15 Unforgettable Things to Do in Waikiki, Hawai‘i

Start your day with a quiet walk along Kūhiō Beach. Just east of Waikīkī’s main strip, as the sky turns pink and gold, locals gather for sunrise yoga, surfers paddle out to Diamond Head, and the city wakes up. Bring coffee, find a bench, and enjoy the peace.

Mornings here feel sacred. The gentle lapping of the waves, crowing of roosters, and scent of plumeria create a peaceful soundtrack. It’s a quiet moment before the beach fills with sunbathers and snorkelers. For a deeper connection, try a few moments of mindfulness or journaling as the sun rises. It’s a simple but beautiful way to start your Waikīkī day. For a change of scenery, head to Kailua Beach Park on the Windward Coast, known for its soft sand and views of the Mokulua Islands.

Waikīkī is where surfing legends like Duke Kahanamoku introduced the world to the sport. With its gentle waves and warm, shallow water, it’s the perfect place to catch your first wave. Surfing is one of the best things to do in Waikiki and there’s no better experience than booking a lesson and feeling the stoke. Afterwards, grab some local cuisine at one of the beachfront restaurants.

Travel Tip: Check out this beginner surf guide before hitting the beach.

Not quite ready to ride the tide? If you’re traveling to O’ahu in the winter months, catch the pros during one of many surfing competitions.

Tucked between Kapiʻolani Park and the beach, the Honolulu Zoo in downtown Honolulu is a fun, shady escape from the sun. It’s home to over 1200 animals, including African elephants, lemurs, and native Hawaiian birds. The keiki (kids) love the petting zoo and interactive exhibits.

The zoo is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

• General Admission (for non-residents):– Adults (13 years and older): $21.00​
• Children (3-12 years): $13.00
• Infants (2 years and under): Free​

The zoo’s parking lot entrance is on Kapahulu Avenue, charging $1.50 per hour with a 4-hour maximum. Alternatively, the Waikīkī Shell parking lot across Monsarrat Avenue offers free parking.

For more info, visit the Honolulu Zoo Official Website

While technically just beyond Waikīkī, Magic Island at Ala Moana Beach Park is one of the best spots on the island to see the sun go down. Locals bring picnic dinners, kids fly kites, and paddleboarders glide across the glowing water. The golden hour here feels like magic—hence the name. For a different perspective, consider one of the many sunset cruises that offer stunning views of the coast. The lagoon is calm and shallow—perfect for a swim or a gentle snorkel if you’re traveling with keiki. Bring a blanket and poke from a nearby shop and settle in under a swaying palm as the sky turns into a canvas of orange, pink and purple. You’ll see couples taking sunset strolls, photographers chasing that perfect shot and even impromptu hula dancing. It’s the local way to end your day in Waikīkī— with salty skin, full hearts and front row seats to nature’s nightly show.

Founded in 1904, this small but mighty aquarium is one of the oldest in the United States. Its exhibits feature the rich marine life of Hawaiian coral reefs including endangered monk seals, reef fish and glowing jellyfish. Afterwards, head to the nearby Hilton Hawaiian Village and check out their family-friendly activities.

The aquarium is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Limited free parking is available outside, metered spots are available along Kalākaua Avenue.

Admission Fees (for non-residents):

• Adults (13 to 64 years): $12
• Children (4 to 12 years): $5
• Toddlers (3 years and under): Free
• Seniors (65+ years): $5​

For more information, visit the Waikiki Aquarium website.

Once an open-air bazaar, the International Market Place has evolved into a modern shopping destination. Anchored by the iconic banyan tree still standing in the center courtyard, this lively space combines luxury retailers with local boutiques making it a unique mix of old and new Waikīkī.

Don’t miss the evening tiki torch ceremony, live music and storytelling sessions honoring Queen Emma’s legacy—the historic royal residence once stood on this very site. It’s more than just shopping; it’s a celebration of Hawaiian culture and community. From designer finds to the Grand Lānai for al fresco dining under the stars, whether you’re indulging in fresh seafood at Eating House 1849 or sipping craft cocktails at Sky Waikīkī, the vibe is on point.

Explore O‘ahu shopping and dining spots for more local gems.

Diamond Head Lookout (Photo Credit: Getty Images)

When talking about things to do in Waikiki, the hike to Leʻahi (Diamond Head) is a must-do adventure. This moderate climb goes through old military bunkers, narrow tunnels and steep switchbacks before rewarding you with breathtaking views of Honolulu, Waikīkī and the endless blue Pacific. At the summit you’ll feel like you’re standing at the edge of the world with the wind in your hair and the island below.

Named “Leʻahi” by ancient Hawaiians for its resemblance to a tuna’s forehead, this crater holds both geological and cultural significance. As you climb, interpretive signs share stories of the landmark’s history—from its volcanic birth to its role in Oʻahu’s coastal defense system.

Travel Tip: Go early in the morning to beat the crowds and heat. Advance reservations are required for non-residents.

No visit to Waikīkī is complete without stopping by the iconic Duke Kahanamoku Statue on Kūhiō Beach. Known as the “Father of Modern Surfing,” Duke was a legendary waterman, Olympic gold medalist and beloved ambassador of aloha. The statue stands with open arms, draped in fresh lei from visitors who honor his legacy. It’s free to visit and always accessible—day or night—making it a favorite photo op for travelers.

Pro Tip: Stop by at sunset for a golden-hour selfie or catch one of the nearby Torch Lighting and Hula shows.

End your day with a sunset cruise or catamaran that departs from Waikīkī Beach. As you step aboard barefoot and breathe in the salty air, the mood instantly shifts to island time. Most cruises have open bars with tropical cocktails, soft Hawaiian slack-key guitar or ukulele music and front-row views of the sun dipping low.

Keep an eye out for spinner dolphins. During winter (November to April) you may see a humpback whale breach in the distance. Some tours even time their sail to coincide with the Friday night fireworks for a dazzling finale to your day.

Immerse yourself in island traditions with a Waikīkī lū‘au—an unforgettable evening of music, food and storytelling. Begin with a warm lei greeting and a stroll through cultural demonstrations like coconut husking, poi pounding or lei-making. As the sun sets, the conch shell blows and the kālua pig is unveiled, slow-roasted in an underground imu oven—a feast fit for ali‘i (royalty).

Under the stars, the celebration continues with a buffet of local favorites: lomi salmon, chicken long rice, haupia and more. Then comes the show—an enchanting blend of hula, Tahitian drumming and fire knife dancing sure to be a highlight of your trip.

Check out our guide to the best lū‘aus in Hawai‘i.

Step back in time at the “First Lady of Waikīkī” with afternoon tea on the oceanfront veranda. Built in 1901 the Moana Surfrider combines colonial architecture with timeless aloha elegance. It’s the perfect pause between beach adventures and a sophisticated way to connect with Waikīkī’s rich history. The setting is as photogenic as it is peaceful making it a favorite for couples, mother-daughter outings or solo travelers looking for a quiet indulgence.

Want to take home more than souvenirs? Learn a few chords and island songs with a quick ʻukulele lesson. Whether you’re musically inclined or have never picked up an instrument the ʻukulele is great for beginners.

Local shops like the Ukulele Store at the Waikīkī Beach Walk or cultural hubs such as the Royal Hawaiian Center often offer free or low-cost group lessons. You’ll be strumming along to classics like “Aloha ‘Oe” or “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” in no time with friendly instructors who share stories behind the songs.

At the foot of Diamond Head Kapiʻolani Park is the oldest and largest public park in Hawai‘i and a local favorite. Spanning over 300 acres this lush green space was a gift from King Kalākaua in the late 1800s meant to be a place for all people to enjoy. While in the area a visit to the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor is highly recommended to honor the servicemen who lost their lives during the 1941 attack.

Locals come here to picnic under monkeypod trees, jog, practice yoga, join in weekend soccer matches, and impromptu hula circles. You might hear the sweet strum of a ukulele or catch the tail end of a community concert at the Waikīkī Shell.

Just a short walk from Waikīkī’s main drag, Monsarrat Avenue feels like a neighborhood secret waiting to be discovered. Tucked between charming homes and banyan-lined sidewalks this laid-back strip is a haven for foodies, creatives and anyone looking for a slower pace just minutes from the beach buzz. Start your day at a local café like Bogart’s or ARS Café where the coffee is strong and the avocado toast is artfully stacked. Walk through thoughtfully curated art galleries or pop into shops for local goods. But whatever you do don’t miss the legendary Diamond Head Market & Grill. Known island-wide for their fresh plate lunches, it’s the blueberry cream cheese scone that sparks devotion. Lightly crisp on the outside, soft and gooey on the inside—it’s the kind of treat people line up for and yes it’s worth the wait.

Waikīkī’s softly lit shoreline becomes something else entirely after dark—quieter, cooler and undeniably magical. Lay back on a towel, let the rhythmic sounds of the waves lull you and gaze up at a sky sprinkled with stars. On clear nights you might spot Orion’s Belt, the Southern Cross or even a shooting star if you’re lucky. The city lights reflect gently on the ocean casting a soft glow that adds to the dreaminess of it all.

Some evenings you might stumble upon a live hula performance near the beach pavilions or hear the soothing notes of a slack-key guitarist playing to a small crowd. Ultimately one of the best things to do in Waikiki is just be present — with sand between your toes, stars above, and the aloha spirit all around you.