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.

    Waikiki, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA

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    Tips for visiting Waikiki

    1

    Visit the beach early in the morning, before 8 a.m., to enjoy calmer surf and fewer crowds along the shoreline.

    2

    Try a beginner surf lesson from one of the longtime beach boys who have taught the sport here for generations.

    3

    Bring reef-safe sunscreen, as Hawaii law prohibits certain chemical sunscreens to protect coral reefs.

    4

    Walk to the Diamond Head State Monument for a short but rewarding hike with panoramic views over Waikiki and the Pacific.

    5

    Catch the free hula and live music performances at Kuhio Beach Hula Mound most evenings at sunset.

    Top tours & experiences near Waikiki

    Take a 2-Hour Group Surf Lesson in Haleiwa

    Learn to surf together on Oahu’s North Shore

    4.9 128 reviews
    $78/ person

    Bring-Your-Own Waikiki Coast Cruise

    Cruise the Waikiki coast with your own drinks and snacks

    $147/ person

    Private BYOB Waikiki Boat Tour & Snorkeling

    Customize your ocean adventure with snorkeling, wildlife spotting, and BYOB relaxation

    4.9 829 reviews

    Kids Learn to Surf Hawaiian Waves in Waikiki

    Learn to ride Hawaiian waves with patient instructors in a fun, safe environment.

    5.0 357 reviews
    $194/ person

    Explore East Oahu Lookouts & Kailua Private Day Tour

    Private East Oahu day tour with 8 scenic stops, including Kailua and Byodo-In Temple

    4.9 7 reviews

    West Oahu Dolphin Watching & Snorkel Tour

    Spot dolphins, snorkel clear west Oahu waters, and enjoy a Hawaiian lunch onboard

    4.9 4.4K reviews
    $214/ person

    Semi-Private Surf Lesson In Waikiki

    Learn to surf or stand-up paddleboard with a semi-private group in Waikiki

    5.0 419 reviews
    $133/ person

    Guided Historical Bike Tour in Honolulu

    Cycle Waikiki to Chinatown with Aloha Tower views on a guided history ride

    4.6 33 reviews
    $165/ person

    Guided Foodie Bike Tour in Waikiki

    Ride Waikiki and taste local favorites with 5–6 food stops

    4.6 33 reviews
    $209/ person

    Paddleboard Rental on Waikiki Beach

    Rent a stand-up paddleboard and paddle along Waikiki Beach

    4.8 1.1K reviews
    $29/ board

    Customize a Private Guided Tour on Oahu

    Build your own private Oahu itinerary with a local expert guide

    $1,696

    Expert-Guided Whale Watch Cruise in Honolulu

    Cruise Oahu waters to see humpback whales with expert guides during peak December–April season.

    4.8 1.6K reviews
    $33/ person

    Watch Waikiki Fireworks on a Honolulu DJ Cruise

    Dance with a live DJ and view Waikiki fireworks from the water

    4.9 1.4K reviews
    $69/ person

    Small Group Sunset Cruise with Appetizers & BYOB

    Enjoy a Hawaiian sunset from a catamaran with included appetizer buffet and BYOB flexibility.

    4.9 672 reviews
    $58/ person

    Fly a Private 60-Minute Oahu Helicopter Tour

    Take a private 60-minute Oahu helicopter flight with guaranteed window seats

    4.9 388 reviews

    Take a 75-Minute Family Surf Lesson in Waikiki

    Surf together in a 75-minute family lesson at Waikiki Beach

    5.0 619 reviews

    Private Surf Lesson in Waikiki Beach

    Get 1:1 surf coaching with a 75-minute private lesson (ages 16+)

    5.0 619 reviews
    $192/ person

    Private 75-Minute Kids Surf Lesson In Waikiki

    75-minute private kids surf lesson with 1:1 instruction in Waikiki

    5.0 619 reviews
    $192/ person

    Explore Oahu North Shore Guided Tour With Dole Plantation

    See Oahu’s North Shore: Dole Plantation, Haleiwa, surf spots and beach turtles

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    Sail to Diamond Head From Waikiki

    Diamond Head sail with snacks and unlimited nonalcohol drinks

    4.7 211 reviews
    $58/ person

    Private O'ahu Circle Island Tour for Up to 14

    Private, customizable O‘ahu tour with a licensed driver and pickup for up to 14 guests

    5.0 49 reviews

    Catch Your First Wave Together in Waikiki

    Learn to surf together with a dedicated instructor in warm Waikiki waters

    5.0 619 reviews
    $177/ person

    Sail & Snorkel Cruise in Waikiki

    Private 3-hour sail and snorkel off Waikiki Beach

    4.6 60 reviews

    Ride an Efoil Lesson on Sand Island

    Learn eFoiling with a solo board and three coached water runs

    5.0 460 reviews
    $220/ person

    Private Friday Fireworks Yacht Cruise in Honolulu

    Sail the 69-foot Alana Kai and watch Waikiki's fireworks in private luxury

    4.9 49 reviews
    $5,992

    Cruise Waikiki Coastline on a 5-Hour Private Charter

    Private 5-hour Waikiki charter with snorkeling and scuba options

    5.0 113 reviews
    $3,112

    Fly a Doors-Off Helicopter Tour Over Oahu

    Take a 50-minute doors-off helicopter flight over Oahu’s top landmarks

    4.9 1.2K reviews
    $550/ person

    Take a Doors-Off Helicopter Tour Over Oahu

    Land at a private Waimea Bay overlook on a doors-off helicopter flight

    4.9 1.2K reviews
    $2,730

    Oahu Off-Road ATV Adventure

    Tackle Oahu’s rugged trails on a guided 50-minute ATV ride with side-by-side fun and small groups

    4.9 4.6K reviews
    $209/ person

    2024 Harley Davidson Low Rider S 117ci ABS

    Enjoy a fun way to see Hawaii with Waikiki drop-off and pickup included

    5.0 101 reviews

    Waikiki 2 Tank Scuba Dive

    Discover Waikiki's underwater world on a two-tank dive with all gear included.

    4.9 158 reviews
    $195/ person

    Whale Watching Zodiac Tour in Waikiki, Oahu

    Look for humpbacks on a 1.5-hour Waikiki zodiac ride with expert guides and refreshments

    4.9 829 reviews
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    Waikiki Whale Watch Big Kahuna

    Search for humpback whales off Oahu’s south shore with scenic views of Waikiki

    5.0 803 reviews
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    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

    4.9 1.7K reviews
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    Watch Friday Night Fireworks on a Waikiki Sail

    Friday fireworks sail with front-row views from the water

    4.9 169 reviews
    $117/ person

    Explore Oahu Highlights Guided Island Tour

    See 30+ Oahu sights in 6–7 hours on a small-group island tour

    4.9 2.4K reviews
    $220/ person

    1-Hour Public Shuttle From Cruise Pier to Waikiki

    Ride the public shuttle from the cruise ship pier to Waikiki hotels

    4.9 6K reviews
    $26/ person

    Honolulu Sunset & Fireworks Cruise

    Private Friday-night charter with Waikīkī views and boat-side fireworks

    5.0 317 reviews

    Honolulu Sunset Cruise

    Private coastal views, sunset scenery, and your own soundtrack

    5.0 317 reviews

    Explore Oahu on a Grand Circle Island Guided Tour

    See Oahu highlights on a guided group circle island tour

    $226/ person

    2-Hour Diamond Head Sunset Sail In Honolulu

    Sail past Diamond Head on a private 2-hour sunset yacht cruise

    4.6 60 reviews

    3-Hour Private Whale Watching Cruise in Honolulu

    Sail on a private yacht near Waikiki and look for humpback whales

    4.6 60 reviews

    Sunset Sightseeing Cruise in Waikiki

    Cruise Waikiki at sunset with live commentary and Diamond Head views

    4.9 2K reviews
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    Guided Stand-Up Paddle Lesson in Kailua

    Learn SUP in Kailua with a Japanese-speaking instructor in a small group

    5.0 6.3K reviews
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    Cruise Waikiki At Sunset & Fireworks

    Friday sunset cruise with Waikiki fireworks

    5.0 113 reviews
    $293/ person

    Snorkel & Splash Kāne‘ohe Bay Sandbar Cruise

    Snorkel and play at Kāne‘ohe Bay sandbar with lunch and water activities

    4.8 5.5K reviews
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    Round-Trip Waikiki Luau Transportation

    Round-trip transportation from convenient Waikiki pick-up locations

    4.1 5.7K reviews
    $40/ person

    Semi-Private Surf Lesson in Waikiki

    Learn to surf in Waikiki with 2–3 surfers per instructor

    4.8 1.1K reviews
    $112/ person

    75-Minute Stand-Up Paddleboard Lesson in Waikiki

    Learn stand-up paddleboarding in Waikiki with a 75-minute lesson

    4.8 1.1K reviews
    $140/ person

    Private Surf Lesson on Oahu With 1:1 Instruction

    Private 1:1 surf coaching in Haleiwa for beginners and intermediates

    4.9 128 reviews
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    Semi-Private Surf Lesson on Oahu

    Surf with a 2:1 instructor ratio at lesser-known Oahu spots

    4.9 128 reviews
    $138/ person

    Explore Honolulu On A 2.5-Hour Snorkel Cruise

    Cruise from Waikiki and snorkel with a friendly group

    4.7 164 reviews
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    Diamond Head Sail & Swim From Waikiki

    Sail past Diamond Head, then anchor off Waikiki for a swim

    5.0 121 reviews
    $110/ person

    Private Sail & Snorkel Charter In Waikiki

    Sail Waikiki on a private 43-ft yacht with a snorkel stop

    4.9 28 reviews

    Private 3.5-Hour Waikiki Snorkel Cruise

    Private 3.5-hour Waikiki cruise with snorkeling gear and fresh poké for up to 6 guests

    4.8 20 reviews
    $2,790

    Private 2.5-Hour Waikiki Yacht Cruise

    Private 2.5-hour Waikiki cruise with snorkeling, fishing gear, and fresh poké

    4.8 20 reviews
    $2,048

    3-Hour Private Waikiki Cruise Charter

    Private 3-hour Waikiki yacht cruise with snorkeling and fresh pok0 for up to 6

    4.8 20 reviews
    $2,425

    Cruise Waikiki on a 3-Hour Private Yacht Charter

    Private 3-hour Waikiki yacht cruise with snorkeling and fresh poké

    4.8 20 reviews
    $2,624

    Sunset Sail In Waikiki With Complimentary Drinks

    90-minute Waikiki sunset sail with complimentary drinks

    $69/ person

    Cruise Waikiki on a 3.5-Hour Private Yacht Charter

    Private 3.5-hour Waikiki yacht cruise with snorkel and fresh poké

    4.8 20 reviews
    $2,978

    Private Waikiki 4.5-Hour Yacht Cruise & Snorkel

    Private 4.5-hour yacht cruise for up to 6 with snorkeling and fresh poké

    4.8 20 reviews
    $3,487

    Sunset Cruise in Waikiki

    Cruise at sunset with Waikiki skyline views

    4.9 135 reviews
    $138/ person

    Sunset Dinner & Fireworks Cruise in Honolulu

    Cruise Waikiki at sunset with a 3-course dinner and Friday fireworks

    5.0 32 reviews
    $1,661

    Snorkel & Watch Friday Fireworks in Waikiki

    Snorkel, catch the sunset, and watch Waikiki’s Friday fireworks from the water

    4.9 80 reviews

    Cruise Waikiki Waters During Friday Fireworks

    Private Waikīkī charter with pupu’s and Friday night fireworks views

    $5,369

    Friday Night Fireworks Cruise in Honolulu

    Watch Hilton Hawaiian Village fireworks from Na Hoku 2 with complimentary drinks

    $57/ person

    Ride a Sunset & Fireworks E-Bike Tour in Honolulu

    Friday sunset e-bike ride to Hilton Hawaiian Village fireworks

    4.9 250 reviews
    $66/ person

    Waikiki Friday Fireworks Boat Cruise

    Cruise Waikiki at sunset with BYO drinks and Friday fireworks views

    4.6 23 reviews
    $83/ person

    Parasail & Wakeboard Combo in Oahu

    Wakeboard behind a Nautique, then parasail 700 ft over Waikiki

    4.2 149 reviews
    $223/ person

    Turtle Canyon Small-Group Snorkeling Tour

    Snorkel Turtle Canyon with gear and guide instruction included

    5.0 3.7K reviews
    $121/ person

    Waikiki Sunset Guided Tour

    See Waikiki’s shoreline and Diamond Head as the day turns to sunset

    $76/ person

    2-Hour Bottom Fishing Charter in Honolulu

    Private reef fishing with gear and guidance included

    5.0 7 reviews

    Private Sunset Cruise in Waikiki

    See Waikiki’s skyline and sunset from your private boat

    5.0 7 reviews

    2-Hour Surf Lesson at Waikiki Beach

    Learn surf fundamentals with personalized coaching on Waikiki Beach

    $194/ person

    Honolulu Sunset Sailing Charter

    Private sailing with Waikiki views, swimming, and snorkeling options

    4.9 28 reviews

    Waikiki History Cruise

    Sail Waikiki’s coastline with local history, landmark views, and Diamond Head from the water

    4.9 135 reviews
    $155/ person

    Private Waikiki Snorkel Charter

    Explore Hawaii’s natural beauty from a private flybridge vessel

    5.0 72 reviews
    $1,665

    90-Minute Honolulu South Shore Sail

    Cruise Oahu’s south shore with complimentary drinks and Diamond Head views

    $46/ person

    Honolulu Sunset Sail

    A lively sunset catamaran sail with complimentary drinks

    $57/ person

    Turtle Canyon 90-Minute Snorkel Cruise

    Open-Water Snorkeling at Turtle Canyon With Gear Included

    $69/ person

    Waikiki 1-Hour Diamond Head Sail

    Sail Waikiki’s coastline with music, ocean views, and complimentary drinks

    $40/ person

    Waikiki 1-Hour Sailing Cruise

    Sail Waikiki’s coast with ocean views and complimentary drinks

    $46/ person

    Waikiki Sunset Cruise

    Sail Waikiki’s coastline at sunset aboard a double-decker catamaran

    4.6 23 reviews
    $57/ person

    Oahu Private Island Guided Tour

    Set your own pace on a private Oahu island tour

    4.4 60 reviews
    $693/ person

    90-Minute Waikiki Sailing Cruise

    Sail off Waikiki with ocean views, splashy fun, and drinks available onboard

    4.8 1.5K reviews
    $53/ person

    Sunset Cruise in Waikiki

    Open-bar Mai Tais and coastal views as the sun sets

    4.8 1.5K reviews
    $90/ person

    Waikiki Afternoon Sail

    Afternoon catamaran sail with included drinks and Waikiki views

    4.8 1.5K reviews
    $90/ person

    Honolulu Private Sunset Cruise

    Customize a private Lei Lana cruise with coastal views, sunset colors, and city lights

    $5,369

    Honolulu Sunset City Lights Cruise

    Private yacht cruise for Pacific sunset and Honolulu city-light views

    $3,986