Whether you’re seeking tranquil moments on the ocean or high-energy sea adventures, Waikīkī offers endless ways to enjoy its crystal-clear waters.

Shot of blue ocean of Waikīkī with a person parasailing in the distance.
Parasailing, one of the best things to do on Waikīkī Beach. Credit: Ryan Tishken

Having lived by Waikīkī’s shores for years, we’ve developed a deep love for its waters. Exploring the ocean here isn’t just an activity — it’s the ultimate way to connect with Hawaiʻi.

Catch waves that shaped Hawaiʻi’s surf culture, snorkel reefs brimming with Pacific marine life or sail smoothly by Lēʻahi (Diamond Head) on a catamaran — Waikīkī’s ocean adventures are epic!

In this post, we share our local recommendations for the best Waikīkī Beach activities.

Table of Contents

1. Make Waves at Waikīkī Beach

Girl surfing in Waikīkī with the featuring Diamond Head in the background.
Waikīkī Beach surfing lesson. Credit: Charis Hildebrando

Surfboards, paddle boards and bodyboards are literally at your feet on Waikīkī Beach, along with some of the best instructors in the business!

Perfect your water sport skills with options for all skill levels. Choose group, semi-private or private sessions or rent boards by the hour, day, or week.

2. Ride Hawaiʻi’s Original Rollercoaster

Aerial View of a Hawaiian Outrigger Canoe in action on Waikīkī Beach.
Outrigger Canoe Surfing. Credit: Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority

Outrigger canoe surfing offers an iconic Waikīkī Beach experience — a guided paddle out to sea followed by an exhilarating ride back to shore.

Once the official sport of Hawaiian royalty, this ocean activity is a Hawaiʻi vacation must-do. A suitable ocean activity for groups of 4-6 people.

3. Snorkel & Swim with Sea Turtles

A green sea turtle swimming near the surface of the waters of Waikīkī, Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi with Diamond Head in the background.
Waikīkī’s Turtle Canyon. Credit: RugliG

Waikīkī’s offshore reef system, Turtle Canyon, is one of the island’s top spots for snorkeling with tropical fish and Hawaiian green sea turtles.

Hop on a boat to “Turtle Town” and explore an underwater world, with chances to spot spinner dolphins and humpback whales (Dec–May).

4. Have Fun on Floating Waterparks

A recreational boat with waterslide and floating platform anchored off Waikīkī with city skyline and greenery in the background.
A Waikīkī waterpark. Credit: Living Ocean Tours

Dive into an ocean playground off Waikīkī’s coast, where floating waterparks offer the perfect mix of thrills and tranquility.

Spend the day zipping down inflatable waterslides, bouncing on water trampolines, lounging on floating rafts and more.

5. Soar Above Paradise on a Parasail

A rainbow parasail sailing off the coast of Waikīkī with a deep blue ocean setting.
Parasailing off Waikīkī. Credit: Hawaiian Parasail

Embark on an exhilarating parasail adventure, soaring high above the sparkling ocean with breathtaking views of Oʻahu’s South Shore.

Small-group parasailing tours depart from Ala Wai or Kewalo Basin harbors, featuring a scenic boat ride before your flight over paradise.

6. Live the Glass Bottom Boat Life

Passengers enjoy scenic views of Waikīkī's skyline & Diamond Head aboard a glass-bottom boat tour in Waikīkī.
Hawaii Glass Bottom Boats. Credit: @Hawaii_Isla808

A glass bottom boat tour offers a unique view of Waikīkī’s underwater world without getting wet, from tropical reefs and shipwrecks to sea life.

Opt for a daylight cruise, a sunset tour for golden-hour beauty, a fireworks ride for a special show or a sightseeing tour for wildlife spotting.

7. Hop on Waikīkī’s Iconic Catamarans

Two catamarans sail side by side in the crystal clear waters of Waikīkī.
Maita’i and Holokai Catamarans.

Catamaran cruises are a quintessential Waikīkī Beach activity, often departing directly from the sand and offering a stable and smooth ride.

Bask in the sun on a daytime catamaran cruise — an ideal way to relax and unwind on vacation. Several well-known vessels remain local favorites.

8. Sail Away Into the Sunset

Passengers enjoy ocean views at sunset aboard a catamaran sailing in Waikīkī.
Holokai Catamaran Sunset Sail.

Slip into holiday mode on a Waikīkī sunset cruise, savoring postcard-worthy views of Honolulu’s skyline as the sun sinks below the horizon.

This dusk sail is the perfect introduction to Hawaiʻi or a memorable farewell, offering a serene and scenic way to embrace the islands.

9. Dine at Sea on a Dinner Cruise

View of Ocean with dinner cruise boat on the ocean and palm trees in the foreground.
Sunset Dinner Cruise. Credit: Star of Honolulu Cruises

Dress up, step aboard and let your worries drift away as you wine and dine at sea. Take holiday snaps, savor local food and meet fellow travelers.

These Honolulu dinner cruises depart just outside Waikīkī. Enjoy a buffet and show, a multi-course meal with entertainment or fine dining with jazz.

10. Go VIP on a Private Boat Charter

A couple on a private boat charter at sunset in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi.
Private Sunset Cruise. Credit: Captain Bruce Private Yacht Charters

For a VIP voyage, book a private boat charter and enjoy Waikīkī on your own terms. Anchor offshore for a swim or enjoy a fully-catered sunset sail.

From sleek yachts to spacious catamarans, there’s a vessel for every occasion — intimate gatherings, special celebrations or sea escapes.

11. Whale Watch off Waikīkī’s Coast

A humpback whale’s fins rise dramatically from the ocean against a vibrant rainbow in Hawaiʻi.
Koholā (humpback whale) in Hawaiʻi. Credit: Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority/Joe West

Whale watching is a top winter activity in Hawaiʻi (Dec–May). Cruise Oʻahu’s South Shore in search of its seasonal visitors, the humpback whales.

Beyond these gentle giants, soak up stunning views of Oʻahu’s mountains, volcanic craters and city skyline, enhancing this exciting journey.

12. Scuba Dive Reefs & Wrecks

A group of scuba divers prepares to explore the clear waters off Waikīkī Beach with the iconic Honolulu skyline in the background.
Scuba diving in Waikīkī. Credit: Felix Mizioznikov

Explore Oʻahu below the surface on a scuba diving tour — for beginners getting started or certified divers seeking their next adventure.

The island offers outstanding dive opportunities, including shallow reef dives, deep dives to shipwrecks and even nocturnal dives.

13. Reel In Big Hawai’i Fish

Two men with wide brimmed sun hats on, fishing off a boat out to sea.
Oʻahu Private Fishing. Credit: Honolulu Charter Fishing

As a Pacific island chain, Hawaiʻi is a premier destination for fishing adventures. Come reel in blue marlin, mahi mahi, ahi, ono or aku.

At Kewalo Basin Harbor, just 15-minutes from Waikīkī, a fleet of boats is available to take you on a shared or private fishing charter.

14. Descend in a Real Submarine

A submarine glides across the deep blue waters near Waikīkī, offering a unique underwater adventure to explore, Hawaiʻi's marine life.
Atlantis Submarine Tour in Waikīkī.

Atlantis, a real submarine, takes you 100ft (30m) deep, revealing sunken ships, reef structures and marine life — all without getting wet.

This eco-friendly tour offers a unique perspective on Hawaiʻi’s sea life. Keep an eye out for fish, sea turtles and even reef sharks!

15. Elevate Your Waikīkī Beach Day

Aerial view of Waikīkī Beach with blue beach umbrellas lining the shore.
Beach umbrellas on Waikīkī Beach. Credit: Andy Stenz

Live it up on Waikīkī Beach by renting a beach umbrella and chair set. Relax in the shade and soak up the holiday atmosphere!

Several companies provide rentals along the shoreline, and you have the option to book in advance to guarantee your spot.

In summary, when in comes to Waikīkī Beach activities, let’s be clear — getting out on the ocean isn’t just an option, it’s the ultimate Hawaiʻi experience!

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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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