Waikīkī was once a place of wetlands, taro fields and royal retreats, where Hawaiian chiefs rode the long waves on wooden boards. In the 20th century it became the most famous beach resort in the world. Behind the high-rises, the old Waikīkī is still there: in the surf, the outrigger canoes, the banyan trees and the hula at dusk. Here is how to enjoy it.
The best things to do in Waikīkī
1. Learn to surf
Waikīkī's long, gentle waves are where modern surfing was revived in the early 1900s. Lessons last about two hours.
2. Ride an outrigger canoe
Beach boys paddle visitors out to catch waves in traditional outrigger canoes: thrilling and fun for all ages.
3. Swim at Kūhiō Beach
Sea walls create calm, shallow pools in the heart of Waikīkī.
4. Hike Diamond Head
The classic view of Waikīkī from the crater rim; book ahead and go early.
5. The Duke Kahanamoku statue
Pay your respects to the Olympic swimmer and surfer who introduced surfing to the world; locals drape it with lei.
6. The Moana and the Royal Hawaiian
Walk through the lobbies of Waikīkī's two historic hotels: the Moana (1901), "First Lady of Waikīkī", and the pink Royal Hawaiian (1927).
7. The Waikīkī Aquarium
Reef fish, jellyfish and Hawaiian monk seals, at the quiet Diamond Head end of the beach.
8. Kapiʻolani Park
Hawaii's oldest park, with banyan trees, the Honolulu Zoo and the Waikīkī Shell.
9. The Kūhiō Beach Hula Show
Free hula on the beach at dusk, as the torches are lit.
10. Friday fireworks
Free fireworks over the beach at about 7:45 pm.
11. A sunset sail
Catamarans leave right from the sand.
12. Snorkel at Queen's Beach or Sans Souci
Small reefs at the Diamond Head end with turtles and fish on calm days.
13. Shop and eat on Kalākaua Avenue
From luxury boutiques to ABC Stores, and from plate lunches to fine dining.
Waikīkī tips
- Go early: the beach is calm and quiet before 9 am.
- Skip the car: hotel parking often costs around $50 a night.
- Watch your belongings on the beach.
- Respect the surf etiquette: do not drop in on other surfers and stay clear of surf lessons if you are swimming.
Where to stay? See where to stay on Oʻahu.
A short history of Waikīkī
"Waikīkī" means "spouting fresh water": the area was once a wetland of streams, fishponds and taro fields, a favourite retreat of Hawaiian royalty and a famous surf spot for chiefs. The Moana Hotel opened in 1901, the Royal Hawaiian followed in 1927, and in the 1920s the Ala Wai Canal drained the wetlands, creating the land on which modern Waikīkī was built. Beach boys, led by Duke Kahanamoku, taught visitors to surf and paddle, a tradition that continues on the same sand today.
When to go
Waikīkī is a year-round destination: winter keeps its waters calm, while summer south swells bring better surf. Mornings are the quietest time on the beach. Prices peak over Christmas, spring break and midsummer; the best value is from late April to early June and September to early November.
A day in Waikīkī
Wake early and walk to the sand before the crowds, when the water is glassy and the surf schools are just setting up. Take a lesson or paddle out in an outrigger canoe, then climb Diamond Head before the midday heat. After lunch, rest under the banyan trees in Kapiʻolani Park or visit the aquarium. In the late afternoon, swim at Kūhiō Beach, and as the sun goes down, watch the hula show as the torches are lit. On a Friday, finish with the fireworks over the water. Waikīkī is crowded, but on a day like this it is easy to see why the world fell in love with it.
Quick answers
What is there to do in Waikīkī?
Swim and surf at Waikīkī Beach, take an outrigger canoe ride, hike Diamond Head, visit the aquarium and zoo, watch the hula show and Friday fireworks, and explore Kapiʻolani Park.
Is Waikīkī Beach good for swimming?
Yes. Waikīkī has gentle waves, lifeguards and calm, shallow areas such as Kūhiō Beach. Summer south swells can bring bigger surf.
Can you surf in Waikīkī as a beginner?
Yes. Waikīkī's slow, rolling waves are among the best in the world for beginners. Surf schools line the beach.
What is the best part of Waikīkī to stay in?
Central Waikīkī for the busiest beach and shops, the Diamond Head end for a quieter feel, and the western end near Fort DeRussy for big resorts and wider sand.
Keep exploring: Honolulu, Oʻahu at night, free things on Oʻahu.
Facts checked October 2026. Opening days, prices and closures change, so check with each attraction before you go.
