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
Guided Foodie Bike Tour in Waikiki
Ride Waikiki and taste local favorites with 5–6 food stops
Bring-Your-Own Waikiki Coast Cruise
Cruise the Waikiki coast with your own drinks and snacks
Customize a Private Guided Tour on Oahu
Build your own private Oahu itinerary with a local expert guide
Explore Oahu on a Grand Circle Island Guided Tour
See Oahu highlights on a guided group circle island tour
Sunset Sail In Waikiki With Complimentary Drinks
90-minute Waikiki sunset sail with complimentary drinks
Waikiki & Diamond Head Sunset Driving Tour
See Waikiki’s shoreline and Diamond Head as the day turns to sunset
Friday Night Fireworks Cruise in Honolulu
Watch Hilton Hawaiian Village fireworks from Na Hoku 2 with complimentary drinks
Waikiki Beach Surf Lesson by the Duke Kahanamoku Statue
Learn surf fundamentals with personalized coaching on Waikiki Beach
90-Minute Honolulu South Shore Sail
Cruise Oahu’s south shore with complimentary drinks and Diamond Head views
Turtle Canyon 90-Minute Snorkel Cruise
Open-Water Snorkeling at Turtle Canyon With Gear Included
Waikiki 1-Hour Diamond Head Sail
Sail Waikiki’s coastline with music, ocean views, and complimentary drinks
Waikiki 1-Hour Sailing Cruise
Sail Waikiki’s coast with ocean views and complimentary drinks
Waikiki Whale Watch Big Kahuna
Search for humpback whales off Oahu’s south shore with scenic views of Waikiki
Catch Your First Wave Together in Waikiki
Learn to surf together with a dedicated instructor in warm Waikiki waters
Kids Learn to Surf Hawaiian Waves in Waikiki
Learn to ride Hawaiian waves with patient instructors in a fun, safe environment.
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
Sunset Sightseeing Cruise in Waikiki
Cruise Waikiki at sunset with live commentary and Diamond Head views
Fly a Doors-Off Helicopter Tour Over Oahu
Take a 50-minute doors-off helicopter flight over Oahu’s top landmarks
Whale Watching Zodiac Tour in Waikiki, Oahu
Look for humpbacks on a 1.5-hour Waikiki zodiac ride with expert guides and refreshments
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
Waikiki 2 Tank Scuba Dive
Discover Waikiki's underwater world on a two-tank dive with all gear included.
Sunset Dinner & Fireworks Cruise in Honolulu
Cruise Waikiki at sunset with a 3-course dinner and Friday fireworks
Snorkel & Splash Kāne‘ohe Bay Sandbar Cruise
Snorkel and play at Kāne‘ohe Bay sandbar with lunch and water activities