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 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
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
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.
Take a private 60-minute Oahu helicopter flight with guaranteed window seats
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
See Oahu’s North Shore: Dole Plantation, Haleiwa, surf spots and beach turtles
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
Learn to surf together with a dedicated instructor in warm Waikiki waters
Learn eFoiling with a solo board and three coached water runs
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
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
Friday fireworks sail with front-row views from the water
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
Private Friday-night charter with Waikīkī views and boat-side fireworks
Private coastal views, sunset scenery, and your own soundtrack
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
Snorkel and play at Kāne‘ohe Bay sandbar with lunch and water activities
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
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
Private 4.5-hour yacht cruise for up to 6 with snorkeling and fresh poké
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
Snorkel Turtle Canyon with gear and guide instruction included
See Waikiki’s shoreline and Diamond Head as the day turns to sunset
Private reef fishing with gear and guidance included
See Waikiki’s skyline and sunset from your private boat
Learn surf fundamentals with personalized coaching on Waikiki Beach
Private sailing with Waikiki views, swimming, and snorkeling options
Sail Waikiki’s coastline with local history, landmark views, and Diamond Head from the water
Explore Hawaii’s natural beauty from a private flybridge vessel
Cruise Oahu’s south shore with complimentary drinks and Diamond Head views
Open-Water Snorkeling at Turtle Canyon With Gear Included
Sail Waikiki’s coastline with music, ocean views, and complimentary drinks
Sail Waikiki’s coast with ocean views and complimentary drinks
Sail Waikiki’s coastline at sunset aboard a double-decker catamaran
Sail off Waikiki with ocean views, splashy fun, and drinks available onboard
Afternoon catamaran sail with included drinks and Waikiki views
Customize a private Lei Lana cruise with coastal views, sunset colors, and city lights
Private yacht cruise for Pacific sunset and Honolulu city-light views