Waikīkī in July 2025: What’s New & Noteworthy

Stay in the loop — your July 2025 guide to what’s happening in Waikīkī, from local buzz and recent openings to island highlights and upcoming events.

We’re dialed into everything unfolding across Oʻahu this month — from exciting new arrivals to key destination updates and local insider tips worth knowing about.

Whether you’re planning your upcoming trip to Waikīkī or already here, we’ll keep you in the loop and help you make the most of your stay with the latest and greatest from Hawaiʻi.

Oʻahu Travel News

• In July 2025, we were thrilled to celebrate our friends at Hawaiian Style Rentals on 20 years of helping visitors explore Oʻahu by moped, scooter, e-bike and bicycle.

• Diamond Head State Monument’s hours are updated due to rockfall mitigation through 5 Sep 2025 — check their website for details.

• USS Arizona Memorial 56-day advance reservations will pause after 3 Sep 2025, due to preservation work; other Recreation.gov tours remain unaffected.

• Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve will close 8-23 Sep 2025, for an $840K project to repave and restripe its two main parking lots (280 stalls), weather permitting.

• A new way to get around Oʻahu has arrived — Zipcar, a membership-based car-sharing service, now lets users reserve vehicles by the hour or day directly from their phone.

• Downtown’s historic Hawaiʻi Theatre is getting its first major renovation in 30 years — a $1.5M exterior upgrade set to finish by October. The theatre remains open.

Island Hotel Updates

• Ala Moana Hotel is currently refurbishing its rooms with a fresh look featuring lei-inspired accent walls, modern lighting, new furniture, cabinetry and carpeting.

Dining & Drink Scene

• The Korean fried-chicken brand bb.q Chicken Hawaii, already popular in Kāhala and ʻAiea, has expanded into Waikīkī with a new location in the Waikīkī Shopping Plaza.

• Dean & DeLuca at Royal Hawaiian Center doubled in size, added bagels and soft serve, and is now the largest of its three Hawaiʻi locations.

• The Artisan Loft at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikīkī Beach has refreshed its signature 5-course Afternoon Tea, available Tue-Thu from 11:30am-3:30pm.

• Wolfgang’s Steakhouse in Waikīkī has opened “The W Lanai by Wolfgang Zwiener” — a relaxed, open-air terrace serving a daily Happy Hour menu from 3-6pm.

• Cosmic Records, a 90s-themed pop-up bar at Pearlridge Center, is open Fri-Sun, 6pm-12am through August. Expect retro décor, DJs spinning 90s hits and arcade games.

• The Pig & The Lady, a very popular modern Vietnamese restaurant, will relocate from Chinatown to Kaimukī in late 2025, returning to its roots on Waialae Avenue.

Things to Do, See & Experience

• In The Southern Sun, an immersive new art exhibit by Pow Wow, is now on display at Hyatt Regency Waikīkī, featuring murals and installations by Hawaiʻi-based artists.

• Jump aboard XploreRide — Oʻahu’s first virtual reality bus tour, where Hawaiʻi’s landscapes come alive with marine life, cultural stories and interactive VR scenes.

• Sip N’ Slide is a soda shop in Lāʻie with an indoor playground for kids under 8, where parents can bring in outside food, enjoy free Wi-Fi and relax while the keiki play.

• Jules and Gem, a local candle and fragrance retailer, will open its first brick-and-mortar location in South Shore Market at Ward Village on 26 Jul 2025.

• J.Crew Factory, the outlet version of the American clothing brand known for classic, preppy styles, has opened at Waikele Premium Outlets — Oʻahu’s only outlet mall.

• After a brief pause, axe-throwing at Blade & Timber is back in action — with coaches ready to help you stick the bullseye. Book your lane now (walk-ins welcome).

Top 10 July Events To Know

• Friends of the Library of Hawaiʻi Music & Book Sale (12-20 Jul): Stock up on discounted books, music and media while supporting Hawaiʻi’s libraries.

• Honolulu Night Market (19 Jul): Experience Kakaʻako’s vibrant block party with food trucks, fashion, art and music bringing the neighborhood to life after dark.

• Prince Lot Hula Festival (19 Jul): Celebrate Hawaiian culture with award-winning hula performances and cultural demonstrations at this event at Queen Kapiʻolani Park.

• Summer by the Ocean Festival on Kalākaua Avenue from 4-10pm (19 Jul): Head to Kalākaua Avenue for live music, local vendors and entertainment.

• Kapena Live at Waikīkī Shell (25 Jul): Enjoy local music legends Kapena in concert under the stars at the iconic Waikīkī Shell — an evening full of island vibes.

• For the complete lineup of July happenings, see our Oʻahu Events in July calendar.