Planning a trip to Oahu and questioning what are the perfect issues to do in Waikiki? We’ve bought you lined.
Waikiki is a vibrant neighborhood positioned on the south shores of Honolulu on the island of Oahu.
Dwelling to high-rise motels, pristine seashores, and gorgeous surroundings Waikiki will not be essentially the most secluded spot in Hawaii. Nevertheless, spending a couple of days exploring Waikiki is unquestionably one of many finest issues to do in Hawaii in case you are trying to be social. Whether or not you’re within the temper for adrenaline-filled watersports otherwise you need to pamper your self with solar, sea, and sand – Waikiki has one thing to supply.
Oh, and if you happen to need assistance budgeting to your Pacific vacation don’t neglect to take a look at our Hawaii worth information.
Greatest Issues to Do in Waikiki
Should you’re searching for issues to do in Waikiki, we’ve bought your again. We simply hope you’ve bought room in your itinerary!
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Go to Waikiki Seaside
No journey to Hawaii is full with out a go to to the seaside. Waikiki Seaside is the best picture-perfect spot to spend the day swimming within the turquoise water, tanning on the white sands and sipping on piña coladas.
Should you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can too take a browsing lesson, rent a paddle board or head out on a catamaran cruise. There are many bars, retailers and eating places to discover close by if you happen to want a break from the solar.
Hike the Diamond Head summit path
Diamond Head is a large crater that was shaped over 300,000 years in the past. These days, it’s a well-liked mountaineering spot that gives panoramic views over Waikiki and the remainder of Oahu.
Simply 5 minutes from Waikiki, the Diamond Head summit path is a kid-friendly hike that takes round 2 hours to finish.
You may select to go it alone or be a part of a guided tour and study in regards to the tradition and historical past of the world from an skilled information. Excursions typically embrace lunch as effectively, and so they’re an effective way to make new mates if you happen to’re a solo traveler.
Store on Kalakaua Avenue
Kalakaua Avenue is within the coronary heart of Waikiki and stretches for 3.5 miles, with one mile parallel to the seaside. Hoseveralber of motels and loads of spots to buy, dine and drink – Kalakaua Avenue is buzzing with vitality all 12 months spherical.
Some highlights embrace Duke’s Waikiki, a family-friendly restaurant with a tiki vibe, and Mai Tai Bar, a craft cocktail bar providing gorgeous sundown views of Waikiki Seaside.
Be taught to surf
You merely can’t go to Hawaii with out at the very least making an attempt to surf. Fortunately, there’s a myriad of surf colleges to select from alongside Waikiki Seaside. Most faculties will offer you all of the gear you want, together with wetsuits, rash guards, and surfboards.
We suggest becoming a member of in on a bunch lesson like these supplied by Surfer Woman Academy. Don’t fear, you received’t be the one one falling off!
Snorkel with Hawaii’s distinctive marine life
Snorkeling is indubitably among the finest issues to do in Hawaii. There’s no higher solution to marvel on the Pacific’s sealife than by immersing your self in it. Boat excursions just like the Turtle Canyons Cruise and Snorkel Tour final round two hours and provide the chance to snorkel alongside sea turtles, manta rays, octopus, tropical fish and different marine life.
If you’re staying on Oahu take a look at this listing of 22 nice locations to snorkel in Oahu!
Watch a hula present
No journey to Hawaii is full with out watching a hula present. Hula is a standard dance that’s distinctive to the Hawaiian islands.
There are a number of locations the place you may catch a hula dance in Waikiki, however the preferred is the Kuhio Seaside Hula Present. The present is free and takes place 3 nights per week on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays between 6:30 and seven:30 pm. Observe that it’s climate allowing, so remember to verify the forecast upfront.
Take a sundown cruise
Hopping on a ship and watching the sky flip spectacular shades of purple and orange because the solar goes down is among the finest issues to do in Hawaii.
Whether or not you fancy a relaxed sundown tour with appetizers and some drinks or a get together boat cruise with a stay DJ and dance flooring, there’s a tour to go well with you.
Expertise Waikiki nightlife
Because the solar goes down and the celebrities come out, Waikiki involves life. The neighborhood is dwelling to vigorous bars and golf equipment and a number of different leisure choices. Sip on some cocktails at Tiki’s Grill & Bar or Arnold’s Seaside Bar earlier than busting out some strikes at Play Bar, a vibrant nightclub that’s open till the morning.
See Waikiki and its environment from a helicopter
There’s no higher solution to see Waikiki and the island of Oahu than from a helicopter. Though it’s not essentially the most reasonably priced exercise on this listing, marveling on the island from above is an expertise you’ll always remember.
Rainbow Helicopters run 45-minute flights over Oahu, permitting you to see the island’s pure magnificence in a really distinctive means. You’ll see iconic landmarks like Aloha Tower, Diamond Head, Makapu’u Lighthouse, Chinaman’s Hat, Sacred Falls and extra. We’d suggest skipping this one if you happen to’re afraid of heights.
Pattern Hawaiian espresso
Hawaii is legendary for being the house of Kona espresso, the identify given to espresso cultivated within the Kona area on the slopes of Hualalai and Mauna Loa. There are numerous spots in Waikiki the place you may sip on a cup of locally-grown espresso. Some favorites amongst locals embrace The Dawn Shack and Ali’i Espresso.
Go to Iolani Palace, the US’s solely royal palace
In-built 1882, Iolani Palace was as soon as the royal residence of the rulers of the Kingdom of Hawaii. It’s additionally the US’s solely royal palace, so it’s undoubtedly price visiting. You may select to do a guided tour or go on a self-led tour with an audio information.
Catch the Waikiki fireworks show
Should you occur to be in Waikiki on a Friday, don’t miss the spectacular fireworks show that takes place at 7:30 pm. Hosted by the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Seaside Resort, the show lights up town for 10 minutes. Be a part of the E SEA DIVER Friday Fireworks Tour that’ll take you on a cruise to look at the fireworks from the ocean whereas sipping on a refreshing beer or cocktail.
Go whale watching
Hawaii is among the finest locations on the earth for whale watching. Should you’re in Waikiki, there are a variety of excursions that’ll take you out into the ocean so you may spot the humpback whales who migrate to the island’s hotter waters in the course of the winter months.
Hawaii Nautical operates an eco-friendly tour from December-March. Should you don’t spot any whales whereas on board, you may reschedule one other outing totally free.
Take a day journey to Pearl Harbour
For these within the historical past of Hawaii, no journey to Waikiki is full with out a go to to Pearl Harbour. Polynesian Journey runs guided excursions that take guests to Arizona Memorial, Pearl Harbor, and Honolulu’s historic district.
Hike the Manoa Falls path
The Manoa Falls Path is a 1.6 mile route that takes you thru lush forest and culminates at Manoa Falls, a 150-foot waterfall. This hike is mostly thought-about to be reasonably difficult and takes round an hour to finish. Take a Hike Oahu operates each day excursions that depart from Waikiki and final roughly 8 hours. Along with visiting the waterfall, you’ll additionally discover Oahu’s east aspect and the island’s North Shore, stopping at scenic factors and pristine seashores alongside the way in which.
The place to remain in Waikiki
With so many choices obtainable, selecting a spot to remain in Waikiki will be difficult. We’ve chosen our prime 3 choices for various budgets.
Greatest price range lodging – The Seaside Waikiki Boutique Hostel
The Seaside Waikiki Boutique Hostel is positioned simply 450 yards from Queen’s Surf Seaside and different widespread factors of curiosity. It affords a variety of lodging choices together with dormitory and personal rooms at reasonably priced costs.
Greatest mid-range resort – Queen Kapiolani Lodge
Only one block from Waikiki Seaside, the Queen Kapiolani Lodge affords a variety of fashionable rooms to go well with mid-range budgets. Visitors can take pleasure in seaside views, a pool and a solar terrace.
Greatest luxurious resort – The Royal Hawaiian Lodge
If you wish to splash out and sleep in fashion, The Royal Hawaiian Lodge is a should. This luxurious resort is within the coronary heart of Waikiki. Visitors can take pleasure in two out of doors swimming pools, a rooftop bar and scenic ocean views from the rooms.
Issues to Do in Waikiki Wrap-up
So there you will have it, 15 fun-filled issues to do in Waikiki. Every Hawaiian island affords one thing distinctive when it comes to tradition and panorama, so we suggest visiting as many as you may. Heading to Maui after your journey to Oahu? Don’t neglect to take a look at our listing of the finest issues to do in Maui.
As at all times blissful travels, and we’ll see you on the highway!
