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

    7-day forecast

    Chance of rain
    81°83°83°82°80°81°82°
    TodayFriSatSunMonTueWed
    49%57%45%40%

    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

    4.9 124 reviews
    $83/ person

    Bring-Your-Own Waikiki Coast Cruise

    Cruise the Waikiki coast with your own drinks and snacks

    $147/ person

    Parasailing Over Waikiki Beach with Custom Heights

    Customize your flight height and glide over Waikiki for unforgettable aerial views with expert crew support

    4.8 663 reviews
    $100/ person

    Turtle Canyon Snorkel & Waikiki Catamaran Cruise

    Snorkel Turtle Canyon on a 2-hour semi-private catamaran with 6 guests max

    5.0 592 reviews
    $122/ person

    Private BYOB Waikiki Boat Tour & Snorkeling

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

    Kids Learn to Surf Hawaiian Waves in Waikiki

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

    5.0 347 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

    4.8 6 reviews

    West Oahu Dolphin Watching & Snorkel Tour

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

    4.9 4.2K reviews
    $214/ person

    Semi-Private Surf Lesson In Waikiki

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

    5.0 400 reviews
    $133/ person

    Sunset & Moonlight Private Cruise in Waikiki

    Private 2-hour sunset cruise with Honolulu city lights from the sea

    4.7 151 reviews
    $1,996

    Explore Oahu Highlights Circle Island Guided Tour

    Circle Oahu in a day with a small-group tour to 30+ sights and 10+ stops

    4.9 2K reviews
    $150/ person

    Guided Historical Bike Tour in Honolulu

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

    4.6 32 reviews
    $165/ person

    Guided Foodie Bike Tour in Waikiki

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

    4.6 32 reviews
    $209/ person

    Paddleboard Rental on Waikiki Beach

    Rent a stand-up paddleboard and paddle along Waikiki Beach

    4.8 1K reviews
    $29/ board

    Customize a Private Guided Tour on Oahu

    Build your own private Oahu itinerary with a local expert guide

    $1,696

    Beginner Scuba Diving Tour in Waikiki

    Try scuba diving in Waikiki with small groups and free GoPro videos

    4.9 6.8K reviews
    $87/ person

    Cruise Waikiki For Friday Fireworks & Sunset

    Sail out for Waikiki’s Friday fireworks with sunset views

    4.9 1.5K reviews
    $72/ person

    Expert-Guided Whale Watch Cruise in Honolulu

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

    4.9 1.5K 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.

    4.9 629 reviews
    $58/ person

    Guided Snorkeling Tour in Waikiki With GoPro Videos

    Snorkel Waikiki with a guide and take home free GoPro videos

    4.9 6.8K reviews
    $55/ person

    Waikīkī Surf Lesson: Private 1-on-1 Coaching

    Learn to surf with a certified instructor on iconic Waikīkī waves

    4.7 154 reviews
    $180/ person

    Catch Waves on Outrigger Canoe with Captain

    Catch waves with certified Canoe Captains on a 30-minute Waikiki ride

    4.7 154 reviews
    $58/ person

    Mermaid Snorkel Tour & Photo Shoot In Waikiki

    Swim with a mermaid guide in Waikiki, with GoPro photos and videos included

    4.9 6.8K reviews
    $99/ person

    Fly a Private 60-Minute Oahu Helicopter Tour

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

    4.9 360 reviews

    Outrigger Canoe Surfing in Waikīkī with Captain

    Surf Waikīkī waves together with certified captains on a private canoe charter.

    4.7 154 reviews

    Take a 75-Minute Family Surf Lesson in Waikiki

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

    5.0 547 reviews

    Private Surf Lesson in Waikiki Beach

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

    5.0 547 reviews
    $192/ person

    Private 75-Minute Kids Surf Lesson In Waikiki

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

    5.0 547 reviews
    $192/ person

    Explore Oahu North Shore Guided Tour With Dole Stop

    Circle Oʻahu with North Shore stops, Dole Plantation, and local food trucks

    4.9 2K reviews
    $220/ person

    Explore Oahu North Shore Guided Tour With Dole Plantation

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

    4.9 2K reviews
    $220/ person

    2-Hour Turtle Canyon Snorkeling Cruise From Waikiki

    Snorkel Turtle Canyon on a 2-hour catamaran sail with gear and light snacks included

    $90/ person

    Sail to Diamond Head From Waikiki

    Diamond Head sail with snacks and unlimited nonalcohol drinks

    4.7 200 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 46 reviews

    Cruise Waikiki At Sunset From Honolulu

    Sunset catamaran cruise with live DJs and bar in Waikiki

    4.9 1.4K reviews
    $69/ person

    Explore Oahu Circle Island Tour & Sunset Sail

    Tour Oahu’s top stops, then sail Waikiki at sunset on a Polynesian canoe

    4.9 2K reviews
    $491/ person

    Private Waikiki Catamaran Snorkel Cruise to Diamond Head

    Cruise Waikiki by private catamaran and snorkel an offshore reef near Diamond Head

    5.0 592 reviews

    Waikiki Turtle Canyon Snorkel Sail With Lunch

    Sail and snorkel Turtle Canyon with lunch and drinks

    $172/ person

    Catch Your First Wave Together in Waikiki

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

    5.0 547 reviews
    $177/ person

    Sail & Snorkel Cruise in Waikiki

    Private 3-hour sail and snorkel off Waikiki Beach

    4.7 59 reviews

    2.5-Hour Turtle Snorkeling Tour in Honolulu

    Snorkel with green sea turtles with in-water guides and all gear included

    4.8 797 reviews
    $112/ person

    Ride an Efoil Lesson on Sand Island

    Learn eFoiling with a solo board and three coached water runs

    5.0 433 reviews
    $220/ person

    Waikiki Friday Fireworks Sunset Boat Cruise

    Sail at sunset to view Waikiki’s Friday fireworks with music and snacks

    5.0 3.1K reviews
    $72/ person

    Guided Waikiki Reef Dive with All Gear Included

    Discover Oahu's underwater world on guided reef dives with all gear included

    4.9 68 reviews

    Private SUP Lesson for Two in Waikīkī

    Learn SUP basics in Waikīkī on a private lesson for two with certified instructors

    4.7 154 reviews
    $145/ person

    Private SUP Party for 4 to 5 in Waikiki

    Learn SUP fundamentals together in a 1.25-hour private lesson with certified Waikīkī Beachboys

    4.7 154 reviews
    $106/ person

    Private Friday Fireworks Yacht Cruise in Honolulu

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

    5.0 42 reviews
    $5,992

    Cruise Waikiki Coastline on a 5-Hour Private Charter

    Private 5-hour Waikiki charter with snorkeling and scuba options

    5.0 109 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 4.2K 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

    5.0 102 reviews

    Waikiki 2 Tank Scuba Dive

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

    4.9 159 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

    $121/ person

    Bring Your Own Drinks Waikiki Sunset Cruise

    Cruise Waikiki at sunset on a BYOB 90-minute power boat

    5.0 592 reviews
    $55/ person

    Waikiki Whale Watch Big Kahuna

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

    5.0 592 reviews
    $83/ person

    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 1.5K reviews
    $2,546

    Waikiki BYOB Afternoon Sail to Diamond Head

    Sail Waikiki’s coast on a 1-hour BYOB cruise with Diamond Head views

    4.9 145 reviews
    $35/ person

    BYOB Sunset Cruise with Live Music or DJ in Waikiki

    Sail Waikiki at sunset with live music or a DJ on a BYOB catamaran with appetizers

    4.8 663 reviews
    $122/ person

    Private Waikiki Sunset Swim Cruise

    Private sunset raft cruise with time to swim off Waikiki

    4.8 283 reviews

    2.5-Hour Guided Turtle Snorkel in Honolulu

    Snorkel with Hawaiian sea turtles away from Waikiki crowds

    $112/ person

    Friday Night Fireworks Cruise on Kealoha

    Watch Waikiki's fireworks from a 55ft catamaran with inside seating and ocean views

    Waikiki Friday Night Fireworks Cruise on Wahine Koa

    Watch Waikiki’s Friday fireworks from a 65ft catamaran with ocean views and comfortable inside seating

    $90/ person

    Watch Friday Night Fireworks on a Waikiki Sail

    Friday fireworks sail with front-row views from the water

    4.9 145 reviews
    $117/ person

    Guided Honolulu Open House Electric Bike Tour

    Pedal Honolulu’s beachfront neighborhoods and tour select open houses

    4.6 32 reviews
    $187/ person

    Explore Oahu Highlights Guided Island Tour

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

    4.9 2K 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 5.9K reviews
    $26/ person

    Waikiki Sunset Cruise With Fireworks

    Cruise Waikiki at sunset with glass-bottom views and fireworks

    4.8 663 reviews
    $71/ person

    Cruise Waikiki At Sunset & Fireworks

    Sail off Waikiki for a sunset cruise and Friday fireworks (bring your own drinks)

    4.8 663 reviews
    $87/ person

    Cruise O'ahu Sunset & Fireworks Charter

    Private 1.5-hour sunset cruise with fireworks viewing for up to 6

    5.0 244 reviews

    Private Sunset Cruise in Honolulu

    Cruise O'ahu’s south shore on a private sunset boat for up to 6 guests

    5.0 244 reviews

    Watch Friday Night Fireworks Cruise in Honolulu

    Cruise from Waikiki to watch Friday night fireworks with glass-bottom underwater light viewing

    4.9 4.9K reviews
    $100/ person

    Afternoon Cocktail Sail Along Waikiki Coastline

    Cruise Waikiki toward Diamond Head with drinks and snacks included

    $86/ person

    Late-Start North Shore Turtle Snorkel Tour From Waikiki

    Sleep in and snorkel with turtles on a late-start North Shore small-group tour

    $176/ person

    Explore Oahu on a Grand Circle Island Guided Tour

    See Oahu highlights on a guided group circle island tour

    $198/ person

    2-Hour Diamond Head Sunset Sail In Honolulu

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

    4.7 59 reviews

    3-Hour Private Whale Watching Cruise in Honolulu

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

    4.7 59 reviews

    Sunset Sightseeing Cruise in Waikiki

    Cruise Waikiki at sunset with live commentary and Diamond Head views

    4.9 1.6K reviews
    $55/ person

    Guided Stand-Up Paddle Lesson in Kailua

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

    5.0 5.8K reviews
    $208/ person

    Ride a 6-Hour Round-Trip Shuttle to Waikiki

    Round-trip shuttle from Ko Olina to Waikiki with flexible return times

    $44/ person

    Scatter Ashes at Sea Private Charter in Waikiki

    Hold a private ash scattering ceremony off Waikiki with leis, music, and light snacks

    5.0 109 reviews
    $1,119

    Cruise Waikiki At Sunset & Fireworks

    Friday sunset cruise with Waikiki fireworks

    5.0 109 reviews
    $293/ person

    Snorkel & Splash Kāne‘ohe Bay Sandbar Cruise

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

    $166/ person

    Friday Night Fireworks Cruise in Waikiki

    Watch Waikiki’s Friday fireworks from a 65-foot power catamaran

    $90/ person

    Watch Friday Night Fireworks Cruise In Waikiki

    Cruise off Waikiki for Friday night fireworks views

    $90/ person

    Round-Trip Waikiki Luau Transportation

    Round-trip transportation from convenient Waikiki pick-up locations

    $40/ person

    Semi-Private Surf Lesson in Waikiki

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

    4.8 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 1K reviews
    $140/ person

    Private Surf Lesson on Oahu With 1:1 Instruction

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

    4.9 124 reviews
    $194/ person

    Semi-Private Surf Lesson on Oahu

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

    4.9 124 reviews
    $138/ person

    Explore Honolulu On A 2.5-Hour Snorkel Cruise

    Cruise from Waikiki and snorkel with a friendly group

    4.7 151 reviews
    $113/ person

    Private Guided Snorkeling Tour in Honolulu

    Learn to snorkel on a private Waikiki reef tour with free GoPro videos

    4.9 6.8K reviews
    $144/ person

    Diamond Head Sail & Swim From Waikiki

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

    $110/ person

    Private Sail & Snorkel Charter In Waikiki

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

    4.8 22 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 21 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 21 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 21 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 21 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 21 reviews
    $2,978

    Sunset Sail in Waikiki (90 Minutes)

    Waikiki 90-minute sunset sail with complimentary drinks

    $69/ person

    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 21 reviews
    $3,487

    Sunset Cruise in Waikiki

    Cruise at sunset with Waikiki skyline views

    4.9 135 reviews
    $138/ person

    Private Full-Day Oahu Custom Island Tour

    Private 8-hour Oahu circle-island tour with hikes, snorkeling, and local stops

    4.9 45 reviews

    Sunset Dinner & Fireworks Cruise in Honolulu

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

    $1,661

    Snorkel & Watch Friday Fireworks in Waikiki

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

    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

    $70/ person

    Waikiki Friday Fireworks Boat Cruise

    Cruise Waikiki at sunset with BYO drinks and Friday fireworks views

    4.8 663 reviews
    $82/ person

    Parasail & Wakeboard Combo in Oahu

    Wakeboard behind a Nautique, then parasail 700 ft over Waikiki

    $223/ person