Waikiki Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Waikiki
Waikiki
Honolulu showing general coastal views, swimming and landscape views
Waikiki
Honolulu which includes tropical scenes, a coastal town and swimming

This is one of the best-known beaches in Hawai’i thanks to its impeccable surf conditions and fun beach culture.

Waikiki is one of the most famous surfing beaches in the world and one of the most popular beaches in Hawai’i. The Beach Boys sang about the idyllic swells here in the 1960s, but long before then, and ever since, thousands have flocked here each year to enjoy the surfing culture, lively nightlife, family activities and the waves and white sand. Winter is the busiest time in Waikiki because the swells are biggest, but it’s a great time to come and watch professional surfers show off their talents.

Hire a surfboard and join the pros waiting to catch a wave at the back of the swells. If you’re a beginner or want to touch up on your skills, book lessons through one of the many surf schools. You can also go scuba diving, snorkelling and parasailing.

Head further south and you’ll come to Diamond Head. Stop at Queens Surf Beach for a picnic on the grass and then continue on to the Diamond Head State Monument. This huge crater encompasses 192 hectares (475 acres) of hiking trails, military history and incredible ocean views. Take the trail through a 69-metre (225-foot) tunnel to a lighthouse and wartime bunkers.

Nearby Kuhio Beach is more sheltered than Waikiki. Stroll to the end of the Kapahulu Pier and watch the sun set over the sparkling water and golden sands.

Waikiki town has accommodation, restaurants and shops to suit every budget. Kalakaua Avenue is the main strip where you’ll find luxury boutiques and plush hotels. Look for the distinctive pink façade of the Royal Hawaiian hotel and the elegant Moana Surfrider resort. Sip cocktails in bars and be entertained by street performers.

There is an array of activities for families. Spend a day at the Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Aquarium, where you’ll find more than 500 species of animals. Book a submarine tour in the Pacific Ocean to see more marine life in its natural environment.

Waikiki lies just south of central Honolulu. Several parking lots nearby charge a small fee by the hour or for a full day.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Waikiki Hotel Deals

'Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach

'Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach

5 out of 5
2490 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI
The price is AU$475 per night from 28 Oct to 29 Oct
AU$475
28 Oct - 29 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Honolulu. Enjoy free WiFi, 5 restaurants, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (3,238 reviews)
"We had an ocean view and it was absolutely stunning. The beach is right across the street from the hotel and we saw amazing sunsets. Food and shopping are very close to the hotel and if you are doing tours, the pick up spot was only two blocks away. The hotel is very clean and the staff is very nice. ..."

Reviewed on 7 Oct 2025

'Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach
Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa

Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa

4 out of 5
2424 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI
The price is AU$445 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
AU$445
2 Nov - 3 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach resort in Honolulu. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,538 reviews)
"Staff was great. Property was across the street from beach which was great. Many amenities at hotel. Property is in need of renovations."

Reviewed on 6 Oct 2025

Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort

Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort

4.5 out of 5
2005 Kalia Rd, Honolulu, HI
The price is AU$431 per night from 3 Nov to 4 Nov
AU$431
3 Nov - 4 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Honolulu. Enjoy 5 outdoor pools, a full-service spa, and 9 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (8,548 reviews)
"Ok"

Reviewed on 5 Oct 2025

Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort

Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort

4.5 out of 5
2255 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI
The price is AU$879 per night from 14 Oct to 15 Oct
AU$879
14 Oct - 15 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Honolulu. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,564 reviews)
"yes"

Reviewed on 7 Oct 2025

Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort
Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa

Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa

4 out of 5
2552 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI
The price is AU$440 per night from 3 Nov to 4 Nov
AU$440
3 Nov - 4 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach resort in Honolulu. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,475 reviews)
"Excellent trip service & Staff."

Reviewed on 7 Oct 2025

Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
Waikiki Resort Hotel

Waikiki Resort Hotel

3.5 out of 5
2460 Koa Avenue, Honolulu, HI
The price is AU$293 per night from 4 Nov to 5 Nov
AU$293
4 Nov - 5 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly hotel in Honolulu. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,443 reviews)
"Waikīkī Resort Hotel did not disappoint. Yes, 1970s decor and could do with an update, but it had all amenities. Early check-in was very well appreciated and having the option for an extra bed made our stay even more better. The lite breakfast did have slim pickings, the pastries and fresh fruit ..."

Reviewed on 5 Oct 2025

Waikiki Resort Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Waikiki

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Koreatown

Koreatown might not have many top sights, but Ala Moana Center and Waikiki Beach are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Koreatown
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McCully - Moiliili

Though McCully - Moiliili may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Ala Moana Center and Waikiki Beach Walk.

McCully - Moiliili
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Ala Moana

4.5/5(13 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Ala Moana, Ala Moana Center and Magic Island are top sights worth seeing.

Ala Moana
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Kaka'ako

While visiting Kaka'ako, you might make a stop by sights like Neal S. Blaisdell Center and Ala Moana Beach Park.

Kaka'ako
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Downtown Honolulu

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

Unique features of Downtown Honolulu include the shopping and beaches. Make a stop by Honolulu Harbor or King Kamehameha Statue while you're exploring the area.

Downtown Honolulu
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Diamond Head - Kapahulu - St. Louis

5/5(2 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Diamond Head - Kapahulu - St. Louis, Waikiki Beach and Honolulu Zoo are top sights worth seeing.

Diamond Head - Kapahulu - St. Louis


Waikiki Travel Guide

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