Things to Do in Waikiki
362 tours & activities · 6 attractions
Tours & Activities
View all →Surf Lessons!
Canoe Surfing
One-on-One Individual Surf Lesson
Turtles and You
Dolphins and You
Ocean and You
Pearl Harbor City - from Waikiki
Sunset Splash Adventure
Turtle Snorkeling Adventure + Guaranteed Sightings
Deluxe Snorkel and Wildlife Cruise
Surf Lessons
Waikiki Signature Sunset Sail
Attractions in Waikiki
Kapiolani Park
Honolulu's 300-acre urban oasis at Diamond Head's base offers families open fields, shaded banyan groves, playgrounds, and home to the Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Aquarium. Free admission with activities from kite flying to picnicking just blocks from Waikiki Beach.
Queens Beach (Waikiki)
Queens Beach offers a quieter Waikiki experience with the same golden sand and gentle waves but fewer crowds. Located between luxury hotels, this family-friendly spot features shallow waters perfect for children and beginning surfers seeking calm conditions.
Honolulu Zoo
The only major zoo you can walk to from Waikiki beach hotels, featuring 900+ animals including Hawaiian monk seals, African savanna species, and interactive keiki farm area across 42 tropical acres.
Kahanamoku Beach
A quieter alternative to crowded Waikiki beaches, Kahanamoku Beach offers gentle waves perfect for families and beginner surfers. Located between Hilton Hawaiian Village and Fort DeRussy, this protected stretch features calm lagoon areas ideal for children and relaxed swimming.
Waikiki Aquarium
Hawaii's third-oldest public aquarium showcases Pacific marine life including Hawaiian monk seals, vibrant reef fish, and mesmerizing jellyfish galleries. This compact, family-friendly facility focuses on Hawaiian and tropical Pacific species with accessible exhibits and outdoor sea turtle displays.
Waikiki Beach
Waikiki Beach offers two miles of golden sand and gentle waves beneath Diamond Head crater. Perfect for surfing beginners, families, and snorkelers, with distinct sections from bustling Kuhio Beach to turtle-rich Kaimana Beach.
About Waikiki
Waikiki stands as Oahu's most famous beach destination, drawing millions of visitors to its golden sand shores and legendary surf breaks. This vibrant neighborhood in Honolulu combines world-class beaches with urban amenities, creating Hawaii's premier resort district.
The area centers around Waikiki Beach, where gentle waves make it perfect for beginner surfers and swimmers alike. Professional surf instructors line the beach offering lessons, while outrigger canoe rides provide a traditional Hawaiian water experience. The beach stretches for two miles, offering plenty of space for sunbathing, beach volleyball, and people watching.
Beyond the beach, Waikiki houses several key attractions. The Honolulu Zoo spans 42 acres with over 1,200 animals, while the nearby Waikiki Aquarium showcases Hawaiian marine life. Kapiolani Park provides green space for jogging, picnicking, and weekend festivals. The Diamond Head crater trail, just minutes away, offers hiking with panoramic views.
Waikiki sits in urban Honolulu, making it easily accessible from the airport in 30-45 minutes depending on traffic. The neighborhood walkable, with most hotels, restaurants, and attractions within a few blocks of each other. Plan 2-4 days to fully experience the beaches, attractions, shopping, and dining options. Morning visits to outdoor attractions help avoid afternoon crowds and heat.