Waikiki Travel Guide
Plan your ultimate Waikiki vacation with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best places to visit, food and drink scene, culture, safety, and health tips, and more.
- Introduction to Waikiki
- List of Places to Visit in Waikiki
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Waikiki
- Best Things to Do in Waikiki: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Waikiki
- Food and Drink Scene of Waikiki
- Where to Stay in Waikiki: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Waikiki: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Waikiki
- Best Time to Visit Waikiki
- Do’s and Don’ts of Waikiki
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Waikiki: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Waikiki
- Where to Go Next from Waikiki: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Waikiki
Located in Honolulu, on the island of Oahu in Hawaii, Waikiki is a world-famous tourist destination known for its stunning beaches, world-class shopping, and cultural attractions. With its perfect blend of natural beauty and modern amenities, Waikiki offers visitors a truly unique vacation experience.
List of Places to Visit in Waikiki
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
Bishop Museum - Experience the vibrant culture of Hawaii at the Bishop Museum, which showcases the history, art, and science of the islands.
Iolani Palace - Formerly the home of Hawaii’s monarchs, Iolani Palace is a must-visit for history buffs.
USS Arizona Memorial - Learn about the attack on Pearl Harbor and pay your respects to the sailors who lost their lives during the bombing at the USS Arizona Memorial.
Natural Attractions of Waikiki: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Diamond Head State Monument - A hike up to the Diamond Head Summit offers panoramic views of Honolulu and the Pacific Ocean.
Waikiki Beach - With its soft white sand and crystal clear waters, Waikiki Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Kapiolani Park - Escape the hustle and bustle of Waikiki and spend some time in Kapiolani Park, which features lush greenery, picnic areas, and jogging paths.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Waikiki
Makapuu Lighthouse Trail - This scenic hike offers breathtaking views of the eastern coast of Oahu and the Pacific Ocean.
Koko Head Stairs - A challenging hike up some steep stairs, but well worth it for the stunning views from the top.
Ala Wai Canal Trail - Located in the heart of Waikiki, the canal trail is perfect for a leisurely bike ride or walk.
Best Things to Do in Waikiki: Activities and Tours
Sunset Dinner Cruise - Marvel at the beauty of Waikiki from the water on a sunset dinner cruise.
Surf Lessons - Waikiki is known for its world-class surf, so why not take some lessons with a local pro and experience it for yourself?
Helicopter Tour - See Waikiki from a different perspective on a thrilling helicopter tour over the island.
Week-Long Itinerary for Waikiki
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| 1 | Snorkeling in Hanauma Bay and a sunset sail |
| 2 | Pearl Harbor and Iolani Palace |
| 3 | Diamond Head hike and exploring Waikiki Beach |
| 4 | Visiting the Bishop Museum and Kapiolani Park |
| 5 | Surf lessons and a Luau dinner |
| 6 | Hiking in Manoa Falls and a sunset cocktail at a rooftop bar |
| 7 | Helicopter tour and shopping in Waikiki’s luxury boutiques |
Food and Drink Scene of Waikiki
Must-Try Dishes
Poke - A Hawaiian favorite, poke is made from diced raw fish, vegetables, and a variety of sauces.
Shave Ice - A refreshing treat, shave ice is finely shaved ice topped with flavored syrups.
Lomi-Lomi Salmon - A traditional dish made of chopped salmon, onions, and tomatoes.
Local Beverages
Mai Tai - A fruity and potent rum-based cocktail, the Mai Tai is a classic Hawaiian drink.
Kona Coffee - Grown in Hawaii, Kona coffee is a smooth and flavorful brew that’s a must-try for coffee lovers.
Pineapple Juice - With Hawaii being one of the world’s largest producers of pineapples, it’s no surprise that pineapple juice is a staple drink on the island.
Where to Stay in Waikiki: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
The Royal Hawaiian - A stunning pink palace that offers luxury accommodations right on Waikiki Beach.
Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa - With stunning ocean views, this luxurious resort boasts world-class amenities and a prime location.
The Beach Waikiki Boutique Hostel - A budget-friendly option for travelers looking to stay in the heart of Waikiki.
What to Buy in Waikiki: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Hawaiian Shirts - Nothing says Hawaii quite like a colorful Hawaiian shirt.
Koa Wood Products - Koa wood is one of Hawaii’s most prized materials, and you can find everything from furniture to jewelry made from it in Waikiki.
Macadamia Nuts - A tasty and popular snack, macadamia nuts are a delicious souvenir to take home with you.
Local Culture and Customs of Waikiki
Aloha Spirit - Hawaiians take pride in their laid-back attitude and friendly nature, which is expressed through the term “aloha spirit”. Remember to show kindness and respect to others while visiting Waikiki.
Hula Dancing - Hula is a traditional Hawaiian dance that tells stories through hand gestures and movements. You can find hula performances throughout Waikiki.
Lei Giving - The lei is a symbol of love, respect, and hospitality in Hawaiian culture. It is customary to give or receive a lei upon arriving or departing from Hawaii.
Best Time to Visit Waikiki
The best time to visit Waikiki is from mid-April to early June or from September to mid-December when the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are smaller. However, keep in mind that prices for flights and accommodations can be higher during peak travel seasons.
Do’s and Don’ts of Waikiki
Do:
- Respect the local culture and customs.
- Stay hydrated and apply sunscreen regularly.
- Try new foods and activities.
Don’t:
- Touch or step on coral reefs.
- Leave trash on the beach.
- Ignore warning signs or lifeguard instructions.
Safety and Health
Safety in Waikiki
Waikiki is generally a safe place to visit, but like any big city, there are some precautions to keep in mind. It’s best to avoid leaving valuables unattended on the beach or in rental cars and to stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
Health in Waikiki
It’s important to stay hydrated and apply sunscreen regularly to avoid getting sunburned. Additionally, if you plan on hiking or spending time outdoors, be mindful of the heat and bring plenty of water with you.
Getting to Waikiki: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Waikiki
Honolulu International Airport is the closest airport to Waikiki, located just a 20-minute drive away. Many major airlines fly to Honolulu, making it easy to find a flight that suits your needs.
Bus Stations Near Waikiki
The Waikiki Trolley is a popular way to get around Waikiki, with stops at many of the major attractions. Additionally, there are several city bus routes that run through Waikiki and connect to other parts of the island.
Other Options
Taxis and rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft are widely available in Waikiki and are a convenient way to get around if you don’t want to rent a car.
How to Get Around in Waikiki
Walking is the easiest way to get around Waikiki, as most of the attractions and restaurants are within walking distance. Additionally, the Waikiki Trolley and city buses are both affordable and convenient transportation options.
Where to Go Next from Waikiki: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
North Shore - Known for its surf breaks and picturesque beaches, the North Shore is a must-visit destination for any Hawaii vacation.
Hanauma Bay - A popular snorkeling spot with stunning coral formations and abundant marine life.
Kualoa Ranch - Offering tours and activities such as ATV rides and movie site tours, Kualoa Ranch is a great day trip option.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking to soak up the sun on Waikiki Beach or explore Hawaii’s rich cultural heritage, Waikiki has something for everyone. Plan your ultimate Waikiki vacation with our comprehensive travel guide.
