Waikiki Beach

Waikiki Beach showing general coastal views, surfing and a sunset
Pack your shorts or bikini and surf, swim, or just sit back under a palm tree and enjoy the Aloha spirit at Hawaii’s most famous beach.

You know that you’re in Hawaii when you step onto the pristine white sand of world-famous Waikiki Beach. Dip your toes into the warm Pacific waters and watch the surfers show off their moves on the waves, or sit back in the shade of a palm tree and gaze up at the green slopes of Diamond Head.

For a swim, jump in at the western end of the beach, where a reef creates a natural lagoon. This is the safest place, as it’s well away from the waves and surfboards.

If you’ve always wanted to give surfing a go, then Waikiki is the place to do it. The gentle rollers here are perfect for beginners, and you’ll find several companies on the beach willing to show you the ropes. After your lesson, be sure to check out the larger-than-life statue of Duke Kahanamoku, which stands with open arms on the promenade behind the beach. A former Olympic swimming champion, “The Duke” is also credited with introducing the sport of surfing to the world.

If all that paddling isn’t your idea of a relaxing holiday, then Waikiki Beach is a great place to spend a lazy afternoon in the sun. There’ll almost always be something to keep you amused, with regular shows including hula competitions and outrigger canoe races, as well as the acrobatic tandem surfing. It is astonishing to see two people perform athletic circus acts while riding the waves.

When evening comes, the beach becomes one of the island’s most romantic places to enjoy a sunset. On Friday nights, the spectacular colors of the Polynesian sky are matched by a free fireworks show at the western end of the beach. The beach is lined with hotel bars, restaurants and nightclubs.

Waikiki Beach is a great place to swim, surf and relax any time of year. Its popularity means that it does get crowded, but you’ll often find quieter areas in front of Kapiolani Park. While the public beach is generally a safe place to visit, never leave your valuables unattended.

Plan a trip to see Waikiki Beach

Ilikai by Luana Hawaii Vacation Rentals
Ala Moana Hotelcondo by Luana Vacation Rental
OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beach Resort
Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Browse tours and tickets to explore Waikiki Beach

Reviews of Waikiki Beach

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
2212
" "5 - Excellent 52.729439809296785%
4 - Good
1551
" "4 - Good 36.97258641239571%
3 - Okay
356
" "3 - Okay 8.486293206197855%
2 - Disappointing
61
" "2 - Disappointing 1.4541120381406436%
1 - Terrible
15
" "1 - Terrible 0.3575685339690107%

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler
Mar 20, 2020

Very small beach with limited space

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Mar 16, 2020

This portion of beach is nice and great swimming spot.. was a lil surprised by the amount of homeless here though, they didn’t bother anyone but it was unexpected

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Feb 24, 2020

Great beach, busy, nice swimming, beware lots of homeless people.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Feb 22, 2020

Can't find any parking place.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Feb 19, 2020

Waikiki beach is a must but super touristy for outside of Waikiki to have the real feel!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Feb 17, 2020

more beautiful than words can describe. The most beautiful turquoise and clear water.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Waikiki Beach

Wayfinder Waikiki
Wayfinder Waikiki
4 out of 5
2375 Ala Wai Blvd, Honolulu, HI
Wayfinder Waikiki
'Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach
'Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach
5 out of 5
2490 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI
'Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach
Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
4 out of 5
2552 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI
Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa
Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa
Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa
4 out of 5
2424 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI
Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa
The Twin Fin Hotel
The Twin Fin Hotel
3.5 out of 5
2570 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI
The Twin Fin Hotel
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
4 out of 5
2005 Kalia Rd, Honolulu, HI
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort
Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort
Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort
4 out of 5
2255 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI
Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort
Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach
Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach
4 out of 5
175 Paoakalani Ave, Honolulu, HI
Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach
OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beach Resort
OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beach Resort
4 out of 5
2335 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI
OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beach Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.