Looking for things to do in Waikīkī today, tomorrow or beyond? Scan our list of over 100 ideas to make the most of your time in Waikīkī, Hawaiʻi.

The Mai Tai Catamaran Cruise off Waikīkī Beach, with a Lēʻahi (Diamond Head) backdrop in Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi.
Catamaran off Waikīkī Beach. Credit: Ryan Tishken

Waikīkī isn’t just a tourist destination — it’s our cherished home. Living here for ten years has afforded us intimate knowledge of every experience this vibrant neighborhood offers.

Whether it’s the thrill of catching your first wave or finding a secret speakeasy bar, get ready to discover a wide range of Waikīkī activities, from iconic tours to off-the-beaten-track adventures.

In this post, we share our local recommendations for things to do in Waikīkī.

Table of Contents

Ocean Activities

Aerial view of Ala Moana Beach Park and Magic Island.
Magic Island in Ala Moana Beach Park. Credit: Andy Stenz

Explore a world of ocean adventures in Waikīkī, where you can ride the legendary waves, swim alongside sea turtles or float in the tranquil waters. Whether you’re seeking thrills or a peaceful retreat, the magic of the Pacific awaits.

  1. Learn to surf: Take a surfing lesson or rent a surfboard to learn or perfect your surfing skills on Waikīkī Beach.

  1. Ride the waves: Try outrigger canoe surfing at Waikīkī Beach, once the official sport of Hawaiian royalty.

  1. Sail away at sunset: Let a catamaran boat whisk you out to sea on a Waikīkī sunset sail – with an open bar!

  1. Meet honu (turtles): Snorkel with Hawaiian green sea turtles at Waikīkī’s famous Turtle Canyon.

  1. Elevate your beach day: Soak up Waikīkī Beach in shaded style by renting a beach umbrella and chair set.

  1. Parasail in paradise: Gain a unique perspective of Waikīkī’s coastline on a thrilling parasailing adventure.

  1. Head to a local’s beach: Explore beyond Waikīkī Beach, visit nearby Ala Moana Beach Park and Magic Island.

  1. Charter a yacht: Anchor offshore, swimming and snorkeling at leisure on a private yacht charter.

  1. Go glass bottom boating: See the tropical reef and even shipwrecks beneath a glass bottom boat.

  1. Reel in Hawaiʻi fish: Catch some local fish and spot for marine life on a private fishing charter.

  1. Enjoy a dinner cruise: Let your worries float away as you wine and dine on a Honolulu sunset dinner cruise.

  1. Scuba dive from Waikīkī: See the beauty of Waikīkī below the surface on a beginner or advanced scuba dive.

  1. Experience Italy in Hawaiʻi: Discover a unique perspective of Waikīkī and its waterways on an Italian gondola ride.

  1. Play in the Hilton lagoon: Hire kayaks and aqua cycles at the saltwater Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon.

  1. Submerge under Waikīkī’s waters: Descend underwater without getting wet on a 64-passenger Atlantis Submarine.

Cultural Activities

Pre-show performance at Waikiki Starlight Luau: Ocean Lawn, featuring hula dancer and a Hawaiian band in colorful aloha shirts and lei playing live music surrounded by tropical greenery.
Waikiki Starlight Luau on The Great Lawn (Fri only). Credit: Mark Galacgac

Engage with Hawaiʻi’s vibrant traditions through immersive experiences in Waikīkī. Attend an authentic lūʻau, learn the graceful art of hula or dive into the sounds of local music that tell stories of the island’s deep-rooted heritage.

  1. Have fun at a lūʻau: Book one of the best lūʻau in Waikīkī to experience a Hawaiian cultural celebration and feast.

  1. Engage in the culture: Sign up for Waikīkī’s free Hawaiian cultural activities led by expert practitioners.

  1. Embrace hula and mele: Watch a free hula (traditional dancing) and mele (music) show at various venues throughout Waikīkī.

  1. Strum a ʻukulele: Learn how to play Hawaiʻi’s beloved instrument during a free ʻukulele lesson.

  1. Support local musicians: Enjoy live music nightly at select bars and restaurants across Waikīkī.

  1. Take a free hula lesson: Learn the Hawaiian art of hula (dance) during a free hula lesson at the Royal Hawaiian Center.

  1. Listen to the King’s Band: Check the Royal Hawaiian Band calendar for upcoming live performances.

  1. View cultural artefacts: Go in search of the Hawaiian artifacts on display in Outrigger’s beachfront properties.

  1. Get a lomilomi: Book a unique style of Hawaiian massage known as lomilomi, available at SpaHalekulani.

Sightseeing Activities

Red Scoot Coupe driving past a fountain with Diamond head in the background.
Scoot Coupe in Diamond Head. Credit: Hawaiian Style Rentals

Take in Waikīkī from every angle, whether by hiking famous landmarks, wandering through hidden neighborhoods or seeing the sights by trolley or bicycle — each path offers a fresh way to view the beauty of Oʻahu.

  1. Drink beer and banter: Learn about Hawaiʻi’s history and heritage on a guide-led Waikīkī pub crawl.

  1. Walkabout Waikīkī: Take yourself on a GPS-led audio walking tour around the streets of Waikīkī.

  1. Trolley ʻround town: Take the hop-on hop-off Waikīkī Trolley around Honolulu to see the town’s top attractions.

  1. Scale a crater: Hike to the top of Waikīkī’s most recognizable landmark, Lēʻahi (Diamond Head).

  1. Cycle the day away: Use the Biki rideshare system or hire an e-bike to explore the Waikīkī and Honolulu area.

  1. Peek into the past: Wander by the Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium, dedicated to Hawai’i citizens who served in WWI.

  1. Scoot Coupe the streets: Zip around Waikīkī in a unique scoot coupe (two-person three-wheel moped).

  1. Hoverboard around town: Tick-off some of the key landmarks in Honolulu on a segway or hoverboard excursion.

  1. Heli over Oʻahu: Fly over the island on a helicopter joy-flight with the doors on or off – it’s your choice!

  1. Get to know the neighborhoods: Visit charming towns close to Waikīkī, including Kapahulu, Kaimuki and Kakaʻako.

Waikīkī Hotel Activities

People relaxing in Sheraton Waikiki's adults-only infinity pool with a view of Diamond head and the ocean in the background.
Adults Only Edge Infinity Pool at Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort.

Treat yourself to a luxe stay in Waikīkī, with activities beyond usual. Enjoy a serene day by an infinity pool, take a historical tour of iconic hotels or renew your vows for a romantic touch to your island escape.

  1. Live it up at a hotel pool: Buy a resort pass to access the pools, cabanas or daybeds of Waikīkī’s most luxe hotels.

  1.  Discover Waikīkī’s First Lady: Check out historic artifacts on the 2nd Floor of Waikīkī’s first hotel, the Moana Surfrider.

  1. Peruse the Pink Palace: Meander through The Royal Hawaiian resort historic grounds, the iconic Pink Palace of the Pacific.

  1. Explore Waikīkī’s largest resort: Check out the many things to do on-site at the 22-acre Hilton Hawaiian Village.

  1. Spend QT in Kahala: Spend quality time at Kahala Beach and enjoy dining at Kahala Hotel & Resort restaurants.

  1. Find Waikīkī’s mural: The artwork is visible from the poolside Swell Bar at ʻAlohilani Resort (bar is open to the public).

  1. Say “I do” (again): Guests of Outrigger’s beachfront properties in Waikīkī can attend their Vow Renewal Ceremony.

Evening Activities

Paula Fuga performing on stage at the Blue Note Hawaii in Waikīkī.
Paula Fuga at the Blue Note Hawaiʻi.

Waikīkī’s nightlife offers something for everyone. Choose from live music, comedy shows, spellbinding stage performances or ghost tours with a spooky twist. Your evenings will be as captivating as your days under Hawaiʻi’s sun.

  1. Watch a night show: Find out what’s on at the Blue Note Hawaii, Waikīkī’s premier live entertainment venue.

  1. Catch the symphony or opera: Seek out a Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra or Hawaiʻi Opera Theater performance.

  1. Go to the theater: Add watching a theater performance in Honolulu to your vacation must-do list.

  1. Laugh at a comedy show: Support Hawaiʻi’s local comedians at a first-class stand-up comedy show.

  1. Check the Shell schedule: See if there’s anything at the Waikīkī Shell during your stay, Waikīkī’s shell-shaped outdoor venue.

  1. Sing karaoke: Sing your lungs out in an old school karaoke room in Waikīkī, a cheap, fun night out.

  1. Get your magic on: Be astounded by world-class magicians at The Magical Mystery Show in Waikīkī.

  1. Get your spook on: Uncover the local haunted history of Waikīkī on an guided evening ghost tour.
Hand holding out colourful Shave ice in front of the Lahaina Shave Ice stall.
Lahaina Shave Ice in Waikīkī.

Waikīkī is a paradise for food lovers. Try local dishes like malasadas, arrange a private picnic or explore the island’s food truck scene. If you’re up for something hands-on, join a cooking class and bring home the flavors of Hawaiʻi.

  1. Frequent the food courts: Frequent Waikīkī’s food courts to try lots of different cuisine under one roof.

  1. Eat malasadas: Venture to Kapahulu to Leonard’s Bakery’s and try Hawaiʻi’s famous malasadas (Portuguese doughnuts).

  1. Pack the perfect picnic: Stock your hamper at Waikīkī Market and take yourself on a park or beach picnic.

  1. Plan a pop-up picnic: If you’re celebrating something special, pre-arrange a luxury beach picnic.

  1. Taste paradise on a bike: Book a foodie bike tour, a private activity designed to give riders a taste of Honolulu.

  1. Sit down for high tea: Savor a scrumptious afternoon tea spread at one of Honolulu’s high tea venues.

  1. Have a Japanese food affair: Dine at some of the best Japanese restaurants outside Japan in Honolulu.

  1. Feast at food trucks: Stretch your budget further by feasting at Waikīkī’s best food trucks.

  1. Try a pineapple dole whip: Try the Hawaiʻi’s popular Dole Whip, a non-dairy pineapple soft serve.

  1. Sample local food: Take our local food challenge and try a loco moco, plate lunch, poke, saimin and SPAM musubi.

  1. Cook with local flair: Learn how to make Hawai’i local food favorites at hands-on cooking class.

  1. Experience the mid-20th century: Eat a classic burger and shake and shop movie and music collectibles at Rock Island Cafe.

  1. Book a coffee cruise: Start your day with a delightful coffee cruise along the coast accompanied by a breakfast spread.

  1. Cool down with shave ice: Have you even been to Waikīkī if you haven’t eaten shave ice?! We love Lahaina Shave Ice.

Bar Activities

Cocktail with a view of the ocean and Waikīkī skyline at SKY Waikiki.
Cocktail with a view at SKY Waikiki.

Relax with a drink in hand at Waikīkī’s best bars. From rooftop lounges with ocean views to low-key speakeasies and lively Happy Hours, there’s a spot to suit any mood — perfect for kicking back after a day of adventure.

  1. Cheers with a Maui brew: Taste locally brewed beers and play shuffleboard and foosball at Maui Brewing Co. in Waikīkī.

  1. Relax at a rooftop bar: Kick back and relax at one of Waikīkī’s superb rooftop bars and restaurants.

  1. Take advantage of Happy Hours: Hunt down the best Happy Hours across Waikīkī and Honolulu.

  1. Hang out at Hula’s: Embrace Honolulu’s LGBTQ+ community at Hula’s Bar & Lei Stand, Waikīkī’s famous gay bar.

  1. Tour a coffee roastery: Experience why Lion Coffee has been voted Hawaiʻi’s #1 brand on a morning Coffee Roastery Tour.

  1. Uncover secret bars: With our help, find and trek to Honolulu’s speakeasy bars – some hidden in the most unusual of places.

  1. Drink with the locals: You’re more likely to meet locals in certain bars, we recommend trying Waikīkī’s dive bars.

  1. Sip on tropical cocktails: There are so many cocktails to try in Hawaiʻi, find a bar with a view and enjoy one over sunset.

Shopping Activities

Inside Bailey's Antique & Aloha Shirts shop featuring racks of colorful apparel.
Bailey’s Antiques and Aloha Shirts.

Whether you’re after high-end brands or unique souvenirs, Waikīkī is a shopper’s haven. Stroll through luxury boutiques, hunt for treasures in vintage stores or browse vibrant art galleries. Every corner has something new to discover.

  1. Shop ʻtil you drop: There’s over 15 shopping hotspots in Waikīkī, allowing ample opportunities for retail therapy.

  1. Shop International Market Place: No shopping spree in Waikīkī is complete without a visit to this 8-acre center.

  1. Search for souvenirs: The best place to find trinkets is at the kiosk vendors at Duke’s Marketplace, hidden in Duke’s Lane.

  1. Shop for fine art: Find that perfect piece of Hawaiʻi-inspired art at one of Waikīkī’s many art galleries.

  1. Pick up Xmas keepsakes: Procure Hawai’i-inspired Christmas ornaments year-round at the Waikiki Christmas Stores.

  1. Stock up on ABC favorites: Stock up on souvenirs at any one of over 30 ABC Stores in Waikīkī.

  1. Score vintage threads: Hunt down vintage clothing shops around Waikīkī’s, like Harbors Vintage Waikiki.

  1. Browse 15K pieces of aloha wear: Take a trip to Bailey’s Antiques & Aloha Shirts to shop an extensive range of aloha wear.

  1. Dress with aloha: When in Rome! Why not dress the whole family in matching attire purchased from aloha wear specialists.

  1. View Hard Rock memorabilia: Look at cool music-related collectibles and merchandise at Honolulu’s Hard Rock Cafe.

  1. Shop Hawaiʻi-made: Buy Hawai‘i-based maker and artisan products at one-stop co-op shops like House of Mana Up.

  1. Walk America’s largest outdoor mall: Shop ʻtil you drop at Ala Moana Center, located just 10-minutes from Waikīkī.

Indoor Activities

SWAT Gun Club sign.
SWAT Gun Club in Waikīkī.

Escape the heat with Waikīkī’s indoor adventures. Try your wits in an escape room, visit a shooting range or dive into the island’s history at a military museum. There’s always a fun alternative to being out in the elements.

  1. Challenge your brain: Problem-solve puzzles with just 60-minutes on the clock at an Chambers Escape game challenge.

  1. Visit a gun club: Curious about handling firearms? Waikīkī has shooting ranges on Kalākaua and Royal Hawaiian Avenues.

  1. Go to the cinema: Watch the latest movies at Consolidated Theatres Ward with TITAN LUXE, the biggest screen on Oʻahu.

  1. Dig into military history: Educate yourself on Hawai’i’s military history at the U.S. Army Museum of Hawaiʻi in Waikīkī.

INSIDE TIP: For a full list of indoor activities, see our 29 Indoor Things To Do in Oʻahu: For Rainy Days.

Wellness Activities

An IV drip in an outdoor setting.
Hydraloha, mobile IV drip services.

Elevate your relaxation in Waikīkī with soothing wellness options. Pamper yourself at a luxury spa, unwind with beach yoga or take a peaceful walk along the shore. The island’s serene atmosphere is perfect for rejuvenating your spirit.

  1. Pimp your pedi-mani: Add a splash of tropical nail art to your pedicure or manicure while on your Waikīkī vacation.

  1. Blowouts and cocktails: Treat yourself to a wash, head massage, blow-dry and cocktail at Drybar Waikiki.

  1. Hair brands or henna: Get your hair braided, twisted or fishtailed or a henna tattoo with Hawaiian Hair Braids.

  1. Sample Hawaiʻi-made CBD: Gräs, a CBD retailer in Waikīkī and Ala Moana, is a one-stop-shop for all things cannabis.

  1. Indulge in a massage: Escape the world for an hour or so, book a luxurious massage treatment at SpaHalekulani.

  1. Float your worries away: Buy a swim ring from an ABC Store (they’ll inflate them for a small fee) and float in the ocean.

  1. Practice beachside yoga: Sprinkle some zen into your holiday by joining a beach yoga class on Waikīkī’s cceanfront.

  1. Day passes for gym bunnies: Stay fit on vacation by purchasing a Fitness Day Pass for use at Fit Waikiki in the ʻAlohilani Resort.

  1. Recharge with an IV: Drip Hawaiʻi and Hydraloha provide IV treatments for direct vitamin and mineral absorption.

Animal Activities

Dolphin Quest at the Kahala Hotel & Resort.

Connect with wildlife through unique animal encounters. Swim with dolphins, enjoy coffee in a rescue cat café or visit the zoo for a closer look at tropical creatures. These experiences let you engage with nature in memorable ways.

  1. Get to know dolphins: Book a Dolphin Quest activity at Kahala Hotel & Resort, 15-minutes drive from Waikīkī.

  1. Support cafe cafés: Cat Café MOFF and Hawaiʻi Cat Café are the purrrfect place for coffee in the company of rescue cats.

  1. Mingle with zoo animals: Meet the animals at Honolulu Zoo in Waikīkī on a day trip or during an after-hours guided tour.

  1. Sidle up to sea creatures: Explore Pacific marine life at Waikīkī Aquarium, run by the University of Hawaiʻi.

  1. Spot for humpback whales: During Hawaiʻi’s winter months, go on a humpback whale watching cruise.

Sports Activities

Glow Putt Mini Golf with glow in the dark under the sea themed mini golf course.
Glow Putt Mini Golf at Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort. Credit: JTani Media

Waikīkī is the perfect playground for sports enthusiasts. Tee off on a lush golf course, challenge friends to a game of pickleball or perfect your balance on a paddleboard. Staying active has never been this fun.

  1. Aim for a hole-in-one: Avid golfers can delight in a round of golf at the Ala Wai Golf Course, situated on the fringe of Waikīkī.

  1. Get served with aloha: Book a tennis lesson with Waikiki Tennis Lessons, with lessons taking place in Kapiʻolani Park.

  1. Play pickleball: Bring your paddle to Diamond Head Tennis Center for open play from 7am-2pm daily (most busy 9-11am).

  1. Workout on outdoor equipment: Fitness enthusiasts can workout at a number of outdoor exercise parks close too Waikīkī.

  1. Try floating yoga: Try floating yoga where the poses take place atop a stand-up paddleboard anchored out at sea.

  1. Cheer on The Bows: Watch a University of Hawaiʻi (UH) college sports game live, Hawaiʻi’s biggest live sports action.

Interactive Activities

Close up of a tattoo on forearm showcasing "Aloha" in script with a map of the green Hawaiian Islands.
Tattoo of the Hawaiian Islands. Credit: Clayton Davies

Unleash your creativity with hands-on experiences in Waikīkī. Capture a moment with a professional photo shoot, design your own jewelry or get messy with pottery. These activities let you craft lasting memories of your trip.

  1. Pose for a photo shoot: Connect with a professional photographer for a Hawaiʻi holiday photo shoot.

  1. Make your own jewelry: Create your own custom one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces at Gem Studio Hawaii.

  1. Mould a clay creation: Make your own pottery creation at The Clay Cafe (appointments only).

  1. Look up at the stars in Waikīkī: Join a stargazing experience at the International Market Place or Royal Hawaiian Center.

  1. Unleash your creativity: Learn painting and drawing techniques at one of Susan Brooks art classes in her studio.

  1. Workshop fun: Get creative at Hale Hana by making wood signs, suncatchers, dreamcatchers, snow globes or gel candles.

  1. Get ink’d on Oʻahu: For a permanent reminder of your time in Hawaiʻi, get a tattoo at one of many parlors on the island.

  1. Get pierced at a pop-up: Follow @prcdbybrandi, and if you’d like a piercing while on vacay feel free to reach out to her.

Nature-Based Activities

Aerial view of Kapiolani Park, Waikīkī with Diamond head in the background.
Aerial view of Kapiolani Park, Waikīkī. Credit: Douglas Peebles Photography

Reconnect with nature amidst Waikīkī’s outdoor splendor. Wander through serene parks, grill up a beachside feast or simply enjoy the calming sunset over the ocean. It’s the perfect way to slow down and savor the island’s natural beauty.

  1. Embrace nature at Kapiʻolani Park: Enjoy a leisurely stroll around Kapiʻolani Park, Honolulu’s central park.

  1. BBQ by Waikīkī Beach: Grill at Fort DeRussy Beach Park, an oceanfront recreation area with public barbecues.

  1. Catch sunset hour: Waikīkī sunsets have a reputation for being profound daily events, don’t miss them!

Local Events

A busy block party/street festival happening at night on Kalākaua Avenue in Waikīkī.
A block party/street festival on Kalākaua Avenue in Waikīkī.

Feel the pulse of Waikīkī through its vibrant events. Attend a local concert, stroll through a farmers’ market or catch a beachside film screening under the stars. The island’s calendar is packed with happenings for every interest.

  1. Dance at Duke’s Waikiki: Attend the renowned Duke’s on Sundays event with Henry Kapono every Sunday from 4-6pm.

  1. Support local artists: Visit Art on the Zoo Fence, an outdoor pop-up art gallery held every weekend from 9am-3pm.

  1. Buy fresh at the markets: Immerse yourself in Oʻahu’s local produce, prepared foods, arts and crafts at a farmers market.

  1. Go to church on the beach: Continue your Sunday church ritual while on vacation at the Waikiki Beach Church.

  1. Spectate at a Waikīkī parade: If your trip coincides with a Waikīkī parade, watch the procession down Kalākaua Avenue.

  1. Party on the main street: Join the festivities at one of Waikīkī’s block parties held along Kalākaua Avenue.

  1. Experience movie magic: If the dates align, attend a Sunset on the Beach movie screening on Queen’s Beach in Waikīkī.

In summary, there are plenty of things to do in Waikīkī, Hawaiʻi, whether you’re here for the first time or returning time and time again.

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Ashlee & Keliʻi

We’re residents, business owners and superhosts inside Waikīkī’s 96815 zip code. When it comes to enjoying the best of Waikīkī, Honolulu and Oʻahu, we’ve got you covered with all the good stuff you won’t want to miss! Follow travel advice from locals on our Waikīkī Beach Stays website and social media.

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