters to see humpback whales with expert guides during peak December–April season.
Dance with a live DJ and view Waikiki fireworks from the water
Enjoy a Hawaiian sunset from a catamaran with included appetizer buffet and BYOB flexibility.
Snorkel Waikiki with a guide and take home free GoPro videos
Learn to surf with a certified instructor on iconic Waikīkī waves
Catch waves with certified Canoe Captains on a 30-minute Waikiki ride
Swim with a mermaid guide in Waikiki, with GoPro photos and videos included
Take a private 60-minute Oahu helicopter flight with guaranteed window seats
Surf Waikīkī waves together with certified captains on a private canoe charter.
Surf together in a 75-minute family lesson at Waikiki Beach
Get 1:1 surf coaching with a 75-minute private lesson (ages 16+)
75-minute private kids surf lesson with 1:1 instruction in Waikiki
Circle Oʻahu with North Shore stops, Dole Plantation, and local food trucks
See Oahu’s North Shore: Dole Plantation, Haleiwa, surf spots and beach turtles
Snorkel Turtle Canyon on a 2-hour catamaran sail with gear and light snacks included
Diamond Head sail with snacks and unlimited nonalcohol drinks
Private, customizable O‘ahu tour with a licensed driver and pickup for up to 14 guests
Sunset catamaran cruise with live DJs and bar in Waikiki
Tour Oahu’s top stops, then sail Waikiki at sunset on a Polynesian canoe
Cruise Waikiki by private catamaran and snorkel an offshore reef near Diamond Head
Sail and snorkel Turtle Canyon with lunch and drinks
Learn to surf together with a dedicated instructor in warm Waikiki waters
Snorkel with green sea turtles with in-water guides and all gear included
Learn eFoiling with a solo board and three coached water runs
Sail at sunset to view Waikiki’s Friday fireworks with music and snacks
Discover Oahu's underwater world on guided reef dives with all gear included
Learn SUP basics in Waikīkī on a private lesson for two with certified instructors
Learn SUP fundamentals together in a 1.25-hour private lesson with certified Waikīkī Beachboys
Sail the 69-foot Alana Kai and watch Waikiki's fireworks in private luxury
Private 5-hour Waikiki charter with snorkeling and scuba options
Take a 50-minute doors-off helicopter flight over Oahu’s top landmarks
Land at a private Waimea Bay overlook on a doors-off helicopter flight
Tackle Oahu’s rugged trails on a guided 50-minute ATV ride with side-by-side fun and small groups
Enjoy a fun way to see Hawaii with Waikiki drop-off and pickup included
Discover Waikiki's underwater world on a two-tank dive with all gear included.
Look for humpbacks on a 1.5-hour Waikiki zodiac ride with expert guides and refreshments
Cruise Waikiki at sunset on a BYOB 90-minute power boat
Search for humpback whales off Oahu’s south shore with scenic views of Waikiki
Cruise Waikiki to Diamond Head on a private 2-hour charter with bar and optional snorkel stop
Sail Waikiki’s coast on a 1-hour BYOB cruise with Diamond Head views
Sail Waikiki at sunset with live music or a DJ on a BYOB catamaran with appetizers
Private sunset raft cruise with time to swim off Waikiki
Snorkel with Hawaiian sea turtles away from Waikiki crowds
Watch Waikiki's fireworks from a 55ft catamaran with inside seating and ocean views
Watch Waikiki’s Friday fireworks from a 65ft catamaran with ocean views and comfortable inside seating
Friday fireworks sail with front-row views from the water
Pedal Honolulu’s beachfront neighborhoods and tour select open houses
See 30+ Oahu sights in 6–7 hours on a small-group island tour
Ride the public shuttle from the cruise ship pier to Waikiki hotels
Cruise Waikiki at sunset with glass-bottom views and fireworks
Sail off Waikiki for a sunset cruise and Friday fireworks (bring your own drinks)
Private 1.5-hour sunset cruise with fireworks viewing for up to 6
Cruise O'ahu’s south shore on a private sunset boat for up to 6 guests
Cruise from Waikiki to watch Friday night fireworks with glass-bottom underwater light viewing
Cruise Waikiki toward Diamond Head with drinks and snacks included
Sleep in and snorkel with turtles on a late-start North Shore small-group tour
See Oahu highlights on a guided group circle island tour
Sail past Diamond Head on a private 2-hour sunset yacht cruise
Sail on a private yacht near Waikiki and look for humpback whales
Cruise Waikiki at sunset with live commentary and Diamond Head views
Learn SUP in Kailua with a Japanese-speaking instructor in a small group
Round-trip shuttle from Ko Olina to Waikiki with flexible return times
Hold a private ash scattering ceremony off Waikiki with leis, music, and light snacks
Snorkel and play at Kāne‘ohe Bay sandbar with lunch and water activities
Watch Waikiki’s Friday fireworks from a 65-foot power catamaran
Cruise off Waikiki for Friday night fireworks views
Round-trip transportation from convenient Waikiki pick-up locations
Learn to surf in Waikiki with 2–3 surfers per instructor
Learn stand-up paddleboarding in Waikiki with a 75-minute lesson
Private 1:1 surf coaching in Haleiwa for beginners and intermediates
Surf with a 2:1 instructor ratio at lesser-known Oahu spots
Cruise from Waikiki and snorkel with a friendly group
Learn to snorkel on a private Waikiki reef tour with free GoPro videos
Sail past Diamond Head, then anchor off Waikiki for a swim
Sail Waikiki on a private 43-ft yacht with a snorkel stop
Private 3.5-hour Waikiki cruise with snorkeling gear and fresh poké for up to 6 guests
Private 2.5-hour Waikiki cruise with snorkeling, fishing gear, and fresh poké
Private 3-hour Waikiki yacht cruise with snorkeling and fresh pok0 for up to 6
Private 3-hour Waikiki yacht cruise with snorkeling and fresh poké
90-minute Waikiki sunset sail with complimentary drinks
Private 3.5-hour Waikiki yacht cruise with snorkel and fresh poké
Waikiki 90-minute sunset sail with complimentary drinks
Private 4.5-hour yacht cruise for up to 6 with snorkeling and fresh poké
Private 8-hour Oahu circle-island tour with hikes, snorkeling, and local stops
Cruise Waikiki at sunset with a 3-course dinner and Friday fireworks
Snorkel, catch the sunset, and watch Waikiki’s Friday fireworks from the water
Private Waikīkī charter with pupu’s and Friday night fireworks views
Watch Hilton Hawaiian Village fireworks from Na Hoku 2 with complimentary drinks
Friday sunset e-bike ride to Hilton Hawaiian Village fireworks
Cruise Waikiki at sunset with BYO drinks and Friday fireworks views
Wakeboard behind a Nautique, then parasail 700 ft over Waikiki