Waikiki is a surprising metropolis to the south of Hawaii’s capital, Honolulu. Forming a part of the higher Honolulu metro space, Waikiki is the place individuals come to have a good time in Hawaii, with a number of the state’s greatest eating places, outlets and seashores. You’ll most undoubtedly discover many thrilling issues to do in Waikiki, its seashore and vibrant streets.
Waikiki’s seashores are world-famous, and town is a pure wonderland. As the previous seat of energy of the as soon as mighty Hawaiian monarchy, Waikiki is a cultural and historic beacon of Oahu. From the well-known Diamond Head Crater, which seems over Waikiki, to the sprawling Ala Moana Purchasing Heart, Waikiki has a lot to see, do and expertise that makes coming again to Waikiki time and again enjoyable each time.
Waikiki, Hawaii
Prime 3 Waikiki Excursions
20 Issues To Do In Waikiki
1- Discover Diamond Head Crater
The Diamond Head Crater, or Le’ahi, because it’s identified in Hawaiian, is a now dormant volcano and an iconic Oʻahu landmark on the japanese fringe of Waikiki.
Named by Nineteenth-century sailors who found crystals they considered diamonds, the crater is a well-liked pure attraction famed for its gorgeous vistas and sweetness.
Whereas the Diamond Head Crater is spectacular to look at from afar, it’s on the Diamond Head State Monument the place you’ll be able to absolutely admire all the crater up shut.
Diamond Head Crater can be a improbable climbing vacation spot, with a historic and scenic nature path main from the crater ground to the crater’s summit.
Listed below are some alternative ways to discover Diamond Head:
2- Go to Waikiki Aquarium
Educating generations of tourists about Hawaii’s vibrant marine biodiversity, the Waikiki Aquarium delights company of all ages with enjoyable and interactive shows and exhibitions.
Specialising in coral reef ecology and the marine animals that inhabit Hawaii’s reefs, the Waikiki Aquarium has a number of reef reveals the place you’ll be able to uncover the distinctive relationships between reef animals, reef predators and the dwelling reef ecosystem.
The aquarium is dwelling to 2 critically endangered monk seals in its Northwestern Hawaiian Islands exhibit and varied different animals solely present in that particular biome.
Waikiki Aquarium is a pleasant place to go to in the event you’re travelling with younger and curious minds.
Waikiki Aquarium is at 2777 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815. The aquarium is considered one of 12 stops on the Inexperienced Line hop-on, hop-off trolley. Ebook your tickets on-line right here.
3- Store At The Worldwide Market Place
The colourful Worldwide Market Place is the very best spot to buy or people-watch in Waikiki.
It has a long-standing assortment of open-air outlets and stalls, together with world-renowned manufacturers comparable to Swarovski and Burberry.
Lined below string lights and huge banyan timber, the Worldwide Market Place is open day and evening, rain or shine.
Topped off with superbly landscaped crops and a big collection of eating places and locations to see, the Worldwide Market Place is a free Waikiki attraction price visiting.
The Worldwide Market Place is at 2330 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815.
4- Go On a Glass Backside Boat Cruise
Glass-bottom boat cruises are all the fad worldwide, and Hawaii and Waikiki are not any exception.
They permit passengers to benefit from the spectacular great thing about Waikiki beneath the water with out getting moist and is an accessible tour for individuals of all ages and disabilities.
A glass-bottom boat cruise permits those that desire to not scuba dive or snorkel to be entertained by Hawaii’s gorgeous coral reefs and marine biodiversity.
Becoming a member of a cruise aboard the 50-foot (15 m) Haleiwa Queen, a catamaran yacht offering guided excursions with a crystal-clear hull for viewing.
Hawaii Glass Backside Boats is at 1009 Ala Moana Blvd F21, Honolulu, HI 96814. Discover out extra particulars right here.
5- Go to The Magic Island Lagoon
Waikiki’s seashores are world-renowned as a premier trip vacation spot invoking photographs of excellent climate, serene seashores, and idyllic water.
Whereas that’s actually true, few seashores in Waikiki match the pure magnificence and tranquillity of the man-made Magic Island Lagoon.
This free-to-visit public seashore is quieter and extra personal than Waikiki’s six different public seashores and offers a improbable break from the big crowds at Waikiki’s extra well-known strips of seashore.
An ideal seashore to go to with children, due to the ocean partitions which shelter the lagoon from the ocean’s currents and huge waves, the Magic Island Lagoon is a improbable Waikiki attraction price visiting at the very least as soon as.
The Magic Island Lagoon is at 1201 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814.
6- Hike Manoa Falls Path
One among Waikiki’s most recognisable sights or landmarks, the scenic Manoa Falls Path is a well-liked outside attraction featured in quite a few movies and TV collection, together with The Starvation Video games and Jurassic Park.
Well-known for its gorgeous waterfall tucked behind thick rainforests and tall mountains, the Manoa Falls Path encompasses a number of Waikiki landmarks inside the path’s borders, from the Rainbow Valley to the Lyon Arboretum.
The easiest way to lap up the majesty of Manoa Falls is by climbing the two-mile (3 km) nature path that winds from the beginning of the Manoa Falls Path to the falls deep inside the tropical rainforest.
The Manoa Falls Path is at 3860 Manoa Rd, Honolulu, HI 96822. You may additionally like this climbing tour.
7- Eat A Scrumptious Meal In Chinatown
Born from the big inflow of Chinese language immigrants who arrived on Oʻahu through the Nineteenth century to work within the sugar plantations, Chinatown is a vibrant and vibrant Waikiki group providing all the pieces from outlets to eating places and all the pieces in between.
Standard for its Chinese language-Hawaiian fusion of tradition and meals, Chinatown is a improbable Waikiki vacation spot to discover on foot or by visiting considered one of its many nice outlets, eateries, or open-air markets.
From its neon indicators to its verdant rooftop gardens, there’s a lot to see and expertise in Waikiki’s Chinatown.
Chinatown is at 1199 Dillingham Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96817.
8- Go Snorkelling Or Diving At Turtle Canyon
Off the Oahu coast, Turtle Canyon is a well-liked pure reef dwelling to a big assortment of marine life, comparable to inexperienced sea turtles, fish and vibrant coral.
Lower than an hour by boat from Waikiki, Turtle Canyon offers scuba divers and snorkellers with the very best underwater sightseeing alternative in Hawaii.
It’s accessible to newbie divers as a result of reef’s shallow depth, simply 20 ft (6 m) underwater. Be a part of a snorkelling or diving tour right here.
Turtle Canyon is at 1651 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96815. Try this in style snorkel cruise.
9- Step Again In Historical past At Iolani Palace
The previous dwelling of the one monarch in United States historical past, the Iolani Palace was the place Hawaii’s royal household dominated over the islands as not too long ago because the late 1800s earlier than being overthrown and stripped of their energy.
A well-liked landmark internet hosting common excursions all through the opulent rooms, cosy lanais, exterior grounds and museum rooms of the palace, Iolani Palace is an iconic Hawaiian landmark.
It retells the historical past of this fascinating a part of the world and is properly price stopping by throughout your journey to Waikiki.
Iolani Palace is the one palace in the USA.
It provides a captivating peek into the lives of the previous rulers of this proud Pacific state.
The Iolani Palace is at 364 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96813.
10- Study About Hawaiian Tradition At The Bishop Museum
The Bishop Museum, or the Hawaii State Museum of Pure and Cultural Historical past as its formally identified, is a cultural and historic beacon of nice significance in Waikiki and her individuals.
Established to protect, defend and recount the tales and tales of Hawaii’s first inhabitants and the ruling Hawaiian monarchy who constructed Hawaii into the formidable Pacific power it was.
Whereas the Bishop Museum’s fundamental space of focus is on historical Hawaiian historical past, the museum additionally dedicates itself to the zoology, biology, and different pure science fields of Hawaii and past, making it an all-encompassing museum that’s pleasant to tour.
Bishop Museum is at 1525 Bernice St, Honolulu, HI 96817.
11- Store Til You Drop In Waikiki
Waikiki is the purchasing mecca of Hawaii, with many malls, markets and small nook outlets dotted all through the world.
One of many metropolis’s most iconic purchasing venues is the Royal Hawaiian Purchasing Heart, a 310,000 sq. foot (28,800 m2) purchasing centre dwelling to worldwide chain shops and native Hawaiian outlets, promoting all the pieces from clothes to Hawaiian artworks.
Whereas the Royal Hawaiian Purchasing Heart is, undoubtedly, Waikiki’s most well-known purchasing venue, the spacious open-air Ala Moana Heart is the most important purchasing centre on Oahu and the most important open-air purchasing centre on the earth.
Opened in 1959, the Ala Moana Heart is significantly extra upscale than different Waikiki purchasing districts and shares all of the acquainted luxurious manufacturers present in different high-end purchasing venues worldwide.
Royal Hawaiian Purchasing Heart is at 2201 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815. Ala Moana Heart is at 1450 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814. For those who’d quite go outlet purchasing, e-book this shuttle.
12- Go to The Pearl Harbor Nationwide Memorial
A brief drive north from Waikiki within the higher Honolulu space, the well-known Pearl Harbor Nationwide Memorial commemorates the notorious Pearl Harbor assault, which occurred right here on December seventh, 1941, propelling the USA into WWII.
Suspended atop the wreckage of the USS Arizona, which suffered essentially the most important injury, the memorial is taken into account considered one of Hawaii’s most sacred monuments.
Value a go to to be taught concerning the occasions of that fateful day or to pay your respects to those that misplaced their lives, visiting the Pearl Harbor Nationwide Museum is among the unforgettable issues to do close to Waikiki.
The Pearl Harbor Nationwide Memorial is at 1 Arizona Memorial Pl, Honolulu, HI 96818. This tour will take you to Pearl Harbor and different websites.
13- Discover The US Military Museum of Hawaii
The US Military Museum of Hawaii, though not as in style because the extra well-known Pearl Harbor Nationwide Memorial, is a formidable museum detailing the function the US Military performed within the Korean Conflict, the Vietnam Conflict, and WWII, amongst others.
With reveals courting way back to the 18th-century weapons used through the Hawaiian wars, the US Military Museum of Hawaii has a large assortment of artefacts and shows for the museum’s modest dimension.
Positioned in a 1909 construction used to defend Pearl Harbor from the assaults of December seventh, the US Military Museum can simply be paired with a cease on the Pearl Harbor Nationwide Memorial for a day-trip tour from close by Waikiki.
The US Military Museum of Hawaii is at 2131 Kālia Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815.
Issues To Do In Waikiki At Evening
14- Attend Queens Waikiki Luau
Watching a Luau efficiency is among the quintessential issues to do in Waikiki and there are few locations higher to see one than at Queens Waikiki Luau.
Queen’s takes Luau performances to the subsequent stage by pairing this entertaining dance routine steeped in Polynesian tradition and historical past with dwell music and an genuine Hawaiian buffet.
Queens Waikiki Luau is a must-visit vacation spot to expertise a really genuine Luau.
Internet hosting massive and small occasions, together with hula classes and demonstrations, is considered one of Waikiki’s prime sights.
Queens Waikiki Luau is at 2330 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815. Skip the road and e-book your tickets right here.
15- Expertise The Moana Surfrider
The Moana Surfrider is a novel, uber-luxurious Vegas-style resort and resort that types a part of the worldwide Westin Resort and Spa chain.
Designed to resemble a Polynesian palace, full with lanais and sizeable balconies, the Moana Surfrider is considered one of Waikiki’s most spectacular landmarks.
Whereas a lot of the resort’s inside is simply accessible to company, its lovely façade is free to be admired by everybody.
For those who plan to remain in Waikiki for a few days, the Moana Surfrider is an iconic lodging choice that’s an expertise in itself, providing a number of actions and excursions, comparable to {golfing}, snorkelling, browsing or yacht cruises.
The Moana Surfrider is at 2365 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815.
16- Watch The Kūhiō Seashore Hula Present
Hosted on Waikiki’s Kūhiō Seashore a number of nights per week, the Kūhiō Seashore Hula Present is an hour-long conventional Polynesian hula efficiency that’s free to observe and attend.
Located subsequent to the Waikiki/Honolulu Zoo and the busy Kalakaua Avenue, Kūhiō Seashore treats guests to an actual Hawaiian hula dance ceremony full with a pa hula, conch shells and torches.
One of the crucial vibrant and entertaining sights on Oahu, the Kūhiō Seashore Hula Present is an unmissable spectacle that’s sure to be one of many highlights of any journey to Hawaii.
The Kūhiō Seashore Hula Present is at Kuhio Seashore Hula Mound, Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815.
Free Issues To Do In Waikiki
17- Go Swimming At Waikiki Seashore
The signature seashore in Waikiki that’s well-known around the globe for its unbelievable magnificence, improbable climate and idyllic paradise really feel, Waikiki Seashore is probably Waikiki’s greatest and most visited attraction.
Sandwiched neatly between downtown Waikiki and the Pacific, Waikiki Seashore is surrounded by eating places and outlets. The favored Kalākaua Avenue is inside strolling distance.
A group of smaller seashores that collectively makes up Waikiki Seashore, the principle seashore space, is the place you’ll discover the island’s greatest browsing spots and the statue of three-time Olympic Gold medal swimmer and Hawaii’s king of browsing, Duke Kahanamoku.
Waikiki Seashore is at Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815.
18- Stroll alongside Kalākaua Avenue
Waikiki’s most well-known avenue is, undoubtedly, Kalākaua Avenue, a one-mile lengthy (1.6 km) avenue that stretches from Kapiolani Park to Beretania Avenue and borders Waikiki Seashore.
The heartbeat of Waikiki, town’s greatest outlets, eating places, bars and sights could be discovered alongside or close to Kalākaua Avenue, from the well-known Royal Hawaiian Purchasing Heart to the Worldwide Market Place.
An interesting stretch of street to wander round regardless of the time of day, you’re assured to seek out one thing to draw you on Kalākaua Avenue.
19- Wander Round Kapiolani Park and the Queen Kapiolani Backyard
King Kalakaua’s present to town of Waikiki, Kapiolani Park, is the world’s oldest public park and is called in honour of the King’s former spouse, Queen Kapiolani.
The park is dwelling to a lot of Waikiki and Honolulu’s prime sights and landmarks, together with the Waikiki Aquarium, the Waikiki Zoo and the gorgeous Queen Kapiolani Backyard.
Positioned in Waikiki’s residential space close to the Diamond Head Crater, Kapiolani Park is abuzz with joggers, picnickers, cyclists and households all through the day.
The park is a lush city oasis loved by many within the space.
House to a large assortment of native Hawaiian crops and crops from all around the world, Kapiolani Park and Backyard is among the free issues to do in Waikiki.
The Kapiolani Park and the Queen Kapiolani Backyard are at 3840 Paki Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815.
20- Loosen up On Duke Kahanamoku Seashore
Located on Waikiki Seashore’s west finish, removed from the crowded touristy east finish, Duke Kahanamoku Seashore is wider and extra sheltered than the remainder of Waikiki Seashore.
One of the crucial picturesque seashores in the USA, Duke Kahanamoku Seashore is protected by coral reefs offshore and a man-made pool adjoining to the seashore that’s excellent for swimming or wading.
Proper within the coronary heart of Downtown Waikiki, Duke Kahanamoku Seashore is as accessible as Hawaiian seashores get and handy for spending a day stress-free on the seashore after a day trip in town.
Utterly free to go to and open 24/7, Duke Kahanamoku Seashore is a improbable Waikiki attraction that’s unattainable to skip when exploring Waikiki and the broader Oʻahu space.
Duke Kahanamoku Seashore is at 193 Paoa Pl, Honolulu, HI 96815.
