6 Things You Must Do When In Waikiki, Hawaii

Looking for things to do in Waikiki Beach? You’ve come to the right place! The Waikiki neighborhood is a premier tourist destination and part of the large capital city of Honolulu, which covers most of the southeast portion of the island of Oahu in Hawaii.

The famous Waikiki Beach is a 2-mile-long stretch of golden sand, dotted with luxury hotels, fabulous restaurants, and a host of the coolest things to do in Hawaii.

Walking down Kalakaua Avenue, you’ll see lively street performers, unique bars, and luxury boutiques. On the beach side of the street, you’ll find loads of other attractions like surfing lessons, scuba diving, catamaran boat tours, and so much more.

# Learn to Surf on Waikiki Beach

Hawaii is the birthplace of surfing, and the surfing culture in the islands is still very prevalent today.

Walking through the iconic surf racks next to the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center is one of my favorite parts of Waikiki Beach.

While you’ll probably spend most of your time laying out on the golden sands or swimming in the refreshing ocean, I highly recommend trying some surf lessons while staying on Waikiki Beach!

Surfing lessons are one of many family-friendly Waikiki Beach activities, which is incredible! I recommend first trying a Group Surfing Lesson to get a feel of being on a board in the Pacific Ocean. You’ll first do a short lesson on land and then move on to the water.

# Check out the Honolulu Zoo

Visiting the Honolulu Zoo is one of the best things to do in Waikiki with kids, especially when they’re looking for excitement outside of the beach.

The Honolulu Zoo is located within Kapiolani Park and is just two blocks away from the sands of Waikiki Beach, so it’s a great nearby option that’s not on the water. The zoo features over 900 species of incredible animals, some of which you can see at any typical zoo, such as elephants, monkeys, and lions.

You can also observe animals that are native to the islands and only found in Hawaii, like the ‘Io (Hawaiian Hawk) and the Pueo (Hawaiian Short-Eared Owl). The mission of the Honolulu Zoo is to provide conservation, education, and meaningful experiences to inspire care and stewardship of the land.

# Go Shopping at the Royal Hawaiian Center

The Royal Hawaiian Center is located in the heart of Waikiki. It is located right between the Moana Surfrider, a Westin Resort, and The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, two of the original and most iconic hotels on Waikiki Beach.

The center includes world-class shopping, great cafes and restaurants, and wonderful small boutiques to find great souvenirs.

In the middle of the shopping center, you’ll find a beautiful courtyard called the Royal Grove, which is landscaped with gorgeous tropical plants.

In this courtyard, you’ll often see live music and a free hula show. Kids are welcome to join free cultural classes that range from lei-making to lauhala weaving to ukulele lessons and are held throughout the center daily.

# Have a Drink at the Mai Tai Bar of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel

You don’t have to be staying at the iconic (and frankly, expensive) Royal Hawaiian Hotel in order to enjoy it. The Mai Tai Bar, located on the beachfront portion of the hotel, is the perfect spot to grab a drink and relax under the shade of the signature pink umbrellas at the Royal Hawaiian.

The signature Royal Hawaiian Mai Tai is always a must for me. Besides fun cocktails, the bar serves lunch and dinner; I recommend trying the ahi poke with won ton chips. There is also a keiki (kids) menu in case you’re traveling with picky eaters.

The best time to go to the Mai Tai Bar is between 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., when there’s live music daily. It’s also an excellent spot to enjoy the sunset.

# Enjoy a Free Hula Show at Kuhio Beach Park

The free hula show at Kuhio Beach Park is an authentic hula performance given by real hula halau (dance troupes) from around the island. It’s a great free way to experience an essential part of Hawaiian culture.

Hula has been around since the times when ancient Hawaiians first settled in Hawaii and has been a vital tool to pass down family history and Hawaiian mythology.

Since Hawaiians had no written language before contact with explorers from the west, the only way to communicate and pass down information was through chant, dance, and oration.

# Swim in the Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon at the Hilton Hawaiian Village

The Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort is a unique swimming spot that’s (literally) between a pool and the ocean.

If you or someone you’re traveling with doesn’t yet feel comfortable with the thought of swimming in the open sea but is looking for a similar experience, this is a great option!

Though the salt-water lagoon is on the property of the Hilton Hawaiian Village, it’s open to the public and located right next to Duke Kahanamoku Beach. Any Waikiki tourist can enjoy the lagoon even if you’re not staying at this particular hotel.