Hilton Lagoon — Attraction in Honolulu

We were super pumped to try paddle-boarding, but at 4.02pm it was apparently impossible to hire gear as the staff behind the counter were "really not there", it has to be hired by 4.00pm (the store closes at 5.00 pm).

That aside, the lagoon is a unique location, if your kids are nervous snorkelling in the small nearby surf, this is a great place, there are shoals of fish that are easy to find.

There are equipment hire places half the cost a little further down the beach.. but if you are a parent, you are definitely far more nervous in the ocean compared to the enclosed lagoon.

Note: It can be tricky to actually get to the lagoon.. I dont recall in years gone by that this was the case.. but possibly sand erosion and tides combined.. its an absolute maze trying to navigate in and out of resorts just to walk the length of the beach.. we went through hotel foyers, pools, onto the street just to walk the length of the beach.. and it felt like we were the only ones trying to do it (which I found so strange as everyone walks the beach down under)...but the vibe I got was that in Waikiki, people just find the nearest sand and...

We’re currently staying near the Hilton Lagoon in Waikiki, and it’s absolutely beautiful here. This spot feels like a little paradise in the heart of the city — surrounded by palm trees, soft sand, and the peaceful sound of water. It’s the perfect place to unwind and just take in the beauty of nature.

What we love most is how ideal the lagoon is for families with small children. The water is calm and shallow, which makes it very safe for toddlers and young kids to play and splash around. As parents, it’s such a relief to have a place where little ones can enjoy the water without worry.

The atmosphere is so relaxing — people are swimming, sunbathing, having picnics, or just enjoying the view. There’s something really special about this area. It has all the beauty of the ocean, but in a more gentle and family-friendly setting.

If you’re in Waikiki, this is definitely a must-visit spot — especially if you’re traveling with kids. Peaceful, safe, and full of island charm. We’re so happy we...

My kids had a lot of fun playing in the water here.

You can rent chairs and umbrellas but they're pretty pricey at about $30/each. They do not have life jacket rentals.

The beach is really rocky and hurt our feet to walk on, so make sure to wear sandals or water shoes.

The water is very calm and not deep so it was great to let the kids play in without having to also get in the water. We went early evening and it was pretty cleared out and quiet.

Overall the lagoon was fun, clean, and pretty. The real beach is right behind and the lagoon is public, which I didn't realize. I thought it was private to Hilton guests (but not an issue). There were also some vendors off to the side near the marina selling hot...