28 Top Things to Do in Hawaii Waikiki

If you’re looking for the best things to do in Hawaii Waikiki, you’re already off to a great start. Waikiki is the most lively and bustling area of Hawaii, and there are so many fun activities to enjoy here. 

In fact, many Hawaii vacationers spend their entire trip in Waikiki. Here at Hawaii Aloha Travel, we’re big into sightseeing and recommend everyone explore the far corners of each island. But still, you can’t beat the spirit and fun found in Waikiki. 

So let’s focus on the best things to do in Waikiki Hawaii. These are great if you’re staying right in town or driving in for a fun day in the area. 

All About Waikiki, Hawaii

Waikiki is a neighborhood on the island of Oahu. If you’re unfamiliar with the area, here’s a quick snippet to show how it works:

Waikiki is a hub of activity. It’s a small neighborhood, nestled on the coast. And it’s located within Honolulu, which is the capital of Hawaii. This is where you’ll find a range of hotels, from swanky 5-star resorts to super basic accommodations. 

There is a ton of shopping and restaurants, and the area is super walkable. It’s also the area with the most nightlife in all of Hawaii. I’m not usually a night owl, but one evening in 2018, I traveled from Maui to Oahu and was shocked by how lively it was at 10 pm. I was used to the quiet, early-to-bed Maui life. 

But early birds will still enjoy Waikiki. Lots of breakfast spots open early, and sunrise is the perfect time to enjoy an uncrowded beach. 

Speaking of crowds, that’s the biggest deterrent for many would-be Waikiki visitors. The beaches can get pretty packed, but the calm waters and soft sand still make them a winner in my book. And the sidewalks are typically bustling with families and tourists. Some stop for photos, some stagger out of bars, some hustle to their next activity, and some are loaded down with armfuls of beach supplies. If you manage to dodge drunks, oversized inflatable pool floats, a few slow toddlers, and lots of wannabe influencers, you might see some of the charm of Waikiki. 

Here’s where you can look for some of the best of Waikiki…

Best Things to Do in Hawaii Waikiki

Walk Along Kalakaua Avenue

Kalākaua Avenue is Waikiki’s “main drag.” This is the ultimate spot for shopping, people watching, and simply experiencing the liveliness of this Hawaiian destination. Be sure to obey all traffic signals, stay safe, and slow down and enjoy it all!

Learn to Surf

Waikiki is called the birthplace of modern surfing, and it’s the ultimate spot for beginners. So if you’ve ever been curious about surfing or wanted to improve your skills, your Waikiki, Hawaii vacation could be the perfect chance. 

Most schools are family-friendly, and many guarantee they’ll get you riding a wave by the end of your first lesson. 

Canoe with Waikiki Beach Boys

When people think about water sports in Waikiki, they typically think of surfing. But don’t sleep on the exciting and culturally-enriching experience of riding an outrigger canoe. These vessels are an integral part of Hawaiian history, and they’re lots of fun. You’ll learn how to paddle and even ride some waves!

Book your Waikiki Outrigger Canoe Surfing experience here. 

Shop International Marketplace

Waikiki is a mecca for shopping, and one of my favorite places is International Marketplace. It’s right in central Waikiki on Kalākaua Ave, and it’s got a range of national and local brands. 

Eat a Classic Hawaiian Plate Lunch

A day (or week) in Waikiki is sure to make you hungry, and Hawaiian food is the best way to fuel up and try something new. A Hawaiian plate lunch typically includes a meat, a scoop of rice, and a scoop of macaroni salad. There are food truck parks and small eateries in Waikiki where you can try this iconic lunch. 

Take a Dip at Kahanamoku Beach

One of my favorite spots to swim in Waikiki is at Kahanamoku Beach on the western end of Waikiki. This spot, which fronts the Hilton Hawaiian Village resort, has calm waters and a man-made lagoon. I typically go in the morning to get a parking spot at the Ala Wai Boat Harbor. Be sure to get a picture with Waikiki stretching out in the distance and Diamond Head looming in the background. 

Sip a Mai Tai

In Hawaii, pau hana means finished with work, but it’s also our term for Happy Hour. Don’t worry, even if you’re on vacation, you can still celebrate the end of a hard day’s work (or lounging) by taking part in the daily tradition. 

Choose the most iconic drink for Hawaii visitors and sip on a fresh Mai Tai. Or opt for a local beer or non-alcoholic options. No matter what’s your drink of choice, Waikiki is the best place to drink it. 

Watch Hula (For Free)

Waikiki is a great place for free entertainment, and watching hula is one of my favorite Hawaii activities. Here are some places where you can enjoy the art of hula without an admission charge:

• The O Nā Lani Sunset Stories at International Marketplace (Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 6 PM)
• Daily Hula Show at Ala Moana Center (5 PM every day)
• Kuhio Beach Hula Show near the Duke Kahanamoku Statue (Saturdays at 6:30 PM)

Attend a Luau

Can’t get enough hula? Waikiki has a number of polished productions, complete with Hawaiian food and gorgeous scenery. 

Luau experiences can be pricey, but most attendees find them worth it because of the dazzling entertainment and unique foods. 

Catch a Show

Luau aren’t the only show you can enjoy in Waikiki. Interested in something different than the typical hula-and-buffet? Here are some options:

• Cirque du Soleil ‘Auana is Hawaii’s first Cirque du Soleil residency. Catch it at the OUTRIGGER Waikīkī Beachcomber Hotel.
• Blue Note Hawaii is one of our favorite things to do in Waikiki. Regular shows include comedy acts, Hawaiian music, jazz entertainment, and holiday specials. 
• Rock a Hula has a traditional buffet and hula, but also has a stage show with celebrity impersonators and other unique talents. 

Catch Some Fish

Several fishing charters and sport fishing excursions leave from Waikiki. This is an excellent chance to get out on the water and enjoy an iconic ocean activity. 

Hike Diamond Head

Diamond Head is one of Hawaii’s most popular hikes. The steep ascent can be taxing, but the views at the top are well worth the effort. Be sure to make your reservations to hike Diamond Head online beforehand. 

Book a Portrait Session

What’s better than a fun family portrait session? How about a family portrait session on the beach? This is a top thing to do for lots of families. The relaxed setting brings out the best in kids, and the backdrop is picture-perfect. Plus, including the pictures on your Christmas card is a subtle way to brag about your recent Waikiki vacation. 

Enjoy a Nice Dinner

You can’t beat a sunset dinner in Waikiki. And there are plenty of nice restaurants to choose from. Here’s where we ranked the best Waikiki restaurants. Settle in for a decadent feast or small plates accompanied by fresh cocktails. 

Or, Keep it Simple with a Sunset Picnic

You don’t have to drop a lot of cash to have dinner-with-a-view in Waikiki. A top thing to do during a Hawaii vacation is to have a simple picnic. Pick up a plate lunch, some grillable meats, or a lunch-box-friendly sandwich and set up right on the shoreline. No long waits, no big bill, and no competition for the best seat in the house. 

Eat *All* the Snacks

Snack your way through Waikiki, sampling the most unique and tasty treats Hawaii has to offer. Musubi, Shave Ice, Malasadas, Li Hing Mui, and more. All the souvenir shops will have local snacks, and don’t skip over the bakeries and hole-in-the-wall crackseed stores. No snack is too small and no snack is too large. This is your chance to enjoy the flavors and innovations of Hawaii. 

Join a Snorkel Tour

Waikiki has gorgeous blue water, teeming with marine life. And to immerse yourself in the beauty of the ocean, join a snorkel tour and embark on a fun adventure. Many tours will take you to spots for seeing coral reefs, sea turtles, and colorful fish. So much fun!

…Or Snorkel from Shore

You don’t have to pay for a snorkel tour to get in the water. Waikiki Beach isn’t the best spot in Hawaii for snorkeling, but it’s still a fun thing to do here. Grab your gear and take a dip in calm waters – swim around and see what you discover. 

Pro Tip: One of Hawaii’s best snorkeling spots is Hanauma Bay, about 30 minutes from Waikiki. You need to pay per-person to access the shoreline, but most visitors say it’s well worth the cost. 

Have a Beach Day

Waikiki is a busy beach, but it sure is a lot of fun. The water is calm, the sand is soft, and the sun is warm. Bring along a pool floatie, snorkel gear, a picnic – or just come as you are. It won’t be a secluded, tranquil experience. But if you come with the right expectations, it can be an exciting and memorable day. 

Spend the Day at a Resort Pool

If you’re staying in Waikiki, your hotel may have a pool. This will be a great place to soak up the sun without toting your family and belongings to the beach. But not all hotel pools are created equal. With ResortPass, you can pay to access certain hotel pools. This is a great way to enjoy the grounds and pools at spots like Hilton Hawaiian Village and Alohilani Resort without having to book a full stay. 

Visit the Honolulu Zoo

The Honolulu Zoo is a quaint park on the edge of Waikiki. A variety of animals call the zoo home, and its scenic setting by the beach makes this a unique thing to do in Hawaii. 

…And the Waikiki Aquarium

Like the zoo, Waikiki’s aquarium isn’t a big, impressive complex. It’s simple and small and thoughtful in its dedication to conservation and education. This is a top thing to do on rainy days in Waikiki, Hawaii, but it’s also a great way to escape the sun, learn about the ocean, and see some marine life up close. 

Relax with a Massage

You want to unwind during your vacation in Waikiki. So why not really unwind? Waikiki has great places for massages and spa treatments. Many large resorts have luxe spas, and there are also small businesses throughout Honolulu that offer expert-level care. 

Window Shop along Luxury Row

Waikiki has shopping for every budget. From cheap shirt shops to upscale boutiques, there’s something for everyone. And that includes luxury shoppers. If you have a taste for the finer things, Luxury Row is where to go. Peruse the glistening shops, even if those handbags and watches are far out of reach, it’s fun to fantasize about them. 

Watch the Friday Night Fireworks

Did you know there is a fireworks show over Waikiki every Friday night? We talk about this a lot at Hawaii Aloha Travel because it’s such a fun event. Find a spot on the sand and watch the sky light up over the ocean. 

Want a unique vantage point? Book a sunset cruise that includes firework viewing in Waikiki. 

Watch for Whales in the Winter

During the winter months, Humpback whales migrate to Hawaii. They’re also looking for the best things to do in the tropics: eat, play, raise babies, mate. Lots of vacationers wonder if they’ll be able to see whales in Waikiki. It’s definitely possible!

You can book a whale watching excursion out of Waikiki, or look out for them from shore. The peak of Diamond Head is an excellent spot to watch for whales breaching. 

Parasail Over the Water

Get great views and catch some thrills! Parasailing is a lot of fun. I’ve often wondered how parasailing in Waikiki compares to other seaside destinations. After all, it’s a popular activity in many beach areas. 

One thing that sets it apart in Waikiki is the incredible views. Waikiki isn’t just a stretch of hotels by the beach. It’s a visual wonder, complete with mountains, a bright ocean, and gorgeous architecture.

Go Beyond Waikiki

Ok, we’ll give one more plug for exploring all of Oahu during your Hawaii vacation. Sure, you could fill an entire trip with the many things to do in Waikiki, but you’ll miss out on some of the best sightseeing and adventures anywhere. 

Snorkel Hanauma Bay, hike to Waimea Falls, watch big-wave surfing on the North Shore, explore Kualoa Ranch, and visit Lanikai Beach. You could do all of that and still only brush the surface of all there is to do on Oahu. 

So whether you explore the streets of Waikiki or the far corners of Oahu, remember to work with Hawaii Aloha Travel. We can help with activities, hotels, and logistics. We even have all-inclusive Oahu vacation packages that will make travel planning a breeze. 

So enjoy Waikiki and its many things to do, and let Hawaii Aloha Travel help make it a wow-worthy vacation!