waikiki beach

Getty Images/Flickr RF

Waikiki

Once a Hawaiian royal retreat, Waikiki revels in its role as a retreat for the masses. This famous strand of sand moves to a rhythm of Hawaiian music at beachfront high-rises and resorts. In this pulsing jungle of modern hotels and malls, you can, surprisingly, still hear whispers of Hawaii’s past, from the chanting of hula troupes at Kuhio Beach to the legacy of Olympic gold medalist Duke Kahanamoku.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • The Stones of Life - four stones on Waikiki Beach that were placed there as tribute to four legendary mahu.

    Stones of Life of Kapaemahu and Kapuni

    Waikiki

    Near the police substation at Waikiki Beach Center, four ordinary-looking volcanic basalt boulders are actually sacred and legendary Hawaiian symbols…

  • Honolulu, Hawaii - January 1, 2022: View of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Waikiki. 1455882534 aloha, american, building, coast, exotic, landmark, pacific, paradise, pink lady, place, resort, tropical, vacation, view, royal hawaiian, united states, pink palace

    Royal Hawaiian Hotel

    Waikiki

    With its Moorish-style turrets and archways, this gorgeously restored 1927 art deco landmark, dubbed the ‘Pink Palace,’ is a throwback to the era when…

  • Duke Kahanamoku Statue in Waikiki Beach, Honolulu, Hawaii

    Duke Kahanamoku Statue

    Waikiki

    On the waterfront on Kalakaua Ave, this imposing statue of Duke Kahanamoku is always draped in colorful lei. The Duke was a true Hawaiian hero, winning…

  • Waikiki, Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii, USA: beach and Fort DeRussy Boardwalk / Beach Park - Rainbow Tower in the center. 1521875778

    Fort DeRussy Beach

    Waikiki

    Less crowded than adjoining beaches, this often-overlooked beauty extends along the shore of its namesake military facility. The water is usually calm and…

  • Queen's Surf Beach in Waikiki.

    Queen's Surf Beach

    Waikiki

    Just south of Kuhio Beach, the namesake beach for the famous surf break is a great place for families as the waves are rarely large when they reach shore…

  • Kuhio Beach Park.

    Kuhio Beach Park

    Waikiki

    If you’re the kind of person who wants it all, this beach offers everything from protected swimming to outrigger canoe rides, and even a free sunset hula…

  • Waikiki Aquarium in Kapiolani Park.

    Waikiki Aquarium

    Waikiki

    Located on Waikiki’s shoreline, this university-run aquarium recreates diverse tropical Pacific reef habitats. You’ll see rare fish species from the…

  • Moana Surfrider Hotel in Waikiki, Honolulu.

    Moana Surfrider Hotel

    Waikiki

    Christened the Moana Hotel when it opened in 1901, this beaux-arts plantation-style inn was once the haunt of Hollywood movie stars, aristocrats and…

View more attractions
  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/top
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "destination": "Waikiki",
  "city": "Waikiki",
  "region": "Americas",
  "continent": "North-America",
  "country": "The-USA"
}

Articles

Latest stories from Waikiki

Sunset at Kaka'ako, O'ahu

Food

Hidden Honolulu: step away from the crowds in Hawaii's capital

Jul 3, 2019 • 5 min read

Read more articles
  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/bottom
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "destination": "Waikiki",
  "city": "Waikiki",
  "region": "Americas",
  "continent": "North-America",
  "country": "The-USA"
}