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 Kids Surf Lesson for Ages 4-15 in Waikiki
75-minute private kids surf lesson with 1:1 instruction in Waikiki
Ride a Sunset & Fireworks E-Bike Tour in Honolulu
Friday sunset e-bike ride to Hilton Hawaiian Village fireworks
Watch Friday Night Fireworks on a Waikiki Sail
Friday fireworks sail with front-row views from the water
Customize a Private Oahu Island Tour With Pickup
Design your private Oahu island loop with a German-speaking guide
Take a 2-Hour Group Surf Lesson in Haleiwa
Learn to surf together on Oahu’s North Shore
Snorkel, Sunset & Friday Fireworks Boat Tour in Waikiki
Snorkel, catch the sunset, and watch Waikiki’s Friday fireworks from the water
90-Minute Waikiki Sailing Cruise
Sail off Waikiki with ocean views, splashy fun, and drinks available onboard
Paddleboard Rental on Waikiki Beach
Rent a stand-up paddleboard and paddle along Waikiki Beach
Private Sail & Snorkel Charter In Waikiki
Sail Waikiki on a private 43-ft yacht with a snorkel stop
Group Snorkel Cruise from Honolulu Near Waikiki
Cruise from Waikiki and snorkel with a friendly group
2-Hour Bottom Fishing Charter in Honolulu
Private reef fishing with gear and guidance included
Private East Oahu Tour with Kailua & Makapuʻu Lookout
Private East Oahu day tour with 8 scenic stops, including Kailua and Byodo-In Temple
14-Mile Historic Honolulu Bike Tour from Waikiki
Cycle Waikiki to Chinatown with Aloha Tower views on a guided history ride
Parasail & Wakeboard Combo in Oahu
Wakeboard behind a Nautique, then parasail 700 ft over Waikiki
Private Surf Lessons in Hauula, Oahu
Private 1:1 surf coaching in Haleiwa for beginners and intermediates
Semi-Private Surf Lesson on Oahu
Surf with a 2:1 instructor ratio at lesser-known Oahu spots
Waikiki Afternoon Sail
Afternoon catamaran sail with included drinks and Waikiki views
Semi-Private Surf Lesson in Waikiki
Learn to surf in Waikiki with 2–3 surfers per instructor
Honolulu Sunset Sailing Charter
Private sailing with Waikiki views, swimming, and snorkeling options
75-Minute Stand-Up Paddleboard Lesson in Waikiki
Learn stand-up paddleboarding in Waikiki with a 75-minute lesson
Private Sunset Cruise in Waikiki
See Waikiki’s skyline and sunset from your private boat
Round-Trip Waikiki Luau Transportation
Round-trip transportation from convenient Waikiki pick-up locations