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
Expert-Guided Whale Watch Cruise in Honolulu
Cruise Oahu waters to see humpback whales with expert guides during peak December–April season.
Private Friday Fireworks Yacht Cruise in Honolulu
Sail the 69-foot Alana Kai and watch Waikiki's fireworks in private luxury
Private 3.5-Hour Waikiki Snorkel Cruise
Private 3.5-hour Waikiki cruise with snorkeling gear and fresh poké for up to 6 guests
Cruise Waikiki Waters During Friday Fireworks
Private Waikīkī charter with pupu’s and Friday night fireworks views
Waikiki Friday Fireworks Boat Cruise
Cruise Waikiki at sunset with BYO drinks and Friday fireworks views
Take a Doors-Off Helicopter Tour Over Oahu
Land at a private Waimea Bay overlook on a doors-off helicopter flight
Private 2.5-Hour Waikiki Yacht Cruise
Private 2.5-hour Waikiki cruise with snorkeling, fishing gear, and fresh poké
2-Hour Diamond Head Sunset Sail In Honolulu
Sail past Diamond Head on a private 2-hour sunset yacht cruise
Honolulu Private Sunset Cruise
Customize a private Lei Lana cruise with coastal views, sunset colors, and city lights
Waikiki Sunset Cruise
Sail Waikiki’s coastline at sunset aboard a double-decker catamaran
3-Hour Private Waikiki Cruise Charter
Private 3-hour Waikiki yacht cruise with snorkeling and fresh pok0 for up to 6
3-Hour Private Whale Watching Cruise in Honolulu
Sail on a private yacht near Waikiki and look for humpback whales
Honolulu Sunset City Lights Cruise
Private yacht cruise for Pacific sunset and Honolulu city-light views
Cruise Waikiki on a 3-Hour Private Yacht Charter
Private 3-hour Waikiki yacht cruise with snorkeling and fresh poké
Cruise Waikiki on a 3.5-Hour Private Yacht Charter
Private 3.5-hour Waikiki yacht cruise with snorkel and fresh poké
Private Waikiki 4.5-Hour Yacht Cruise & Snorkel
Private 4.5-hour yacht cruise for up to 6 with snorkeling and fresh poké