Waikiki Beach

The Basics

Waikiki Beach is one of the best spots on Oahu to get out on the water with a surfing lesson or stand-up paddleboarding tour. It’s also possible to check out the beach aboard a duck or catamaran sunset tour, or gaze into the ocean on a submarine excursion. If you’d rather relax, soak up the sun on the sandy beach. The site is visited on most Oahu tours, including those that also hit other Honolulu highlights like the Bishop Museum, Iolani Palace, and Chinatown before heading farther afield to the Polynesian Cultural Center on the North Shore, Hanauma Bay, and Sea Life Park Hawaii on the east side of the island. Visitors who want to cram in the most sites on Oahu can even book helicopter or circle-island tours, both of which depart from Waikiki and showcase the entire island.

Know Before You Go

• Waikiki Beach is a must-see for first-timers to Oahu and beginning surfers.

• If you’re not staying in one of the Waikiki hotels—and even if you are—parking can be expensive and hard to find. If possible, leave the driving up to tour companies and bus drivers.

• Waikiki is warm and sunny year-round. Don’t forget your sunblock, hat, sunglasses, and bathing suit—though if you do, rest assured you can find a shop with replacements.

• Lifeguards are staffed at lookouts along Waikiki Beach. Though conditions are usually calm and great for swimming year-round, heed the lifeguard’s warnings and exit the water if necessary.

How to Get There

Waikiki is just east of downtown Honolulu on Oahu’s southern shore, and about eight miles (12.5 kilometers) from Honolulu International Airport. The main stretch of Waikiki Beach is along Kalakaua Avenue, parallel to the sea, which stretches east to Kapiolani Park and Diamond Head. The Waikiki Trolley connects the downtown Ala Moana Center with Waikiki.

When to Get There

Waikiki Beach is popular year-round, but summer, spring, and winter school holidays are the busiest times. To make the most of your trip, time your visit with one Waikiki’s many festivals and parades, such as the King Kamehameha Floral Parade in June, the Spam Jam in late April, or the Aloha Festival Floral Parade, usually held in late September.

The Duke Kahanamoku Statue

One can’t-miss Waikiki Beach landmark is the nine-foot (2.75-meter) bronze statue of Duke Kahanamoku Statue, the king of surfing. Following tradition, visitors drape leis around Duke’s neck and arms; it’s not uncommon for the man to sport fistfuls of purple orchids and be buried up to his eyeballs in plumeria. Duke Kahanamoku was a Waikiki local who is credited with popularizing the ancient Hawaiian sport of surfing and once won an Olympic gold medal in swimming.

Is Waikiki Beach worth going to?

Yes. Waikiki Beach has been an iconic destination since the 1950s. With an abundance of opportunities to surf, paddleboard, and soak up the sun, the beach truly captures the beauty of Hawaii. Plus, virtually every hotel and resort has sea views, as they line the entire curve of the bay.

Can you walk the entire Waikiki Beach?

Yes, you can walk across Waikiki Beach. This is a great way to explore the beach, complete with its sparkling blue waters and golden sands that stretch for 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) around the bay. You'll encounter a bustling boardwalk and plenty of shops and bars along the way.

What are the best months to visit Waikiki Beach?

Skip Waikiki’s high season of December to March if you want to avoid big crowds and high prices. Try October and November for far fewer crowds and temperatures around 85°F (29°C). As an alternative, try April and May when the crowds haven't picked up again for summer.

How do you spend a day at Waikiki Beach?

Start the day with a refreshing dip in the ocean, followed by a stroll along the beach to admire the views of Diamond Head. After brunch at one of the many cafés, consider trying to surf or paddleboard. At sunset, grab a cocktail from a beachside bar.

What tours can you do from Waikiki Beach?

There are plenty of tours from Waikiki Beach. For ocean-based activities, a snorkeling tour is perfect for discovering the colorful marine life or take a glass-bottom boat if you want to stay dry. Adrenaline junkies might want to hike up Diamond Head or take a scenic helicopter flight.

Can you walk on Waikiki Beach at night?

Yes, you can walk on Waikiki Beach at night—it's much calmer and quieter than during the day. It's safe to wander around at night along the beach, and the warm Hawaiian breeze against your skin is nothing short of magical. It's even better if you can catch the sunset, too.

Ways to explore

Waikiki Beach is one of the best spots on Oahu to get out on the water with a surfing lesson or stand-up paddleboarding tour. It’s also possible to check out the beach aboard a sunset boat cruise, or gaze into the ocean on a submarine adventure.

Alternatively, soak up the sun on the sandy beach if you’d rather simply relax. Visitors who want to maximize their sightseeing opportunities can book a circle-island or a helicopter tour. Many excursions depart from Waikiki and showcase the island’s headline sights, including the Bishop Museum, Iolani Palace, and Chinatown.

Accessibility

Accessible restrooms, paved walkways along beachfront (no beach wheelchairs available), accessible parking areas

Age limits

None; the beach is family-friendly.

What to pack

Reef-safe sunscreen, water bottle, beach towel, snorkel gear, waterproof phone case, beach umbrella or tent, cooler with snacks

What to wear

Swimwear, sun hat, sunglasses, flip-flops or water shoes, cover-up

Not allowed

Smoking on the beach, feeding wildlife, removing sand or coral, overnight camping, alcohol in public areas

Amenities

Lifeguards, restrooms, showers, beach equipment rentals, restaurants, shops, hotels, surfboard rentals, parking (paid)

Address

If you’re staying on Oahu, odds are good that you’re staying on or near Waikiki Beach. Most visitors get here on foot or by car, taxi, shuttle, or tour.

Driving

Take the H-1 freeway to the Waikiki exits. There’s limited parking available at hotels and public lots, costing from around US$10 to US$30 per day.

Public transportation

The Honolulu city bus (TheBus) serves Waikiki via routes 14, 20, 42, and more. Airport shuttle services, taxis, and ridesharing services are widely available.

Best times to visit

Early morning for fewer crowds and calm conditions, or late afternoon for sunset views and cooler temperatures.

Best days to visit

Weekdays tend to be less crowded than weekends. If you can, avoid major holidays and school breaks.

Best months to visit

The shoulder season months see fewer crowds and boast good weather: April, May, September, October, and November. December to March offer whale-watching opportunities.

Special events

Check out the Honolulu Festival in March, Duke's OceanFest in August, Waikiki Spam Jam in April, the Hawaii Food & Wine Festival in October, and the Honolulu Marathon in December.