Things to Do in Waikiki - Ultimate Hawaii Travel Guide | OUTRIGGER

Waikiki pulses with an energy unlike anywhere else in Hawaii. This legendary two-mile stretch of sand draws millions of visitors each year, and for good reason – where else can you learn to surf at sunrise, explore world-class shopping, and catch live Hawaiian music all before dinner? Whether you're planning your first visit or returning to rediscover old favorites, knowing the best things to do in Waikiki helps you make the most of every moment.

From the iconic silhouette of Diamond Head to the gentle waves perfect for beginner surfers, Waikiki offers experiences for every type of traveler. Families find calm lagoons and interactive cultural programs, couples discover romantic sunset sails and oceanfront dining, while adventure seekers can paddleboard at dawn or hike to panoramic viewpoints. This guide covers the essential activities, hidden gems, and practical tips you need to experience Waikiki like a local.

Beach activities: More than just sunbathing

Waikiki Beach stretches for nearly two miles, with each section offering its own personality. Duke Kahanamoku Beach, fronting the Hilton Hawaiian Village, provides the calmest waters – perfect for families with young children. The protected lagoon here rarely sees waves over one foot, and lifeguards maintain watch from 9am to 5:30pm daily.

For surfing lessons, the breaks between the Royal Hawaiian and Moana Surfrider hotels offer ideal conditions. Two-hour group lessons start at $89 per person with Faith Surf School or Gone Surfing Hawaii, including board rental and basic instruction. Most beginners catch their first wave within 30 minutes thanks to Waikiki's gentle, consistent swells. For a unique twist, try outrigger canoe surfing – these traditional six-person canoes let you ride waves while a skilled captain steers. Sessions run $50 per person for 45 minutes.

Early morning brings the best conditions for stand-up paddleboarding. Rentals average $40 for two hours, with the calmest waters typically before 10am. Head toward Diamond Head for less crowded waters and better chances of spotting sea turtles. Remember that all beach equipment rentals require a credit card deposit, and prices jump 20-30% if you rent directly on the beach versus booking online in advance.

Cultural experiences in the heart of Waikiki

Many visitors don't realize that authentic Hawaiian cultural experiences exist right in Waikiki – no need to travel across the island. The OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort and OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beach Resort hosts complimentary cultural activities daily, including lei making, ukulele lessons, and hula basics. These hour-long sessions accommodate up to 20 participants on a first-come basis.

For deeper cultural immersion, Kani Ka Pila Grille features live Hawaiian music nightly from 6-9pm. Unlike touristy luau shows, this venue attracts local musicians playing traditional and contemporary Hawaiian music. No cover charge applies, though arriving before 6:30pm ensures better seating. The grille serves locally-sourced dishes like kalua pork sliders ($18) and poke bowls ($24) while you enjoy the performance.

Sunday afternoons at Duke's Waikiki bring a special treat – legendary Hawaiian musician Henry Kapono performs from 4-6pm on the beach-level Barefoot Bar stage. This free concert draws both locals and visitors, so claim your spot by 3:30pm. The venue's famous Hula Pie ($12.95) makes for a perfect afternoon indulgence while listening to Grammy-nominated Hawaiian music with your toes in the sand.

Historic landmarks and scenic hikes

Diamond Head Crater stands as Waikiki's most recognizable landmark, and the 0.8-mile trail to its summit rewards hikers with 360-degree views. The trail opens at 6am daily, with entry fees of $5 per person (cash only) or $10 per vehicle. The moderate hike takes 45-60 minutes each way, including 99 steep steps near the summit and a tunnel section requiring a flashlight. Arrive before 7am to avoid both crowds and heat – the trail lacks shade, and temperatures climb quickly after 9am.

Downtown Honolulu, just 15 minutes from Waikiki by bus ($3 fare), houses Iolani Palace, the only royal palace on American soil. Guided tours ($27 adults, $6 children) run Tuesday through Saturday, revealing the story of Hawaii's monarchy through restored throne rooms and private quarters. Audio tours ($20 adults) offer more flexibility but lack the guides' personal insights. Book online at least 48 hours ahead, as tours often sell out during peak season.

For military history, Pearl Harbor requires a full morning. The USS Arizona Memorial visit is free but requires reserved tickets through recreation.gov ($1 booking fee). The USS Missouri battleship ($34.99 adults) and USS Bowfin submarine ($21.99 adults) charge separate admission. No bags allowed at any Pearl Harbor sites – storage costs $5-7 at nearby lots. The earliest 7am tours beat both crowds and afternoon heat.

Dining beyond the tourist traps

Waikiki dining ranges from grab-and-go acai bowls to white-tablecloth oceanfront experiences. For breakfast, Sunrise Shack (multiple locations) serves bulletproof coffee ($8) and organic smoothie bowls ($14-16) that fuel morning activities. Their Sunset Beach location opens at 7am, perfect for early risers heading to Diamond Head.

Lunch at Hula Grill Waikiki combines ocean views with locally-sourced dishes. Their lunch special (11am-3pm) offers any sandwich plus soup or salad for $19. The macadamia nut-crusted fish sandwich stands out, while the oceanfront tables provide prime people-watching.

For dinner entertainment, Tanaka of Tokyo offers teppanyaki dining with theatrical chefs. Set menus range from $45 (chicken) to $85 (lobster and steak), including soup, salad, vegetables, and fried rice. Shows run every 30 minutes from 5:30-9:30pm. Appetito Craft Pizza & Wine Bar provides a more casual option with wood-fired pizzas ($18-26) and an impressive wine list. Their happy hour (3-6pm daily) features $5 draft beers and $8 wine pours.

Shopping from local crafts to luxury brands

Waikiki Beach Walk spans three blocks between Lewers Street and Royal Hawaiian Avenue, housing over 40 shops and restaurants. Unlike the crowded Kalakaua Avenue, this pedestrian-friendly area features local boutiques alongside familiar brands. Moku Hawaii stocks island-designed clothing and accessories, while Na Hoku specializes in Hawaiian heirloom jewelry. Free hula performances happen Tuesdays at 4:30pm in the central plaza.

For luxury shopping, the Royal Hawaiian Center covers three blocks with 110 stores and restaurants. Beyond the expected Hermès and Cartier, you'll find Hawaii-exclusive items at ABC Stores' flagship location. Their locally-made food gifts (chocolate-covered macadamias, Kona coffee, li hing mui) offer better prices than hotel gift shops. The center provides free WiFi and lots of parking.

Adventurous shoppers should explore the International Market Place's multiple levels. While the ground floor houses mainstream brands, the upper levels feature a mix of local and mainland vendors selling everything from $15 aloha shirts to $8 shell leis.

Evening entertainment and nightlife

Waikiki transforms after sunset, offering entertainment options beyond typical beach bars. Blue Note Hawaii brings world-class jazz and contemporary acts to an intimate 300-seat venue. Tickets range from $35-85 depending on the artist, with shows typically starting at 6:30pm or 9pm. The venue's dinner packages ($65-95) guarantee premium seating but receive mixed reviews – stick to drinks and pupus instead.

For a uniquely Hawaiian evening, catch Cirque du Soleil 'Auana at the OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel. This Hawaii-exclusive show blends acrobatics with Hawaiian storytelling, running Tuesday through Saturday at 5:30pm and 8:00pm. Tickets start at $69 for seats in the upper section. The 75-minute show suits all ages, though some aerial acts might frighten very young children.

Movie lovers shouldn't miss Saturday's poolside cinema at OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel. The free screenings start at 7:30pm, featuring family-friendly films displayed above the pool deck. Bring your own towel or rent a poolside lounger. The hotel's pool bar stays open during the movie, serving tropical cocktails ($12-15) and pupus ($8-18). Arrive by 7pm to secure pool-level seating – limited capacity fills quickly.

Family-friendly activities that parents will enjoy too

Traveling with kids doesn't mean sacrificing adult enjoyment in Waikiki. The Coral Kids Club at OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort provides supervised activities for ages 5-12, including Hawaiian crafts, beach games, and cultural lessons. Half-day sessions (9am-12pm or 1pm-4pm) and full-day programs are availble to suit your schedule. Parents gain free time while kids make friends and learn about Hawaiian culture.

The Waikiki Beach Walk's free hula lessons happen Tuesdays and Thursdays at 4pm, welcoming all ages and skill levels. Instructors teach basic steps and hand movements in 30-minute sessions. No registration required – just show up at the central plaza stage. Many families make this a weekly tradition during longer stays.

For active families, the monthly morning beach cleanup at Duke's Waikiki combines community service with a free breakfast. After an hour of beach cleaning, participants receive a complimentary breakfast buffet. Kids especially love finding unusual shells and helping sea turtles by removing plastic. Sign up online – the 50 spots typically fill within 48 hours.

Morning activities in Waikiki: Pick your perfect start

Hidden gems and local favorites

Even in tourist-heavy Waikiki, local gems hide in plain sight. Maui Brewing Company's Waikiki location claims the title of "largest craft beer bar in Hawaii" with 36 taps. Their daily happy hour (3:30-5:30pm) offers $2 off all drafts and select pupus. The rooftop seating provides unexpected ocean views, while live music Thursday through Saturday starts at 8:30pm.

For authentic local breakfast, Hawaiian Aroma Caffe at the OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel serves what many call Waikiki's most Instagrammable coffee. Their signature honey macadamia latte ($7) comes with intricate foam art, while the açai bowls ($14) feature locally-sourced fruit. The 7am opening time beats the social media crowd that descends after 9am.

Art enthusiasts should explore the free art collections at OUTRIGGER properties. The OUTRIGGER Reef Waikiki Beach Resort houses over $2 million in Hawaiian artwork, with an art guide available to guests in the mobile resort guide. The OUTRIGGER Waikiki Paradise Hotel features contemporary pieces by emerging local artists, with QR codes providing artist backgrounds. These collections rival many galleries, minus the admission fees.

Practical tips for what to do in Waikiki

Timing changes everything in Waikiki. Beach conditions stay calmest before 10am, restaurants offer better happy hour deals than dinner prices, and attractions see smallest crowds right at opening. The city bus system ($3 per ride, $7.50 day pass) connects all major attractions, though walking often proves faster during traffic hours (3-7pm).

Many hotels charge $30-50 daily for parking, but several money-saving alternatives exist. The Waikiki Shell parking lot offers $1 per hour (cash only), while the zoo parking costs $1.50 per hour. For beach days, arrive before 8am to snag free street parking along Kalakaua Avenue near Kapiolani Park – just note the 3-hour limits.

Skip the overpriced convenience stores for beach gear. Long's Drugs (CVS) at Kalakaua and Seaside sells reef-safe sunscreen for half the beach stand prices, plus reasonably-priced snorkel sets ($25) and beach mats ($10). Their photo printing services also beat hotel business centers for vacation photo prints.

Wellness and relaxation in Waikiki

Between activities, Waikiki offers surprising wellness options. Poolside yoga or pilates at OUTRIGGER properties provides complimentary sessions for guests – Wednesdays and Saturdays at 7am at the OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel, first Saturday monthly at the OUTRIGGER Waikiki Paradise Hotel. Bring your own mat or borrow one from the fitness center. The outdoor setting with ocean breezes beats any indoor studio.

For a unique experience, book a Hawaiian lomi lomi massage at Abhasa Spa (Royal Hawaiian). This traditional healing practice uses flowing strokes and stretches, differing from typical spa massages. Sixty-minute sessions start at $195, with oceanfront treatment rooms available for $50 extra. Book at least a week ahead for weekend appointments.

The lesser-known Kahanamoku Lagoon at the Hilton Hawaiian Village offers calm waters perfect for morning meditation or gentle swimming. This man-made lagoon stays protected from ocean swells, with sandy bottom areas ideal for water walking. Public access is free, though chair rentals cost $40 daily. Early mornings see locals practicing water tai chi – join in or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Seasonal events and special experiences

Waikiki's event calendar stays packed year-round, though certain experiences shine during specific seasons. Winter months (November-March) bring the best conditions for watching professional surfers tackle bigger waves on Oahu's North Shore. The Duke's OceanFest in August honors Duke Kahanamoku with a week of ocean sports competitions, concerts, and beach activities – most events are free to spectators.

The Honolulu Festival (March) transforms Waikiki into a celebration of Pacific Rim cultures. The grand parade down Kalakaua Avenue features Japanese taiko drummers, Hawaiian hula groups, and elaborate floats. Arrive by 3pm to secure curbside viewing spots, or book a restaurant with parade-view seating weeks in advance.

For a romantic experience, vow renewals on Waikiki Beach offer couples a meaningful way to celebrate. Some OUTRIGGER properties provide complimentary wedding vow renewal ceremonies, including Hawaiian officiant and musicians. Book at least 30 days ahead, especially for anniversary dates.