Waikīkī Beach — Attraction in Hawaii

Waikiki Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the world, located in the heart of Honolulu, Oahu. The beach stretches for about two miles, offering plenty of space despite its popularity. Public transportation is convenient, with multiple bus routes serving the area, and parking is available at nearby garages.

Waikiki Beach is iconic for its golden sand, gentle waves, and the backdrop of Diamond Head Crater. The water is warm, clear, and typically calm, making it ideal for swimming and beginner surfing. The beach is divided into sections, each with its unique vibe, from the bustling area near the Duke Kahanamoku statue to the quieter stretches near Kapiolani Park. The sunsets here are legendary, offering stunning views that draw crowds each evening.

Crowd and Atmosphere: Waikiki Beach is always bustling with activity, attracting a mix of tourists, locals, families, and surfers. It’s a vibrant place with a lively atmosphere, perfect for people-watching and soaking up the energy of Honolulu. However, the beach can get crowded, especially during the afternoon and weekends. If you prefer a quieter experience, visiting early in the morning or later in the evening is recommended.

Activities: Waikiki Beach offers a wide range of activities to suit all interests:

Surfing: Waikiki is known as the birthplace of modern surfing, and it’s one of the best places to learn. There are numerous surf schools along the beach offering lessons and board rentals.

Swimming and Snorkeling: There are a few spots where you can snorkel and see some tropical fish, though the snorkeling here isn’t as impressive as other parts of the island.

Outrigger Canoeing: This traditional Hawaiian activity is a must-try at Waikiki. You can join a guided outrigger canoe tour, where you’ll paddle out into the waves and ride them back to shore, experiencing a thrilling slice of Hawaiian culture.

Stand-Up Paddleboarding: Another popular water activity, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is easy to learn in Waikiki’s calm waters. Several rental shops along the beach offer boards by the hour or day.

Catamaran Cruises: Various companies offer catamaran cruises departing right from the beach. These cruises typically include scenic views of the coast, opportunities for snorkeling, and sometimes sunset sails with drinks and music.

Beach Volleyball: Volleyball courts are set up along the beach, and it’s common to see friendly games happening throughout the day. Visitors are often welcome to join in or start their own game.

Shopping and Dining: Just steps away from the beach are the bustling streets of Waikiki, lined with high-end shops, local boutiques, and a wide variety of dining options. From shave ice stands and food trucks to fine dining restaurants, there’s something for every taste and budget.

Beach Walks and Jogging: The wide promenade along Waikiki Beach is perfect for a leisurely stroll or morning jog. The views are fantastic, and it’s a great way to start or end your day.

Facilities: Waikiki Beach is well-equipped with facilities to make your visit comfortable. There are plenty of restrooms, showers, and changing areas located along the beach. Lifeguard stations are also strategically placed to ensure safety. The beach is kept clean and well-maintained despite the high number of visitors. Beach gear rentals, including chairs, umbrellas, and surfboards, are available from various vendors along the shore.

Parking: Parking in Waikiki can be challenging and expensive, particularly during peak hours. There are several public parking garages nearby, but they fill up quickly, and rates can be steep. Some hotels offer validated parking if you dine at their restaurants, which can be a more economical option. If possible, consider using public transportation or walking from your accommodation if you’re staying nearby.

Waikiki Beach is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Oahu. Its combination of beautiful scenery, rich history, and a wide variety of activities makes it one of the most enjoyable and iconic...

My review focuses on Waikiki beach and its surrounding areas.

My husband and I visited Hawaii in early April 2025 for two weeks. This was our fourth consecutive year of vacationing in Honolulu.

April had warm weather, low humidity, and occasional rain, but the weather was pleasant throughout the day and night. I love warm weather, which is why I’m in love with Hawaii. The sparkling and calm Kuhio Beach, with its iconic Waikiki Wall, was always an amazing sight. Hawaii is always bustling, but it’s also walkable, similar to the Las Vegas Strip at night (though not as crazy). There’s a new Target at the center of town, which is a special treat for tourists. I love the eateries on Kuhio Avenue and the area’s charming atmosphere.

We didn’t visit Walmart or Costco during this trip, but they’re conveniently located nearby. We never rent a car; instead, we rely on walking, Uber, and Lyft. Next time, we plan to rent a car for two days and use the bus.

Kuhio Avenue and Kalākaua are home to many upscale stores that will never disappoint. We didn’t spend much money on this trip, except for food, accommodation, flights, and Uber. ABC stores are everywhere, and they’re currently running a promotion for at least a $100 purchase, with a chance to win a prize with receipts. ABC also has some affordable, delicious pre-packaged hot and cold food. Food trucks are everywhere, and the Swapmeet opens on weekends and Wednesdays.

We didn’t do any activities during our visit, but we plan to do some later this year. We’ve done some activities on our past trips.

Activities not suitable for us because hubby gets dizzy if he’s not the one driving. We opted for Hyatt Place (due to the last-minute nature of our stay and the inability to use our timeshare or redeem credit card points for excessively expensive hotels). Hyatt Place is conveniently located just a minute’s walk from the beach and is well-connected to various amenities.

If you decide to stay there, breakfast is included, and it’s quite delicious with a wide variety of options. The resort also provides beach towels, chairs, and other beach essentials, all included in the resort fee. I particularly like the reusable water bottles with a bag, which prevents you from spending on bottled water. You can refill your water at the lobby.

Hyatt Place offers a range of activities and other amenities, including two daily water bottles. We had an excellent stay there last year as well. My favorite matcha ice cream store is located near the Banyan Hotel in Kuhio. It’s absolutely delicious! Unfortunately, the Honolulu airport no longer accepts the Priority Pass at Plumeria. There’s another option that only provides drinks.

We had the pleasure of witnessing the breathtaking sunset at the beach. There are plenty of free things to see and do. I truly appreciate every moment we spent there. Waikiki Beach is simply beautiful, breathtaking, with clear and warm water. My husband prefers the Kuhio Beach, which is near the Waikiki Wall. I love it too and everything about it.

One final tip: I highly recommend avoiding long sleeves, jeans, or heavy clothing. All you need are tank tops, slippers, walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, an umbrella, preferably cotton sun dresses or shirts, shorts, a backpack or crossbody bag, sun protection sleeves, and a waterproof phone pouch. Oh, and don’t forget to bring lots of smiles and a positive attitude! Oh, and don’t...

Waikiki Beach is one of the most famous and iconic beaches in the world — and for good reason. Located on the south shore of Oʻahu in the heart of Honolulu, Waikiki offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, surf culture, urban excitement, and Hawaiian charm. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning admirer, Waikiki rarely disappoints.

🌊 Scenery and Atmosphere The beach stretches for about two miles and is divided into smaller sections (like Kuhio Beach, Queen's Surf, and Fort DeRussy), each with its own vibe. The sand is soft and golden, the water is warm and typically gentle, and the views of Diamond Head Crater looming at the far end are postcard-perfect.

Waikiki's setting is unique: where else can you swim in turquoise waters with world-class hotels, high-end shops, and vibrant nightlife just steps away? Despite its popularity and crowds, there's an undeniable magic to watching the sunset over the Pacific from this shore.

🏄‍♂️ Activities and Entertainment Waikiki is the birthplace of modern surfing, made famous by legendary Hawaiian waterman Duke Kahanamoku. Surf lessons, paddleboarding, canoe rides, and snorkeling are all readily available, even for beginners.

In the evenings, live Hawaiian music, hula performances, and torch-lighting ceremonies add a cultural touch to the tourist energy. You'll also find street performers, local artisans, and an eclectic food scene ranging from shave ice stands to award-winning fine dining.

🏨 Accessibility and Amenities Waikiki is incredibly accessible. With dozens of hotels, restaurants, shops, and public facilities, it caters to every traveler’s need. Lifeguards are on duty at most beach sections, and there are clean public restrooms and showers along the beachfront.

It’s also close to attractions like:

Honolulu Zoo

Waikiki Aquarium

Kapiʻolani Park

Diamond Head hike

Ala Moana...