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The best things to do in Waikiki
So you’re planning a vacation to Hawaii, and you’ve decided to visit Waikiki. Waikiki is one of the most popular places in Hawaii, with plenty of things to do.
Even though I already have 10 best things to do in Oahu post, I wanted to write specifically about the best things to do in Waikiki.
If you don’t have a Waikiki hotel yet, check out the best places to stay in Waikiki. You also won’t want to miss the best restaurants in Waikiki.
Oahu is home to over 1 million residents and also has quite a variety of activities for tourists.
When most people think of Hawaii, they think of Honolulu and Waikiki, so of course, I had to write a blog post covering the Waikiki and surrounding area.
If you want a rental car, I recommend Discount Hawaii Car Rental. Although you don’t need a car on Oahu like on the other islands, you’ll probably want one! Waikiki is easy enough to get around by foot/bus/taxi, but you’ll need a car to explore other parts of the island. The North Shore is somewhere you don’t want to miss!
Things to do in Waikiki
From the beach to cultural activities to shopping, let’s check out the best things to do in Waikiki. These top Waikiki activities are listed in no particular order!
1. Visit Waikiki Beach
No Waikiki vacation would be complete without visiting the world-famous Waikiki Beach. Although I believe the island has better (and less crowded) beaches, Waikiki Beach is a must-see!
Once you’ve checked out Waikiki Beach, here are some of the best beaches in Oahu that are almost always less crowded than Waikiki:
- Lanikai Beach
- Kailua Beach Park
- Sunset Beach
- Ala Moana Beach Park
- Nanakuli Beach Park
- Kahana Bay Beach Park
- Waimanalo Bay Beach Park
2. Iolani Palace
Iolani Palace is the former residence of Hawaiian Monarchs in downtown Honolulu. This National Historic Landmark was the home of the Hawaiian Kingdom’s last two monarchs: King Kalakaua and Queen Liliuokalani.
While in the area, check out the King Kamehameha I statue, the State Capitol Building, and the historic Kawaiahao Church. You’ll also find the Hawaii State Art Museum not far away.
3. Royal Hawaiian Center
If you’ve read my “best island to visit in Hawaii” post, you know that Oahu is where the real shopping is.
The Royal Hawaiian Center is an upscale mall specializing in jewelry, gifts, and more. At over 300,000 square feet, it is one of Hawaii’s largest shopping malls.
If you love shopping, make sure to check out the Ala Moana Center, the world’s largest outdoor mall.
4. Take a surf lesson
Waikiki is the perfect place for a surf lesson. If you’re even slightly interested in surfing, I highly advise trying it!
I’ve had lots of clients who took surf lessons, and everyone did better than they expected! What better place to take a surf lesson than Hawaii?
5. Sunset Waikiki Cruise
Several companies offer Waikiki cruises, but a sunset cruise is the best way to go! My favorite is this Waikiki Sunset Cocktail Cruise.
6. See Waikiki from the air
Helicopter tours can be expensive, but it’s worth the splurge. You can check out my post on Hawaii helicopter tours to see pictures and get more info.
You can take the Oahu ECO tour by Blue Hawaiian or fly over Oahu on this open-door helicopter tour.
7. Visit Shangri La
The Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture & Design is near Diamond Head. This popular museum was built in 1937 as the Honolulu home of American heiress and philanthropist Doris Duke.
It is now open to the public and is one of the top-rated museums in Hawaii.
8. Pearl Harbor
Although not technically located in Waikiki, Pearl Harbor is nearby and one of the most popular attractions on Oahu.
If you’re staying in Waikiki without a car, I recommend a chauffered-transfer small group tour.
Otherwise, drive over and explore the history of Pearl Harbor on your own. I recommend going through Discount Hawaii Car Rentals for the best deals if you need to rent a car.
If you’re trying to decide if you need a rental car in Hawaii, you do! Check out the blog post to find out why.
You might also want to check out where to eat near Pearl Harbor if you’re hungry after a few hours of checking out everything there is to see.
9. Check out the local sea life
There are several ways to check out the local sea life. A Submarine Scooter Adventure is a fun and unique way to explore underwater.
The Atlantis Submarine Adventure is something that many of my clients have also enjoyed. If getting in the water isn’t for you, why not check out the Waikiki Aquarium?
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10. Hit Kalakaua Avenue
Known as the “Heart of Waikiki,” Kalakaua Avenue is one of the premier shopping destinations on the island of Oahu.
The shops range from high-end boutiques like Tiffany and Co., Gucci, and Prada to local Hawaiian apparel and souvenir shops like the ABC store. If you love to shop, Kalakaua Avenue will not disappoint.
Bonus: Get a Go Oahu Card
The Go Oahu Card can be a great way to make the most of your trip. Make sure to check out all of the details because many activities need to be booked in advance.
Hawaii vacation ideas
I hope this list of the best things to do in Waikiki excites you even more about your Hawaii vacation. You might want to check out some of my popular Hawaii travel posts while you’re here:
- The best pineapple farms to visit in Hawaii
- 20 things you should never do in Hawaii
- Is Hawaii safe?
- 50 things to do in Maui
- How much does it cost to go to Hawaii?
- How to survive the flight to Hawaii
- What is the best luau in Hawaii?
Although I am a Hawaii Travel Agent, I only take on a certain number of travel clients per month. You can contact me if you’d like more information. I recommend starting with my Hawaii travel guide if you plan to DIY your vacation!
The best way to get Hawaii travel tips and the most current travel information is to sign up for my email list. I send one weekly email with the latest news, travel deals, and more. Sign up below.
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