8 Waikīkī Beaches Explained [Updated 2025]

Get ready to soak up the sun, sand and surf as we explore Waikīkī’s eight beautiful beaches, each with its own unique draw.

We feel incredibly lucky to have Waikīkī Beach as our “backyard.” With eight distinct sections along the shoreline, we pick our spot based on the vibe we’re after that day.

For a classic Waikīkī Beach day, visit Royal Moana Beach. If you’re with kids, Kūhiō Beach Park’s calm waters are best. Hate sand? Relax at grassy Fort DeRussy Beach Park. But wait, there’s more!

In this post, we explore what sets each section of Waikīkī Beach apart.

1. Duke Kahanamoku Beach

Mellow waves, Waikīkī’s widest sand and home to Friday night fireworks!

📍 Duke Kahanamoku Beach
🅿️ Ala Wai Boat Harbor Parking
🛟 Lifeguards: None
🚿 Facilities: Restroom, Shower
🏝️ Rentals: Waikiki Beach Activities
🌊 Surf Breaks: Rockpiles, Kaiser’s

Duke Kahanamoku Beach, named after Hawaiʻi’s legendary waterman, sits at the far west end of Waikīkī Beach beside the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort.

With Waikīkī’s widest stretch of sand and protection from an offshore coral reef that tames the waves, it’s an ideal spot for families with small children.

Next to the beach is Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon, an artificial saltwater “pool” that offers kayak, stand-up paddleboard and aqua bike rentals, as well as a chill spot to float around.

It boasts stunning sunset views and a front-row seat to Waikīkī’s free weekly fireworks show, launched from the lagoon every Friday night at 7:45pm or 8pm depending on time of year.

Where to eat and drink near Duke Kahanamoku Beach:

2. Fort DeRussy Beach Park

The perfect mix of beach and parkland, a recreational playground for all.

📍 Fort DeRussy Beach Park
🅿️ Fort DeRussy Parking Lot
🛟 Lifeguards: None
🚿 Facilities: Restroom, Shower, Picnic Tables
🏝️ Rentals: Waikiki Shore Beach Rentals
🌊 Surf Breaks: Fours, Threes

Fort DeRussy Beach Park, once a military installation and still managed by the U.S. Army, now serves as a spacious public retreat on the west side of Waikīkī.

This section of Waikīkī Beach blends sandy shores with grassy fields, offering visitors the choice of lounging on the beach or relaxing on soft grass under shaded trees just steps away.

A popular recreational gathering spot, it features beach volleyball nets, pickleball courts and barbecue grills — and is our favorite location for having a picnic in Waikīkī.

Several food and bar vendors under the Waikiki Shore provide easy access to snacks. To deepen your visit, stop by the on-site U.S. Army Museum of Hawaiʻi for historical context of the area.

Where to eat and drink near Fort DeRussy Beach Park:

3. Kawehewehe (Gray’s Beach)

A tide-dependent treasure, with waters revered for their healing power.

📍 Gray’s Beach
🅿️ Fort DeRussy Parking Lot
🛟 Lifeguards: None
🚿 Facilities: None
🏝️ Rentals: None
🌊 Surf Breaks: None

Gray’s Beach, a small pocket of Waikīkī Beach, holds spiritual significance. Traditionally known as Kawehewehe, Hawaiian for “to release or undo,” it has long been recognized as a healing site.

Native Hawaiians came here to cleanse spiritually, physically and emotionally in the ocean. Fed by underwater freshwater springs, the waters still offer a place for quiet reflection and renewal.

Coastal erosion has narrowed the sandy shoreline here, making it visible only at low tide. During high tide, waves often reach the seawall, leaving little to no beach — so plan your visit accordingly.

Access to the beach is primarily via a pathway off Kālia Road, wedged between Halekulani Hotel and Sheraton Waikīkī Beach Resort. These hotels provide nearby dining, bars and restrooms.

Where to eat and drink near Kawehewehe:

4. Royal Moana Beach

This beach captures the essence of a quintessential Waikīkī Beach day.

📍 Royal Moana Beach
🅿️ Royal Hawaiian Center Parking
🛟 Lifeguards: Tower 2A & 2B
🚿 Facilities: Restroom, Shower
🏝️ Rentals: Waikiki Beach Services
🌊 Surf Breaks: Populars, Canoes

Royal Moana Beach, also known as Royal Hawaiian Beach, spans the length between Waikīkī’s most historic hotels, between The Royal Hawaiian and the Moana Surfrider.

This lively stretch of sand is the central hub for beach rentals and an endless array of ocean adventures, not to mention some of the best people-watching in town!

With luxury resorts, beachfront bars, restaurants and food concession stands a short stroll away, you’ll have easy access to everything, including over 90 shops inside the Royal Hawaiian Center.

Arrive early to snag a good spot and soak in the prime view of iconic Lēʻahi (Diamond Head) — placing yourself right in the heart of Waikīkī Beach, where all the action unfolds.

Where to eat and drink near Royal Moana Beach:

5. Kūhiō Beach Park

Waikīkī’s top family beach, designed for kid-friendly fun in the sun.

📍 Kūhiō Beach Park
🅿️ Honolulu Zoo Parking Lot
🛟 Lifeguards: Tower 2C, 2DP & 2D
🚿 Facilities: Restroom, Showers, Picnic Tables
🏝️ Rentals: Pacific Island Beach Boys
🌊 Surf Breaks: Queen’s, Cunha’s

Kūhiō Beach Park is Waikīkī’s most family-friendly beach, thanks to its breakwater (structures built into the sea to protect the shoreline) making it ideal for children and less experienced swimmers.

The beach is well-equipped with restrooms, a police station, multiple lifeguards and beachside food concession stands for snacks, while eateries and convenience stores sit just across the road.

Shady coconut trees and lush landscaping enhance this bustling recreational area, home to the iconic Duke Kahanamoku statue and a hula mound hosting free weekly hula performances.

At the Diamond Head end of this beach, the Waikīkī Wall (Kapahulu Groin) offers a scenic walkway. It’s a great photo opportunity and a popular jumping off spot for local keiki (kids).

Where to eat and drink near Kūhiō Beach Park:

6. Queen’s Surf Beach

A go-to for local volleyballers, serious sunbakers and aspiring board riders.

📍 Queen’s Surf Beach
🅿️ Kapiʻolani Park Metered Parking
🛟 Lifeguards: Tower 2E
🚿 Facilities: Restroom, Shower
🏝️ Rentals: Pacific Island Beach Boys
🌊 Surf Breaks: Walls

Queen’s Surf Beach stretches from the Waikīkī Wall (Kapahulu Groin) to Waikīkī Aquarium and its big patch of sand provides a less crowded alternative to the beaches in central Waikīkī.

Metered parking at Kapiʻolani Park make it a convenient and popular spot for locals. The beach hosts volleyball tournaments and events like movie nights, adding to its community appeal.

With limited shade and a wide-open shoreline, it’s ideal for sunbathers. It’s also a great spot to rent a surfboard, bodyboard or stand-up paddleboard and head straight into Waikīkī’s mellow waves.

Sunset viewing is a buzz, with the pier providing a scenic backdrop for photos. The area transforms into a vibrant gathering spot as the day winds down — relax and enjoy the view!

Where to eat and drink near Queen’s Surf Beach:

7. Kapiʻolani Beach Park

The gateway to Waikīkī’s biggest park and best nearshore snorkeling.

📍 Kapiʻolani Beach Park
🅿️ Kapiʻolani Park Metered Parking
🛟 Lifeguards: Tower 2F
🚿 Facilities: Restroom, Shower
🏝️ Rentals: None
🌊 Surf Breaks: Publics

Kapiʻolani Beach Park is an extension of Queen’s Surf Beach on Waikīkī’s east side. It’s bookended by the popular Barefoot Beach Café and the Waikīkī Aquarium.

It’s predominantly an oceanfront parkland rather than a sandy shore. A cliffside wall draws sunset crowds with unobstructed ocean views, while pathways winding within the park attract joggers.

Though it lacks a “beach”, a small ocean entry leads to the Waikīkī Marine Life Conservation District, where marine life thrive and make it one of Waikīkī’s top nearshore snorkeling sites.

Shaded picnic tables make it a popular gathering place for locals hosting picnics, barbecues and tented parties. Nearby, you’ll also find tennis courts, soccer fields, the zoo and aquarium.

Where to eat and drink near Kapiʻolani Beach Park:

8. Kaimana Beach

The boutique side of Waikīkī Beach — a hidden gem for those in the know!

📍 Kaimana Beach
🅿️ Kapiʻolani Park Metered Parking
🛟 Lifeguards: Tower 2H
🚿 Facilities: Restroom, Shower
🏝️ Rentals: Pro Surf School
🌊 Surf Breaks: Castles, Tongg’s

Kaimana Beach, at Waikīkī’s far east end, takes its name from the Hawaiian word for “diamond,” a nod to nearby Diamond Head — mistakenly believed by British sailors to contain gems.

Once known as Sans Souci Beach, this beach’s original name comes from a former hotel on-site — Sans Souci, French for “without a care” — perfectly capturing the beach’s carefree spirit.

A large coral reef located about 30ft (9m) offshore softens the waves, creating a pool-like environment perfect for lap swimming, snorkeling and floating on inflatables.

While locals keep it busy on the weekends, it remains less hectic than central Waikīkī beaches. The Hau Tree restaurant and a coffee shop offer great nearby dining options.

Where to eat and drink near Kaimana Beach:

In summary, no trip to Waikīkī is complete without embracing its iconic shoreline, where eight distinct beaches cater to every kind of beachgoer.