Waikiki Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Waikiki
One of Hawaii’s most popular beach settlements features bright white sand, beachfront hotels and O’ahu’s landmark volcanic crater.

World-famous for its long beach and waterfront hotels, Waikiki is where many visitors to Honolulu choose to stay. While the beach is nearly always crowded, family activities, surf classes and fun nightlife give plenty of reasons to spend your time here.

Spend a day enjoying the beach’s many watersports. Hire equipment for snorkelling or scuba diving and explore the coral reefs spread out further off the shore. Go parasailing, Jet Skiing or windsurfing across the small waves in summer. If you’re a novice surfer, book some lessons with a surfing class and then paddle out to join the experts on the break. In the winter, notice the professional surfers riding the heavy swells over the reef.

Kuhio Beach lies to the south of Waikiki Beach behind a coastal wall. In the evening, take a walk along Kapahulu Pier just off Kuhio. The beautiful sunset over Waikiki is best viewed from here.

Head to the southeast end of Waikiki for the family-friendly Queens Surf Beach, which is less crowded. Picnic here in peace and gaze along the wide, curving stretch of scenic Waikiki Beach.

The Diamond Head State Monument, a landmark crater popular for its walking trails and views over glittering Waikiki, stands nearby. Hike along the trail up into the crater to see a lighthouse and a 69-metre (225-foot) tunnel leading to a former military bunker.

Luxury shops and hotels line Honolulu’s Kalakaua Avenue, which stretches behind the beach. Order a fruity cocktail at the fancy Royal Hawaiian or the Moana Surfrider hotel. Enjoy the music and antics of street performers along the Kalakaua strip. If you want to go dancing, the bars are open until early in the morning.

Take the kids to the Waikiki Aquarium, home to more than 500 marine species, and the Honolulu Zoo. See Waikiki’s wildlife in its natural habitat on a submarine tour. Old shipwrecks and colourful sea animals await at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Waikiki Hotel Deals

Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa
Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa
4 out of 5
2424 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI
The price is NZ$529 per night from 20 Apr to 21 Apr
NZ$529
per night
20 Apr - 21 Apr
Stay at this beach resort in Honolulu. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 restaurants, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3,051 reviews)
"Very excellent property. The Beaty of this hotel is just across to the Beach."

Reviewed on 25 Mar. 2024

Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa
'Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach
'Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach
5 out of 5
2490 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI
The price is NZ$630 per night from 3 Apr to 4 Apr
NZ$630
per night
3 Apr - 4 Apr
Stay at this beach resort in Honolulu. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and 5 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (2,054 reviews)
"Walking distance to everything"

Reviewed on 27 Mar. 2024

'Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach
Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
4 out of 5
2552 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$628 per night from 10 Apr to 11 Apr
NZ$628
per night
10 Apr - 11 Apr
Stay at this beach resort in Honolulu. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and 5 restaurants. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,290 reviews)
"It was good."

Reviewed on 28 Mar. 2024

Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
4 out of 5
2005 Kalia Rd, Honolulu, HI
The price is NZ$538 per night from 27 Apr to 28 Apr
NZ$538
per night
27 Apr - 28 Apr
Stay at this 4-star beach resort in Honolulu. Enjoy 5 outdoor pools, 9 restaurants, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Waikiki Beach Walk and Royal Hawaiian ...
8/10 Very Good! (6,167 reviews)
"This was our second time staying at this property and we had a great time! Everything was as expected and location is awesome near everything in Waikiki. Notably, Nancy at check in was awesome and made us feel welcome right away after coming in from the airport. It was a great start to our trip!"

Reviewed on 25 Mar. 2024

Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
Prince Waikiki
Prince Waikiki
4.5 out of 5
100 Holomoana St, Honolulu, HI
The price is NZ$555 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
NZ$555
per night
21 Apr - 22 Apr
Stay at this luxury resort in Honolulu. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (2,096 reviews)
"This was a terrific property, terrific staff and terrific value! View of the harbor was beautiful and very interesting. Location was also excellent providing access to Waikiki, downtown Honolulu and day trips around Oahu. Every staff member was extremely helpful, service oriented and joyous. Just ..."

Reviewed on 25 Mar. 2024

Prince Waikiki
Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort
Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort
4 out of 5
2255 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI
The price is NZ$768 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
NZ$768
per night
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Stay at this beach hotel in Honolulu. Enjoy 2 outdoor pools, 2 poolside bars, and 2 spa tubs. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,770 reviews)
"A really nice hotel. The rooms are very nice. Staff is helpful. We will return!"

Reviewed on 25 Mar. 2024

Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Waikiki

Default Image

McCully - Moiliili

While visiting McCully - Moiliili, you might make a stop by sights like Old Stadium Park and Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai'i.

McCully - Moiliili
Ala Moana Beach Park which includes a coastal town, tropical scenes and surfing

Ala Moana

4.5/5(13 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Ala Moana, Ala Moana Center and Magic Island are top sights worth seeing.

Ala Moana
Default Image

Kaka'ako

While visiting Kaka'ako, you might make a stop by sights like Ward Village Shops and Neal S. Blaisdell Center.

Kaka'ako
Default Image

Downtown Honolulu

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

Unique features of Downtown Honolulu include the shopping and beaches. Make a stop by Honolulu Harbor or King Kamehameha Statue while you're exploring the area.

Downtown Honolulu
Default Image

Diamond Head - Kapahulu - St. Louis

5/5(2 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Diamond Head - Kapahulu - St. Louis, Waikiki Beach and Honolulu Zoo are top sights worth seeing.

Diamond Head - Kapahulu - St. Louis
Default Image

Kaimuki

If you're spending some time in Kaimuki, Diamond Head State Monument and Kapi'olani Community College Farmers' Market are top sights worth seeing.

Kaimuki


Search things to do