Honolulu - Waikiki

Waikiki is a district of the city of Honolulu, on the island of Oahu, in Hawaii, one of the United States of America. It has, perhaps, the best known tourist destination in the world, Waikiki Beach.

Culture and History

Perhaps the best known beach in the world, Waikiki was the favorite playground of Hawaiian royalty in the 19th century. At the time, Waikiki was an area of wetlands fed by streams from the valleys above Honolulu. That all changed in the 1920s when the government decided to build what would become the Ala Wai Canal, which would drain the wetlands and pave the way for later development.

These days, this 1.5 mile stretch of white sand beach is the nucleus of Hawaii's tourist industry, packed full of high-rise hotels that promise to treat you like a king, some of which may also require a king's ransom for admission. Often criticized for its concrete-jungle appearance, Waikiki has undergone a recent face lift to give it a more "Hawaiian sense of place."

Travel to Honolulu - Waikiki - Visa Requirements

Interstates in Hawaii are H-1, H-2, and the newest one H-3, all located on the island of Oahu. They provide excellent paths throughout the state.

By boat

Thousands arrive every week from Japan and other countries to the port in downtown Honolulu. Many stay on ships and swarm the area buying goods to take back home. Others arrive every day on every type of floating device you can imagine.

Flights and airtickets to Honolulu - Waikiki

Honolulu International Airport [1] is the main aviation gateway for the Hawaiian Islands. The airport's Main Terminal is served by most major American airlines from the mainland U.S, and by many international airlines from other countries around the Pacific Rim. Its Inter-island Terminal is the home of Hawaiian Airlines and Aloha Airlines, both of which offer frequent local service to the other Hawaiian islands.

The Airport Waikiki Express provides shuttle service to hotels in Waikiki every half hour for $9 per person. City buses #19 and #20 ($2 Adult/ no change given/ $US bills and coins accepted) also come to the airport once every half-hour, going through A`ala Park downtown and on to to Waikiki. You can catch them on the outside second level of the international and domestic departure terminals.

The best way to get to Waikiki by rental car (where your hotel is most likely to be) is to follow signs for H-1 east, then follow H-1 east about 2 miles to exit 18A (Waikiki/Nimitz Highway). Follow Nimitz Highway (which turns into Ala Moana Boulevard past downtown Honolulu) straight into Waikiki. You will pass through Honolulu's industrial district, along Honolulu Harbor, and past downtown Honolulu and the Ala Moana Shopping Center. On Oahu, some joke about the "Red Ford Mustang Convertible", somewhat like "Red Neck Jokes". If you are driving a "Red Ford Mustang Convertible", you are likely a tourist. It may add to your safety, or get you forgiveness for stupid driving, but be assured, you are a marked man in one.

Tours and Getting around Honolulu - Waikiki

Navigating

When getting direction in Hawaii you're more likely to hear "mauka" or "makai" then north, south, east or west. Mauka means towards the mountains. Makai means towards the water, in this case the ocean. This means that the direction of mauka/makai is dependent on where you are on the island. In the case of Waikiki and Honolulu, which are located on the south shore of Oahu, mauka roughly means north, and makai roughly means south.

Major arterials

H-1 is some distance away from Waikiki itself and you need to go onto surface streets to and from Waikiki. If you need to access H-1 west from Waikiki to go someplace outside of the city, there are two main routes:

1. Go mauka to Ala Wai Boulevard and follow it Ewa-bound to McCully Street. Follow McCully mauka for about 1 mile; it will take you over H-1. At the foot of the bridge, turn left on Dole, then left again onto Alexander to the freeway onramp.
2. Follow Kuhio or Kalakaua Avenue Diamond Head-bound to Kapahulu Avenue. Follow Kapahulu mauka for about 1 mile, it will take you under H-1 and lead you to the freeway on ramp.

To get back to Waikiki from H-1 east, take either of these routes:

1. Take exit 23 (Punahou Street). Turn right on Punahou, and stay in lane #3 from the left. This lane is right-turn only onto the left side of Beretania. Take an immediate left onto Kalakaua Avenue from Beretania. Follow Kalakaua into Waikiki.
2. Take exit 25A (King Street). After merging onto King Street, stay to the right. Take the second right onto Kapahulu Avenue (follow signs to Waikiki). Follow Kapahulu into Waikiki.

In Waikiki, the three main streets, from makai to mauka, are Kalakaua Avenue (one way Ewa to Diamond Head, along Waikiki Beach), Kuhio Avenue (two-way), and Ala Wai Boulevard (one way Diamond Head to Ewa, along the Ala Wai Canal).

Buses to Honolulu - Waikiki

If you're traveling light, TheBus [2] offers service from Honolulu Airport to Waikiki. Take either route #19 or #20 to Waikiki. You may carry your bag onto the bus, provided that your bag fits under the seat and doesn't disturb other passengers. Routes #8 and #19 serve Waikiki and Ala Moana Center.

Honolulu - Waikiki tourist attractions and sightseeing

• Japanese tourists. From the stereotypical camera toting middle aged couple to the Tokyo kids who look like glam-rock stars ready to go on tour, if there's one thing Waikiki has a lot of it's Japanese tourists. 

Beaches

Waikiki Beach

If not the most famous beach in the world, Waikiki Beach is by far the most famous in Hawaii. It forms the foreground of most postcard pictures of Diamond Head. It is the first beach that comes to mind when most people think of Hawaii. Consequently, it is also, by far, the most crowded. It's a good place to learn to surf if you can manage not to hit or be hit by other beginners in the throng.

• Queens Surf Beach - Gay Friendly - Near Kapiolani Park

Museums and Galleries

• Kapiolani Park, a large public park at the east end of Waikiki (towards Diamond Head), home to the Waikiki Shell amphitheater and the Honolulu Zoo. Right across the street on the shore is the Waikiki Aquarium.
• Honolulu Zoo, at the corner of Kapahulu Ave and Kalakaua Blvd. +1 808 971-7171, [3]. Every day, 9AM-4:30PM (closed Christmas day). Lovely zoo with lots of exotic animals and plenty of the big-name ones like elephants, rhinos, lions, zebras and giraffes. $8 adults, $1 children, under age 5 free (family pass available for $25).
• Waikiki Aquarium, 2777 Kalakaua Ave. +1 808 923-9741, [4]. Every day, 9AM-4:30PM (closed Christmas day). The third oldest aquarium in the United States, this incredible institution has hundreds of species of marine life from Hawaii and the Pacific. $9 adults, $4 teen, $2 children, under age 5 free.

Scenic

Diamond Head Crater, located on the southeast coast of Oahu at the end of Waikiki overlooking Pacific. Observation deck at the top with breathtaking views. Moderate hike with a lot of steps towards the end. About 1.5 hour hike. Bring water.

Honolulu - Waikiki city tours

• Na Hoku II, the beach in front of the Outrigger Waikiki Hotel, $30 - 90 min. sails. This is the best way to see Waikiki from the water and best of all, ALL drinks are free!!! Try the sunset sail for spectacular views of the sunset! [5]

• First time visitors should be sure to book at least one luau. Some are better than others, check with your hotel concierge for recommendations.

• Sunset On The Beach - Since 2001, there have been free movies on the beach in Waikiki near the Honolulu zoo. Many tourists from around the world can view a movie on an outdoor 30 foot screen. This particular free movie event in Waikiki is called "Sunset on the Beach" [6].

• Surf, The beach(Walk towards the ocean). Anytime. Waikiki is good for beginners and old hands alike. It doesn't have the killer waves like Pipeline, but it has nice small longboard waves right off the beach which is where the beginners lessons are. A bit of a paddle will bring you out to some moderate sized waves. There are several places to rent boards and hire lessons right on the beach, all of which open early, and there countless cheaper places to rent off-beach.Varies.  

• In addition to the traditional luaus and hula shows, Hawaii has a thriving scene of art, theatre, concerts, clubs, bars, and other events and entertainment. Find a well-maintained list of upcoming shows and weekly events online at HNLnow.com [7]. If you're already out and about, you can access a daily digest on your mobile phone at m.HNLnow.com [8]

• Things to do in Waikiki/Honolulu - While visiting Waikiki/Honolulu, you may want to learn to surf, scuba dive, snorkel the reefs, take a submarine ride, golf, fish, or take a horseback ride. Spend a lazy day at the spa, tour Pearl Harbor, and finish your day in paradise with a dinner cruise along the coastline of Waikiki - "Best of Hawaii Directory" [9].

Work

Honolulu - Waikiki souvenirs and shopping

Ever-present ABC Stores [10] are located so that most hotels are within no more than a one-block walk. In fact, many locations are located in the shopping areas of the major hotels. They provide all manner of convenience store food, souvenirs, and merchandise, but the convenience does come at an extra cost.

If you're looking for Hawaiian bath & body products, you'll find a variety of Forever Florals [11] products at ABC Stores.

Popular with locals, Longs Drugs are general merchandise stores with locations throughout the islands. The nearest location to Waikiki is on the second level of Ala Moana Center.

The main supermarkets in Hawaii are Foodland or Safeway. They offer discount cards for regulars. They will give you one if you ask which can reduce your shopping cost by an easy 20%. The nearest Foodland is in the Ala Moana Shopping Centre. The closest thing to a proper supermarket in Waikiki is "Food Pantry" at 2370 Kuhio Ave.

• International Market Place, 2330 Kalakaua Ave.[12] A virtual warren of over 100 market stalls and shops laid out amongst a jungle-like backdrop of banyan trees. All tourist goods and local shlock (mumus, aloha shirts, shell jewelry) available. Prices are not much better or worse than anywhere else, but worth a trip just to look at the trees and tourists.
• Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center[13] is the main shopping mall in Waikiki, with levels of many tourist-oriented shops and restaurants. Currently undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation. Includes more than 100 shops and restaurants ranging from Cheesecake Factory to high-end boutiques (Hermes, Bvlgari, Fendi, Cartier etc.), to art galleries and lei stands.
• DFS Galleria (Duty Free Shops)[14] is a shopping court built around a cruise theme. Included in the mall is one of the largest duty-free shops in the state.
• Waikiki Shopping Plaza on Kalakaua Avenue includes five levels of small shops, including a food court on the lower level.
• Kahala Nuts, International Marketplace on Kalakaua Ave., DFS GALLERIA 330 Royal Hawaiian Ave. (Corner of Kalakaua Ave & Royal Hawaiian Ave.), +1 808 780-6887, [15]. Farm fresh macadamia nuts, pecans, and almonds are freshly roasted and glazed right in front of your eyes. Awesome smell, taste, and a local favorite. Try to catch the owner, Kevin, the unofficial mayor of Waikiki.

• At the west end of Waikiki you can find the ridiculously expensive stores like Armani, Tiffany's, Bvlgari, etc.

Honolulu - Waikiki Restaurants: cheap, moderate and expensive

• Duke's, 2335 Kalakaua Ave.(At the Outrigger Waikiki Hotel), ☎ (808) 922-2268. Named after legendary surfer Duke Kahanamoku. For meals and drinks right on the beach you can't beat Duke's. It's a bar and a restaurant. Their Sunday live music is a local favorite. 

• Tiki's Grill & Bar, 2570 Kalakaua Ave.(In the Waikiki Beach Hotel), ☎ (808) 923-0751. Good food and service. 

• Wailana Coffee House, 1860 Ala Moana Blvd. Great pancake breakfast at a reasonable price. Try the coconut syrup! 

• Cheeseburger Waikiki, (The other end of Waikiki). Close to the beach and indoors although the whole front opens up. 

• Hy's Steak House, 2144 Kuhio Avenue, +1 808 922-5555.

• Irifune, 563 Kapahulu Ave(North east corner of Waikiki), ☎ (808) 737-1141. This funky little Japanese fusion joint is one of the best kept secrets in Hono. Be sure to try the garlic ahi. There can be a long line of locals on some nights. It's BYOB! 

• Kyo-ya Restaurant, 2057 Kalakaua Ave, +1 808 947-0552.

• La Mer, and Orchids, Halekulani Hotel, 2199 Kalia Rd, +1 808 923-2311.

• Perry's Smorgy Restrauant, 250 Lewers St and 2380 Kuhio Ave (this is nicer location).  

• Sam Choy's Diamond Head Restaurant, 449 Kapahulu Ave, +1 808 732-8645, [16].

• Sarento's Top of the I, Ilikai Hotel, 30th Floor, 1777 Ala Moana Blvd, +1 808 955-5559.
• Lu Lu's Surf Club, 2586 Kalakua Ave.((Across the street from the Honolulu Zoo)), ☎ (808) 926-5222, [17]. 7am-late. This is an enclosed, but open-air sports bar on across the street from the beach. It has an excellent breakfast menu -- their waffles (which are drenched in Devonshire Cream and sprinkled with crushed Macadamia nuts) are especially a treat not to be missed. If you get there early, you can sit at an open air bar facing out across Kalakua Avenue and giving you a great view of the beach. One caution -- there are pigeons who will try to beg for scraps...moderate.  

Honolulu - Waikiki nightlife, bars, clubs and pubs

Almost all bars in Waikiki also serve good food and sometimes it's hard to draw the line between pub and restaurant. Any of these places should also be considered a good place to get dinner.

• O'Tooles, 902 Nuuanu Ave, ☎ 808-536-4138(fax: 808-536-4612), [18]. Great place for a Guinness. It doesn't put on the gaudy faux-irish decor, it's a bar run by an Irish guy. Friendly people and live music (Doolin' Rakes, every Saturday night, they kick ass!) Serves basic pub fare. 

• Moose McGillycuddy's, 310 Lewers St(Across from O'Toole's), ☎ (808) 923-0751, [19]. 7:30am - 4am. Moose's is famous for their Happy Hour from 4-8pm 1/2 price drinks, live music, daily specials, tasty adult beverages, ono pupu's, bikini contest, friendly atmosphere and staff. Huge selection of breakfasts, pupu's (appetizers), burgers and specialties. Some of the best prices in Waikiki. Service is always superb. A Waikiki landmark for over 26 years. 

Honolulu - Waikiki cheap and luxurious hotels, youth hostels and lodging

There are a zillion hotels in Waikiki and they come and go with the tide. Try to find a place that's close the center of town and has decent amenities and has been recently renovated. Don't bother eating at the hotel restaurant unless it's one of the famous high-end ones like Duke's. The usual hotel booking websites all do a pretty good job here, although don't be surprised to find the name of your hotel has changed since you booked it.

• The Equus Hotel, 1696 Ala Moana Blvd., Phone: 808-949-0061 [20] The guest rooms and suites at this boutique Waikiki hotel feature Wi-Fi, cable TV, swimming pool, complimentary continental breakfast and the ambience of an Old Hawaiian ranch.

• Aqua Palms & Spa Hotel, 1850 Ala Moana Blvd, Phone: 808-947-7256 [21] A luxury Waikiki Beach hotel featuring non-smoking guest rooms with flat screen TVs, complimentary continental breakfast, high-speed Internet access, and swimming pool and spa access.

• Aloha Surf Hotel, 444 Kanekapolei Street, Phone: 808.923.0222 [22] A budget boutique hotel in downtown Waikiki Beach featuring a pool, spa, and romance packages. The hotel is located near golf, beach, boutique shops, and restaurants.

• OHANA Waikiki West Ascend Collection, 2330 Kuhio Avenue., Phone: 808-922-5022 [23]. The OHANA Waikiki West hotel is perfectly situated in the heart of the island's attractions whether it is shopping, dining, or lounging by the beautiful beaches of Honolulu.

• Waikiki Beachside Hostel, 2556 Lemon Road, +1 808 923-9566, [24]. Located one block from Waikiki Beach near Honolulu Zoo. Dorm-style and semi-private rooms. US$20-$74 per night, weekly rates available.

• Aqua Bamboo & Spa Hotel, 2425 Kuhio Avenue, Phone: 808.922.7777 [25] A boutique hotel in downtown Waikiki Beach featuring rooms with LCD TV’s and high-speed Internet access. The hotel also offers open-air gazebos and an outdoor grill for guests.

• Luana Waikiki Ascend Collection hotel, 2045 Kalakaua Ave, Phone: 808-955-6000 [26] This unique Hawaiian hotel is minutes away from historic landmarks of the island.

• Coconut Plaza Hotel, 450 Lewers Street, Phone: 808.923.8828 [27] Just blocks from Waikiki Beach and near restaurants and shops, this boutique hotel offers guest rooms and suites featuring scenic views of Honolulu and Waikiki.

• Aqua Continental Hotel, 2426 Kuhio Avenue, Phone: 808-922-2232 [28] A budget luxury hotel featuring complimentary Wi-Fi, cable TV, work desk, a guest concierge, and access to spa facilities and fitness center.

• Island Colony Hotel, 445 Seaside Avenue, Phone: 808-923-2345 [29] A luxury hotel featuring guestrooms with cable TV, refrigerator, microwave, and access to a swimming pool, sundeck and spa, guest concierge, and Internet café.

• Aqua Marina Hotel, 1700 Ala Moana Blvd., Phone: 808-942-7722 [30] An affordable Waikiki Beach hotel featuring high-speed Internet, cable TV, access to the hotel’s pool, and a kitchenette with a refrigerator, microwave, and two-burner stovetop.

• Wyland Waikiki Ascend Collection Hotel, 400 Royal Hawaiian Avenue., Phone: 808-954-4000 [31]. Every aspect of this Waikiki hotel's décor is designed to engage the senses and instill an appreciation for the Island's tropical sea life.

• Waikiki Wave Hotel, 2299 Kuhio Avenue, Phone: 808-922-1262 [32] A Waikiki Beach hotel featuring flat screen TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, microwave, refrigerator, private balcony and access to the hotel’s spa.

• Waikiki Marina Resort at the Illikai, [33].Standing at the gateway of world-famous Waikiki Beach and a magnificent stretch of white sand, the Waikiki Marina Resort at the Ilikai provides the perfect setting for your next Hawaiian getaway. This resort in Oahu provides easy access to Waikiki Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

• Ocean Tower Hotel, 129 Paoakalani Avenue, Phone: 808-687-7700 [34] An affordable hotel in Waikiki Beach featuring ocean views, Wi-Fi Internet, refrigerators, cable TV, complimentary daily continental breakfast, and access to spa facilities.

• Ohana East Hotel, [35]. Located just steps from the International Market place and Kalakaua Avenue shopping.

• Ohana Islander Waikiki Hotel, [36]. Just a five minute walk to Waikiki Beach.

• Ohana Waikiki West Hotel, [37]. Centrally located in the heart of Waikiki.

• Ohana Waikiki Malia Hotel, [38]. A short stroll to Royal Hawaiian Shopping center and DFS Galleria.

• Ohana Maile Sky Court Hotel, [39]. Just steps from King Kalakaua Plaza and a half mile from the Hawaii Convention Center.

• Ohana Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel, [40]. Fashionably set on Kalakaua Avenue, just one block from Waikiki Beach.

• Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, 2552 Kalakaua Avenue, [41]. Retreat to a brilliant tropical playground at the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa - situated only steps from world-famous Waikiki Beach and the Pacific Ocean.

• Outrigger Waikiki Hotel, [42]. Perched right on the sands of Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, Hawaii.
• Outrigger Reef on the Beach Hotel, [43]. Beachfront hotel on the world-famous sands of Waikiki Beach.
• Outrigger Luana Waikiki Condo, [44]. New deluxe condominium on Kalakaua Avenue.
• Outrigger Waikiki Shore Condo, [45]. Waikiki's only beachfront condominium.

• Park Shore Waikiki, 2586 Kalakaua Ave, ☎ ''+1 866'' 406-2782, [46].  

Splurge

• Halekulani Hotel, 2199 Kalia. The only 5 star luxury hotel on the Waikiki Beach.
• Ihilani Resort
• Kahala Hotel & Resort, [47]. Formerly the Kahala Mandarin Oriental.
• Doubletree Alana Hotel
• Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki, 100 Holomoana St, 808-956-1111, [48]. A luxury hotel in Waikiki that features all oceanfront guest rooms and suites. Other amenities of the hotel include a championship golf course, day spa, tennis courts, and extensive facilities for meetings, weddings, and social events.
• Hilton Hawaiian Village, 2005 Kalia Rd (corner of Kalia Road and Ala Moana Blvd.), 1+ 808-949-4321, [49]. The largest resort in Waikiki, covering 22 acres fronting Waikiki Beach. Five towers with 2,545 units, 90 shops, and 22 restaurants. Alii Tower® offers one of the best locations and amenities on Waikiki Beach. Beachfront, luxurious accommodations, exclusive services, enhanced amenities, including the Tower's private pool terrace, whirlpool and private fitness center. If you request a room facing Diamond Head and with a balcony above the trees, you will truly have one of the best rooms and views on Waikiki Beach. The parking garage is very handy, with your room card, you can access your car at any time without waiting on valet service. US$199 and up.
• Royal Hawaiian Hotel, [50]. Includes a tower oceanview w/balcony. At first, it seems there is no reason to leave the balcony, the cat bird seat on almost anything important on Waikiki. Slowly, you discover the grounds, neighbor properties offerings, Kalakaua Ave (the main drag) and beyond. Rooms always have "a deal" you can afford, shopping on your own. Considering the waste of time/money travelling around the city, these rates are a bargain to be at the hub. Everyone you meet will be just about the nicest in the world, service was almost like asking a genie a wish. However, the Royal Hawaiian is closed until January, as it is currently undergoing a major renovation.

• Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa, 2424 Kalakaua Avenue, [51]. 4 Star Twin-tower resort and convention complex on Waikiki Beach. Na Ho'ola Spa, restaurants, shops and daily entertainment on property. 

Contact

Stay safe

• If you are not familiar with this climate, at times you may feel like you are about two inches from the sun. The cool breezes or convertible you are driving may offset the heat, but not the ultraviolet sun rays. Take appropriate care and keep the convertible top up, until evening or early morning.

• Do not pick up strangers - they may act friendly and act like they really need a ride. Best not to take chances in places you do not know.

• Be careful when you're in the ocean. Never underestimate power of the currents and the waves, and don't swim alone. If in doubt, ask a lifeguard about the current conditions. If there are signs posted, heed them.

• Although certainly safer at night than Chinatown, exercise caution when walking in Waikiki at night. A potent mix of drug dealers, prostitutes and drunken tourists can explode into a bad situation.

Get out

This page was last edited by Wikitravel user Biggie54. Based on work by Omar P, Carson Roen and Mike Sharp, Wikitravel user(s) PerryPlanet, Best of Hawaii Directory and Texasskyscapes, Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel and others. - Content on this page is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 1.0 license