It’s another exciting HAT Blog post – we’re rounding up the best things to do in Waikiki Hawaii. We’ve got something for everybody, from sun up to sun down and beyond. Come ride an outrigger canoe, window shop at high-end boutiques, catch a show, lie on the beach, or eat at some of the most unique and scenic restaurants in the world.
We’re locally-based, on-the-ground Hawaii travel agents, and we’ve got the best things to do in Waikiki, Hawaii. Check it out and then create your must-do travel list.
Waikiki: What to Know Before You Go
Waikiki is a bustling neighborhood in the city of Honolulu. Honolulu is the capital of Hawaii and the state’s most populous city. Waikiki is just a small part of Honolulu, but it’s a big name for travel. After all, this is where you’ll find turquoise beaches, loads of shops and restaurants, fun things to do, and some of the best Hawaii hotels.
Waikiki is lively. This is not where you want to go for serenity and a connection to nature. It’s where you go to have fun and experience a tropical energy like no other. Here, a vacation is laid-back but still fast-paced, overdeveloped yet still beautiful in its own way. And it could be the perfect vacation destination for you.
Whether you choose to stay in Waikiki or visit for a day, you’ll love all the things to do in this world-famous neighborhood.
Hawaii Travel Info: Waikiki is in the city of Honolulu, on the island of Oahu. To get to Waikiki, you’ll fly into the Honolulu airport and then drive or shuttle about 30 minutes. Once in Waikiki, you can drive to other cities on the island of Oahu, but you’ll have to fly on an airplane to access other islands.
Best Things to Do in Waikiki, Hawaii – Fun in the Sun
If you came to Hawaii to be outdoors and experience the thrill of nature, you’ll find lots to do in Waikiki. You’ll want to go outside of the city to really experience the natural beauty of Hawaii, but you can definitely have fun in the outdoors right in the heart of Waikiki. Let’s take a look…
1. Have a beach day
It’s the top thing to do in Waikiki — and probably all of Hawaii. Go to the beach! And Waikiki has the perfect beach for nearly anyone. The sand is soft and white, the water is calm, and you’re steps away from any convenience, including lunch, beach toys, sunscreen, and rentals. One of the biggest perks to staying in a Waikiki hotel is that you can simply walk to the beach, but there’s parking throughout the area if you’re driving in for a classic Waikiki beach day.
2. Watch the sunrise
I love Waikiki in the morning. And I mean really early in the morning. Before rows of cars line Kalakaua Avenue, before families spread out on the beaches, before the streets are filled with shoppers and sightseers. This is sunrise in Waikiki, when soft pastel colors fill the sky, and the city is very nearly quiet. So quiet you can hear birds chirping, the waves gently rolling to shore, and the palm trees swaying. You can watch the surfers enjoy the morning waters and then beat the breakfast rush at your favorite Waikiki cafe.
3. Learn to surf
Is this on your Waikiki bucket list? Waikiki is the birthplace of modern surfing, and it is one of the best places to learn the sport. Ok, one lesson won’t have you ready to ride any wave, but it may get you addicted to surfing. Many surf schools guarantee that you’ll at least stand on the board. This is a fun activity for families to do together. But if anyone’s not up for hitting the waves, they can watch from shore without getting much FOMO.
4. Paddle an outrigger canoe
Outrigger canoes are an important part of Hawaiian history and culture, so booking a canoe adventure checks all the boxes. It’s fun, adventurous, and a cultural experience. Plus, it’s a chance to enjoy the water in Waikiki in a unique way.
5. Hike Diamond Head
It’s the most iconic part of Waikiki, Hawaii. Almost any postcard will have Diamond Head looming in the distance. But did you know you can hike to that peak? It’s a fun day-hike that’s well-maintained but moderately challenging (mostly because there are lots of stairs). You’ll get great views and see some unique features, like military bunkers and unique plant life.
6. Watch the sunset
I told you that sunrise at Waikiki is great, but sunset is definitely more famous. And for good reason. The sky fills with vibrant colors, music streams out of nearby restaurants, and families gather for evening sightseeing or celebrations. Take it all in — this is probably what you imagined when you started planning your Waikiki Vacation.
Best Indoor Things to Do in Waikiki Hawaii
Looking to get a break from the sun? We’ve got you covered. Here are some of our favorite indoor (or at least out of the sun) activities in Waikiki.
7. Shop ’til you drop
Waikiki, Hawaii, is famous for its shopping. I’m pretty sure you could fill an entire vacation just with shopping excursions, though most visitors dedicate a half day to the activity. Waikiki is full of ABC stores and other souvenir shops, and it’s got some famous retailers too. Looking for a special experience? There are also upscale boutiques along Luxury Row and in the Royal Hawaiian Center. A little window shopping won’t hurt!
8. Visit the Waikiki Aquarium
The Waikiki Aquarium is one of our top rainy day activities in Waikiki, and it’s great for families or anyone who wants to learn about the islands’ marine life. It’s a small and quaint aquarium with an enthusiastic staff and a beautiful oceanfront setting. The cost is low compared to other Hawaii activities, so it’s also a favorite for travelers on a budget.
9. Go to a museum
While there aren’t really any museums right in Waikiki, you’ll find lots of options nearby in downtown Waikiki. Check out the Bishop Museum, Iolani Palace, or the Honolulu Museum of Art!
Best Things for Adults to Do in Waikiki, Hawaii
Going on a Hawaii girls’ trip, a romantic vacation, a work trip, or an all-adults getaway? There are lots of things to do in Waikiki if you’re child-free!
10. Have a happy hour
Eat, drink, and be merry! That’s the spirit in Waikiki, and there are lots of places to do all three! Happy Hour is typically before 5 PM, but many Waikiki bars and restaurants run happy hour specials all day long. Enjoy drink specials plus discounts on small bites. Many places also feature live music and great views.
11. Go on a sunset sail
Take in the Waikiki Sunset from the water. Look back on the city and see its size and shape from afar. Many sunset sails feature live music, food & drink, and a relaxed atmosphere that’ll make you feel like you’ve gotten away from it all. Go on a Waikiki sunset sail on Fridays to watch fireworks from the boat.
7. Have a spa day
Here’s a fun thing to do in Waikiki, Hawaii: enjoy a massage or spa treatment is the ultimate way to unwind in Paradise. Most of the 5-star resorts in Waikiki have upscale spas with impeccable ambiance, and you don’t have to be a hotel guest to book a service. For something at a lower cost, check out some of the stand-alone, independent spas in Waikiki or Honolulu.
12. Go clubbing
One of the great things about Waikiki is that it’s open late. Most places in Hawaii have early closing times and not much to do after dark. Not here in Waikiki! There are late-night Waikiki bars and even some clubs where you can go dancing or socializing.
13. Rent bikes or mopeds
Why not get around Waikiki in style? You can rent bikes or mopeds to explore the city — just make sure you’re ready to be safe and careful in this busy area. It’s lots of fun and a good chance to get some cute photos cruising around island-style.
Top Kids Activities in Waikiki, Hawaii
If you’re visiting Waikiki with kids, you’ll want to look for activities that keep them entertained and enthusiastic about the vacation. For most little ones, that’s as easy as going to the beach or the hotel pool. But if you want a few activities for the little ones, we have you covered. Check out some of our favorites here:
14. Visit the Honolulu Zoo
Just on the edge of Waikiki is the Honolulu Zoo. It probably won’t be the biggest and most impressive zoo you’ve ever been to, but it’s lots of fun to see the animals and plantlike in such a tropical place — and just steps from the beach.
15. Have a picnic
Feeding a family can be expensive in Waikiki, especially if you’re looking for ocean-view dining that will keep everyone happy. But you can save a lot of money — and have a more relaxing experience — if you skip the reservations and instead pack up a picnic. Order a to-go plate lunch or put together a meal from the grocery store. Everyone can eat what they want without a wait, and you can set up right by the ocean for a premium view.
16. Splash around in a lagoon
Most of Waikiki’s beaches stay pretty calm, but for something with zero waves and lots of fun, check out the Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon by the Hilton Hawaiian Village. You can sit in the calm water or rent a petal boat to get active in this unique spot.
More Fun Things to Do in Waikiki Hawaii
Your Waikiki vacation doesn’t have to fit in a box, and there are lots of activities that anyone can enjoy. Here are a few more of our favorite things to do while you’re in this top destination.
17. Watch hula (for free!)
The Kilohana hula show is a free production at Kuhiobeach that is definitely worth checking out. The show is about an hour long and runs Mondays through Wednesdays at 9:30 AM.
18. Go to a luau
Ok, this one certainly isn’t free. But if you haven’t been to a luau, you should add this to your Waikiki bucket list. Favorites include luaus at the Waikiki Aquarium, Royal Hawaiian Hotel, and Hilton Hawaiian Village.
19. Try some local foods
There are lots of familiar foods along Waikiki Beach, but there are also local favorites that you should try while you’re here. Stop in a convenience store for a SPAM Musubi or li hing mui candy. Or, go all-in with a loco loco at the Waikiki Liliha Bakery. Poke is a must-try for any seafood lovers, and an old-fashioned shave ice is the ultimate crowd-pleaser on a sunny day.
20. Go Beyond Waikiki
You could have a full vacation without leaving Waikiki — especially if you love lounging on the beach, shopping, and people watching. But it would be a shame to miss some of the other iconic sights throughout Oahu. So consider visiting Pearl Harbor, taking a scenic drive along the north shore, or checking out the many hiking trails and beaches around the island.
At Hawaii Aloha Travel, we’ll make it easy for you to explore the island from your Waikiki hotel. We can set up a full-island driving tour, fun activities, and unique adventures in a way that’s worry-free.
So let’s talk about your Waikiki vacation and how you can do all the best things in Hawaii without all the planning stress!
