Known for its world-class hotels, vibrant nightlife, great shopping and dining, Waikiki continues to be steeped in history and its cultural roots. Live in Hawaiian entertainment, Pacific Rim cuisine, oceanfront fine dining, surf lessons, aloha wear, luau and of course the famous sands of Waikiki Beach. Immerse yourself.
Surfing Waikiki
Learn to surf at the birthplace of surfing, Waikiki, with the professional surfers sharing their love of the ocean. Join them for a surfing lesson or outrigger canoe ride and experience the thrill.
On the grounds of the park on Monsarrat Avenue, visit the 40-acre Honolulu Zoo, home to over 2,000 animals. On weekends, enjoy the works of local contemporary artists and craftspeople at the Honolulu Zoo Art Mart.
Discover Waikiki of Yesteryear
Hawaii's royal family enjoyed private estate living in Waikiki for more than 500 years before the arrival of outsiders in 1792. Royal estates were replaced with luxury hotels and the landscape forever changed with the building of the Ala Wai Canal, diverting rain-fed streams that once filled fishponds and pools in Waikiki, a wetland area of taro, sweet potato and banana farms. Waikikis rich history is revealed through walking tours conducted by Moana Surfrider, A westin Resort, Sheraton Waikiki's Journey Through Historic Waikiki and The Waikiki Historic Trail. Keep your eyes open for surf board markers that trace the history and cultural legacy of Waikiki, as well as several historic statues of Hawaii's Royalty, such as Prince Jonah Kalaniana'ole and Princess Ka'iulani.
The War Memorial Natatorium is located adjacent to the Aquarium. With its beaux-arts style arched entry and Olympic-sized saltwater pool, it stands in memory of Hawaiian soldiers that died in World War I.
Located at Hale Koa Park, the U.S. Army Museum is housed in a military bunker built in 1911 to defend Pearl Harbor and displays a collection of weaponry and war memorabilia from ancient Hawaii to Vietnam.
Kapi'olani Park
Over 500 aquatic species from the Islands of Hawaii and the tropical Pacific can be found at the Waikiki Aquarium. View some of Hawaii's most beautiful fishes and corals in their natural habitat at the 'Northwestern Hawaiian Islands' exhibit. And be sure to check out Makaonaona and Ho'ailona, the aquarium's pair of rare Hawaiian monk seals!
Catarman Sailing Off Waikiki Beach
Get swept away on one of the many catamarans resting on Waikiki Beach and enjoy a pleasurable 45-minute sail toward Le'ahi (Diamond Head)
Hawaii's oldest performing arts center is five minutes from central Waikiki at Le'ahi (Diamond Head). The Diamond Head Theatre presents popular plays and musicals from September through July.
Kapahulu Dining
If you're looking for local flavor, Kapahulu Avenue is the place to go, offering some of Waikiki's most delicious local food. Indulge in a massive plate of Hawaiian food at Ono Hawaiian Foods or hot malasadas at Leonard's Bakery. From fine restaurants to fast food, there is something for every appetite.
Waikiki Entertains!
There is never a dull moment in Waikiki, and here are just a few of the many events and entertainment that await you in Hawaii's playground!
- Enjoy sunset torch lighting and hula festivities select evenings at the Kuhio Beach Hula Mound.
- On scheduled weekends, watch a free movie at Sunset on the Beach at Queen's Surft.
- Listen to the Royal Hawaiian Band perform every Sunday at the Kapi'olani Park Bandstand.
- Don't miss the fireworks display every Friday at Hilton Hawaiian Village
- Feast under the evening sky every Monday at 'Aha 'Aina, a Royal Celebration at The Royal Hawaiian Hotel, and every Sunday through Thursday at the Waikiki Startlight Lu'au at Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa and every Tuesday and Thursday through Sunday at Sheraton Princess Kaiulani's Creation of Polynesian Journey.
