13 BEST Things to Do in Waikiki on Oahu, Hawaii

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Frequently Asked Questions

A Complete Guide to the Top 13 Things to Do in Waikiki, Hawaii

1. Hike Diamond Head

Hiking Diamond Head is probably the most popular and iconic thing to do in Waikiki, which is why it’s number one on my list!

Diamond Head State Monument is a volcanic crater just south of Waikiki Beach, and hiking to the top offers iconic views of the Waikiki coastline, Honolulu, and the Pacific Ocean. The hike is considered moderate, with a length of 1.9 miles that should take around an hour to complete.

Reservations are now required for non-Hawaii residents to enter the State Monument, which can be made up to 30 days in advance. It costs $5 per person to enter (free for 3 and under), plus $10 per vehicle.

2. Go Surfing at Waikiki Beach

Did you know that surfing originated hundreds of years ago in the Hawaiian Islands? Surfing isn’t just a casual sport in Hawaii. It’s an integral part of Hawaiian history and culture.

Waikiki Beach is a great place for beginners to learn, as the surf break is relatively small year-round.

For these reasons, I highly recommend taking a surf lesson while visiting Waikiki! When I was on my work trip, I took a lesson with Moku Surf Shop, but there are tons of places in the area to choose from!

You can expect to pay between $100-$200 for a 1-2 hour lesson, with private lessons obviously being more expensive than group lessons,

If you have surfing experience, you can save a lot of money and just rent a board from one of the local surf shops instead. Just make sure to respect the local surf etiquette!

3. Visit the Honolulu Zoo

If you’re looking for the ultimate activity in Waikiki for kids, the Honolulu Zoo is the perfect option! Boasted as Oahu’s number one family-friendly attraction, the Honolulu Zoo is special because it focuses on Hawaiian indigenous species.

Here’s all the details you need to know about visiting!

• Location & Parking: The Zoo parking lot entrance on Kapahulu Avenue is $1.50 per hour. However, free parking can be found nearby.
• Admission Prices:
  • Adults (13+): $21
  • Children (3-12): $13
  • Under 2: Free
• Military Discounts: Serving your country? Enjoy discounted admission as a token of appreciation.
• No Reservations Needed: No need to book in advance; just show up ready for fun!

4. Have Dinner at the Famous Duke’s Restaurant

Named for the famous Duke Kahanamoku, an Olympic swimmer and surfer, Duke’s Restaurant is an iconic spot on Waikiki Beach and makes a great dinner location, especially around sunset!

The Barefoot Bar at Duke’s is the more casual dining option, with tropical cocktails and pupus right on Waikiki Beach. The main dining room is slightly more reserved and more expensive, with a menu that celebrates local flavors and Hawaii’s heritage! Reservations are highly recommended.

You’ll be serenaded with daily live Hawaiian music, which just helps add to the atmosphere! Don’t miss this spot while visiting Waikiki!

6. Shop til you drop

If you’re ready to embark on a little shopping spree, Waikiki’s got not one but two shopping hotspots – the Royal Hawaiian Center and the International Marketplace.

The Royal Hawaiian Center is right in the heart of Waikiki – you really can’t miss it when walking around the area! There’s over 100 stores, from designer boutiques to local spots, but here are 3 you must visit!

• Honolulu Cookie Company: Treat your taste buds to the island’s finest cookies! They have all kinds of customizable boxes or individually-wrapped cookies, which make great souvenirs.
• Crazy Shirts: Snag a Hawaiian-inspired t-shirt to remember your trip! Another great souvenir stop.
• Island Vintage Coffee: No need to travel all the way to the Big Island. Grab a 100% Kona coffee, plus incredible Hawaiian breakfasts here! .

For an open-air adventure, you can also check out the International Marketplace, a global shopping hub with vibrant stalls and artisanal treasures. You might even stumble upon live entertainment or a free hula show as you wander!

7. Grab an Açai bowl from Sundays Food Truck

Located one block off the beach behind the Hyatt, Sundays Food Truck is a must-visit while you’re in Waikiki. For a taste of tropical goodness, grab their famous açaí bowl packed with vibrant fruits, granola, and the velvety goodness of açaí.

I highly recommend taking it to go and enjoying it on the beach! Head to the Duke Paoa Kahanamoku Statue and find a spot to sit. Enjoy your açaí bowl as you watch the surfers ride the ways and enjoy the true Hawaiian lifestyle.

8. Visit the Waikiki Aquarium

Another awesome thing to do in Waikiki is visit the Waikiki Aquarium, especially if you have little one! Here, the wonders of the Pacific Ocean come to life. My favorite is the Hawaiian Monk Seals! 🦭

The Aquarium is also a hub for marine conservation and research. The Aquarium is located on the south end of Waikiki near Diamond Head and is open daily from 9am to 4:30pm! Here are the details on admission prices:

• Ages 13 to 64: $12
• Ages 4 to 12: $5
• Ages 3 and under: Free
• Locals (Kama’aina): $8
• Seniors or Persons with Disabilities: $5
• Military: $8

9. Swim at Kuhio Beach

If you’re in the mood for a leisurely swim with stunning views, Kuhio Beach is the perfect spot. This family-friendly stretch of beach stands out for its protective walls that create a sheltered swimming area.

Nearby is also the Waikiki Walkway, which extends out into the ocean. I highly recommend a stroll down the walkway, especially at sunset! You’ll get great views of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head.

Post-swim, head over to Lulu’s Restaurant across the street for a laid-back atmosphere, delicious Hawaiian dishes, and fun cocktails! If you’re lucky, you might be able to snag a seat looking out over the beach for sunset.

10. Go on a Sunset Cruise

Speaking of sunsets, one of my FAVORITE things to do in Waikiki is going on a sunset cruise. You’ll be spoiled with incredible views of Waikiki, Diamond Head, and the sunset as your cruise.

There are quite a few different sunset cruises to choose from, all with their own pros and cons. Most leave out of the Waikiki area; some even leave right from the beach!

A typical Waikiki sunset cruise lasts 1.5 to 2.5 hours. Some include drinks and appetizers, others are BYOB, and some are full dinner cruises!

For more information, make sure to check out my full Guide to Waikiki Sunset Cruises here!

11. Grab a drink at Moana Surfrider

Another great thing to do in Waikiki is soak in the breathtaking sunset at the Beach Bar of the iconic Moana Surfrider hotel. Set on the shores of Waikiki Beach, the Moana Surfrider opened in 1901 and claims to be the oldest hotel in Waikiki! It’s known as the First Lady of Waikiki for a reason.

Right next to Beach Bar is the famous Banyan tree, which was planted in 1904 and is an icon of the resort. There’s no better place to listen to live music and sip a Mai Tai as the sun goes down!

12. Snorkel with the Sea Turtles

Another epic activity to do when visiting Waikiki is go snorkeling with the sea turtles! Hawaiian green sea turtles, also known as “honu”, are native to Hawaii and very common in the waters of Oahu!

On this 2 hour turtle snorkeling cruise, which leaves from Kewalo Basin Harbor, you’ll get the opportunity to swim with sea turtles and other Hawaiian sea creatures, like fish, octopus, and maybe dolphin if you’re lucky!

The best part? If you don’t see any sea turtles on this tour, you’ll get to re-do the tour free of charge another time!

13. Watch the Hilton Firework Show

Last but certainly not least, watching the dazzling display of fireworks that the Hilton Hawaiian Village puts on is the perfect activity to cap off this list! Every Friday night at 7:45pm, the skies of Waikiki come alive over the Pacific Ocean!

I actually stumbled upon this weekly spectacle by accident. On my Friday night in Oahu, I was getting ready for bed (it was a long day!), and heard the booming sounds. I thought Diamond Head might be erupting (because I am crazy like that.. lol). I rushed to the pool deck of my hotel (the Hyatt Regency Waikiki) just in time to witness the show!

The good news is you can pretty much catch the show from anywhere on Waikiki Beach. No need to go anywhere special!

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there is no shortage of incredible things to do when visiting Waikiki on the island of Oahu! From snorkeling with Hawaiian sea turtles to hiking Diamond Head, there’s a reason why Waikiki is the most popular place for tourists to stay when visiting the island of Oahu.

P.S. If you’re planning a trip to Oahu, make sure to check out my 3 Day Oahu Itinerary for First Timers!

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