Waikiki Activities

Once a playground for Hawaiian royalty, the world-famous neighborhood of Waikiki is a vibrant gathering place for visitors from around the globe. Waikiki is located on the south shore of Honolulu and is known in Hawaiian as “spouting waters”. Waikiki was first introduced to the world after the opening of the Moana Surfrider, Waikiki’s first hotel, that opened in 1901. Waikiki is Oahu’s main resort and hotel area and receives many visitors year round. Check out Kalakaua Avenue along the main strip where you can find plenty of dining, world-class shopping, entertainment, resorts, and different activities.

Waikiki is famous for its beautiful beaches. Rooms in the local resorts are just two or three blocks away from the sea. The Leahi (Diamond Head) is your backdrop with Waikiki’s calm waters making conditions ideal for the perfect surfing lesson. The legendary Duke Kahanamoku grew up surfing the waves of Waikiki. Duke was an Olympic gold medalist in swimming and taught many visitors how to surf and became known as “The father of modern surfing”. Take a lesson from the Waikiki Beach Boys who perpetuate Duke’s legacy by teaching you how to surf and canoe. The Duke Kahanamoku Statue has now become an iconic symbol of Waikiki.

Waikiki has a lot to offer for visitors of all ages. The Waikiki Aquarium and the Honolulu Zoo offer fun for the entire family. Follow the surfboard markers along the Waikiki Historical Trail where you can read about the history of Waikiki. Along Kalakaua and Kuhio Avenues you will find fantastic shopping and dining. Find other things to do at gathering places like the Waikiki Beach Walk or the Royal Hawaiian Center. Waikiki’s fun continues on into the night after the sun goes down with an awesome nightlife and live music.

One of the great things about Waikiki is its convenient location to a variety of Oahu attractions such as Iolani Palace, Pearl Harbor, Hanauma Bay, and the Nuuanu Pali Lookout. Other points of interest on the island are the nearby Ala Moana Center, the local neighborhood of Kapahulu, and the arts district of Chinatown.

Waikiki continues today, to be an evolving expression of the ancient spirit of aloha. On these famous, beautiful shores, the past and the future tend to unite in fresh and surprising ways.