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Better BeachCanada & USAMexico & Caribbean

Waikiki Beach – Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

by Jack Cheng September 19, 2018
written by Jack Cheng September 19, 2018
Waikiki Beach

About Waikiki

Known as “spouting water”, Waikiki and its narrow, sandy beachfront was once a favourite retreat for Hawaiian royalties. Today, this cosmopolitan South Shore neighbourhood in Oahu sprawls with shops, restaurants, and 5-star resorts along its bustling boardwalks.

Popular among vacationers and locals alike, Waikiki is a buzzing spot for watersports, soaking in the island’s bohemian vibe, and catching golden sunsets dipping below a mesmerizing horizon. Here, contemporary shopping complexes and boutique stores line Kalakaua Avenue before giving way to the imposing, volcanic slopes of Diamond Head.

Hints of Hawaiian tradition are never far, and they accentuate every shop, bar, and restaurant mere steps away from the statue of its homegrown hero and Olympian, Duke Kahanamoku.

Attractions & Landmarks

Duke Kahanamoku Statue 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BbfOWhPBbvZ/

Duke Paoa Kahanamoku remained one of Hawaii’s most revered local hero. The Olympic swimmer and two-time gold medalist brought modern surfing into popularity and taught others how to surf at Waikiki Beach. On Kuhio Beach, a bronze statue of Duke stands with both hands outstretched holding lanai wreaths welcoming visitors, capturing his likeness in life as the “Hawaiian Ambassador of Aloha.”

Hilton Hawaiian Village

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See you at our Friday Night Fireworks! 7:45pm. #fridaynightfireworks #hiltonhawaiianvillage #ourgifttowaikiki Mahalo @abi_grams

A post shared by Waikiki's Beach Front Resort (@hiltonhawaiianvillage) on Apr 18, 2019 at 3:02pm PDT

Among the most iconic resorts by the beaches, Hilton Hawaiian owns a 22-acre property with an artificial lagoon, luau venues, and hosts weekly Friday night fireworks. The resort features live performances with fire knife dancers, musical concerts, and several terrace pools and barside pools.

Fort DeRussy

https://www.instagram.com/p/BsPuTkcgxQv/

A former military garrison, Fort DeRussy was repurposed into a beach park and a museum. Battery Randolph now houses hundreds of military artifacts, weapons, and war machines, most noticeably with a Cobra helicopter parked outside of the compound.

Kapiolani Park and Gardens

https://www.instagram.com/p/ByEGNqNnyQG/

The largest park in Hawaii, Kapiolani was named after one of the islands’ last queens and encompasses 300-acres of grassy land and a botanical garden. It’s popular among the locals as an outdoor sports venue and features a concert theatre, the Waikiki Shell, and a zoo.

Honolulu Zoo and Fence

https://www.instagram.com/p/ByBvFE6lxyn/

A 42-acre zoo located at the northern edge of Kapiolani Park, Honolulu Zoo is home to thousands of tropical animals and African wildlife. Here, you’ll find giraffes, elephants, and lion enclosures a short walk away from flamingos and reptiles. It opens from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm daily with last admission at 4:30 pm and closes on Christmas. The zoo’s southside fence is an informal outdoor display of artwork from local artists.

Waikiki Aquarium

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(5-27-19) "The next stop…The Aquarium"…#myohana #waikikiaquarium #honolulu #oahu #hawaii #mondayfunday #luckywelivehawaii

A post shared by Sam Berinobis (@samberinobis) on May 28, 2019 at 3:19pm PDT

Opened in 1904, Waikiki Aquarium is the second oldest aquarium in the U.S. It grew over the century from a modest 35-tank exhibit to containing more than 4,000 species of fish, 7,000 forms of marine life indigenous to northwestern Hawaiian islands.

Waikiki Beach Walk

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A post shared by ZZH (@elvira_bbgirl) on May 30, 2019 at 2:18am PDT

Waikiki’s modern boardwalk is filled with places to shop, dine, enjoy live music, and to take in the stunning oceanfront views. This sleek beachside promenade is perfect for enjoying authentic Honolulu city life and hunt down a few souvenirs including a ukulele.

Shopping

Kalakaua Avenue

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Looking up Kalakaua Avenue toward Diamond Head at night. WOW..how magnificent! #kalakauaavenue #kalakaua #diamondhead #waikiki #waikikibeach #waikikiholiday #honolulu #honoluluholiday #hawaii #hawaiianholiday #waikikibeachatnight #waikikiskyline #beach #beachholiday #beachvacation #iamatraveler #travelabout #cntraveler

A post shared by Kenny Edmonds (@kennyedmonds) on Apr 19, 2019 at 10:27pm PDT

One of the main thoroughfares in Waikiki, Kalakaua is sprinkled with hundreds of stores and Hawaiian-style eateries. A pleasure to explore on foot, this avenue is the place to go designer shop-hopping, pick out a ukulele, and grab quick bites at the farmer’s market.

Ala Moana Center

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx5w-3anOSQ/

The largest shopping mall in Hawaii, Ala Moana features over 300 open-air stores connected by cobbled walkways. This busy shopping hotspot is complete with luxury designer stores, boutique shops, and restaurants surrounded by tropical-themed gardens.

International Marketplace

https://www.instagram.com/p/BvIu4OSBciu/

A historic shopping complex built around tropical gardens and a 100-year-old Banyan tree, International Marketplace is highly walkable and contains three-levels of shops, restaurants, and boutique stores. Recently restored and reopened in 2016,  International Marketplace now has a stage for live traditional Hawaiian performances and dozens more designer brand stores.

Royal Hawaiian Center

https://www.instagram.com/p/ByCqVrjnuRQ/

The Royal Hawaiian Centre is centrally located on Kalakaua Avenue and is consist of hundreds of shops and restaurants. From upscale retailers to luxury brand stores and jewellery stores, Royal Hawaiian’s marketplace is considered one of the premier shopping destinations in Hawaii. It also offers family-friendly cultural activities and traditional performances from Monday to Saturday.

Beaches

Duke Kahanamoku

https://www.instagram.com/p/BEHwX1LDCKu/

Located at the front of Hilton Hawaiian Village Resort, Duke Kahanamoku is protected by a seawall and, as a result, has the calmest waters among the beaches. It’s a hotspot for watersports, quick access to an artificial lagoon, and a prime location for catching the resort’s Friday night fireworks.

Fort DeRussy

https://www.instagram.com/p/BE1RZhrIM9t/

A grassy beach park next to the Museum of Military History, Fort DeRussy Beach is shaded by palms and dotted with picnic tables, tennis courts, and volleyball nets. It’s ideal for family activities, outdoor BBQs, and for spending a quiet afternoon.

Gray’s Beach

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カヴェヘヴェへ #hawaii #halekulani #浄化 #aloha

A post shared by mikitty..❤︎ (@plumerianet) on Aug 28, 2018 at 12:52pm PDT

A small dab of sand right next to the Halekulani Hotel, Gray’s Beach suffered from erosion and lost most of its body over the decades. However, the beach is known as one of the oldest sections of Waikiki and a nice spot for a nighttime stroll after a few drinks at the nearby bar lounges.

Royal Hawaiian

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明日5月4日(土)朝8時から放送の「朝だ!生です旅サラダ」@tabisalad (朝日放送・テレビ朝日系列)では、ゲストの佐々木蔵之介さんが旅するハワイが特集されますがロイヤル ハワイアンもその中で登場予定です。ぜひお楽しみに。 . . . #ロイヤルハワイアン #ロイヤルハワイアンホテル #royal_hawaiian #royalhawaiian #royalhawaiianjp #royalhawaiianhotel #ハワイ #ワイキキ #ピンクパレス #ワイキキビーチ #hawaii #waikiki #theroyalhawaiian #佐々木蔵之介 #朝だ生です旅サラダ #旅サラダ

A post shared by ロイヤル ハワイアン ラグジュアリー コレクション リゾート (@royalhawaiianjp) on May 3, 2019 at 3:12am PDT

Named after the adjacent Royal Hawaiian Resort, this lively waterfront fringes highrise hotels, bars, and restaurants. Popularly known as Waikiki Beach Center, this beach is one of the busiest surf spots in the area. It’s perfect for parasailing, outrigger canoe rides, and other watersports.

Kuhio

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ちょっと高いところからクヒオビーチ。 #kuhiobeach #waikiki #honolulu #hawaii #ハワイ好きな人と繋がりたい #クヒオビーチ #ワイキキ #ホノルル #ハワイ

A post shared by 毎日がハワイ気分! (@hawaii_kibun) on Dec 25, 2018 at 9:50am PST

A busy stretch of Waikiki hemmed in by a concrete enclosure, Kuhio is frequented by locals and travellers for its easy access to bars, restaurants, and nightly hula shows at nearby resorts. You’ll also find three landmarks here: the Duke Kahanamoku Statue, Prince Kuhio Statue, and the Stones of Kapaemahu.

Queen’s

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#kapiolanipark #kapiolanibeach #kapiolanibeachpark #waikiki #honolulu #hawaii #beach #banyantree #resort #usa #lifeguard #lifesaver #diamondhead

A post shared by 空と海の輝きに向けて (@island_hopper_737) on Sep 21, 2017 at 2:32am PDT

Located near the tail end of Waikiki, Queen’s Beach is comparably quieter than the resort front Royal Hawaiian and Kuhio. Neighbouring Kapiolani Park and Honolulu Zoo, Queen’s Beach is perfect for family outings, sitting in on live concerts and entertainments, and playing watersports by Waikiki Wall.

San Souci

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이제 마지막 와이키키 산책 Day 28_ 나 떠난다고 아침부터 비오고 무지개 나오고 난리남 #하와이안북극곰 #하와이 #하와이여행 #와이키키 #와이키키비치 #카피올라니공원 #무지개 #hawaii #waikiki #kapiolanipark #sansoucibeach #rainbow

A post shared by Bora Han (@alohanbora) on Dec 28, 2016 at 12:42pm PST

Connected to Queen’s Beach, San Souci’s flat, white sand is ideal for sunbathing and lounging, and is only steps away from grassy picnic areas. Just off its coast, there is a bar of coral reefs surrounded by marine wildlife, making San Souci a hotspot for snorkelling, kayaking, and surfing.

Kaimana

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bv0BD3znbBu/

Also known as Outrigger Canoe Club Beach, Kaimana is at the very end of Waikiki and one of the most secluded parts of the coast. It provides a nice vantage point to catch Hilton Hawaiian’s Friday night fireworks from a distance and a romantic spot to catch the sunset. The beach offers quick access to Diamond Head hiking trails and Kapiolani Park.

 

Let our Expert Travellers help you experience authentic Hawaiian life in Waikiki, call 1877-967-5302, live chat, or visit us in-store today and ask about Better Beach Hawaii!

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