Location: Waikiki
Top Things to do in Waikiki
10 Things to do in Waikiki That You Shouldn't Miss
The mere mention of Hawaii is enough to prompt visions of grass skirts and colorful cocktails with tiny umbrellas. While you will find some kitsch in Honolulu, you’ll also find art museums, bike paths, and some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. Popular Waikiki Beach has soft sands and great surf. For majestic Oahu views scramble to the top of Diamond Head – a 350-acre volcanic crater. Historic structures like Iolani Palace and Ali'iolani Hale are worth a visit on a non-beach day.
Restaurants in Honolulu
1. Pan-Pacific Festival
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
The Pan-Pacific Festival is an annual three-day cultural celebration that features an eclectic assortment of cultural arts, crafts, food and stage performances in a variety of settings in and around Waikiki throughout the weekend. June 12-14, 2020
2. US Army Museum of Hawaii
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,092 reviews
The U.S. Army Museum of Hawaii is open Tues - Sat from 10 AM - 5 PM. The Museum is FREE to all with exhibits located on the first and second floor of the facility. English and Japanese audio tours are available to visitors for a nominal fee ($5). Parking is available directly across the street from the museum in the Saratoga parking lot. Validation is available at the welcome desk. Constructed from 1909-11, the Coast Artillery Battery (known as Battery Randolph) protected Oahu with its two 14-inch disappearing guns. In the early 70’s, attempts were made to tear down Battery Randolph to make way for the Hale Koa Hotel, however, those attempts proved to be unsuccessful. In 1976, the structure was repurposed into a museum focusing on depicting early Hawaiian warfare and the military’s presence in the Pacific highlighting every major military encounter throughout the 20th Century.
Reviewed By interceptpubs - Columbus, United States
Let's face it - one doesn't expect to find a military museum at one of the most famous beach destinations in the world, yet that's exactly what you'll find here at Waikiki. However, once you visit the museum, its location makes a lot of sense. Although it isn't obvious, the museum is actually on an active U.S. Army base. Fort DeRussy is mostly green space with no perimeter fences to keep people out, indeed it is mostly open to the public to enjoy, so it is pretty well camouflaged in plain sight. The museum itself is housed in what was originally Battery Randolph, a coast artillery installation completed in 1911. It is a massive reinforced concrete structure that originally housed two 14-inch guns designed to defend Honolulu from battleships. Following the rise of bombers over battleships during World War II, coast defense forts like Randolph were shutdown, their guns removed and the concrete bastions mostly demolished. The adjacent Battery Dudley here on Waikiki Beach was successfully removed in 1969, but Battery Randolph proved impervious to the wrecking ball and blasting would have been too dangerous for the surrounding city already rising up around it, so it was converted into this museum instead. The museum consists of two floors of exhibits inside the old fortress along with displays of tanks, artillery, and even a helicopter gunship outside on the roof of the battery and the adjacent grounds by the museum entrance. The galleries on the first floor provide a generally chronological history of Hawaiian defense starting with the feudal society of native Hawaiians that Captain Cook found when he first visited the 1780s through the military campaigns of Kamehameha that ultimately unified the islands in the early 19th century. The growing trade and military influence of the United States in Hawaii during the 19th and into the 20th century is also covered. Of course, being in an intact coast defense fort, the history and operation of Army's coast artillery branch in general and specifically the construction and operation of this and other coast defense installations in Hawaii are covered in great detail, although other specialties within the Army (cavalry, field artillery, aviation, etc.) are not left out. Naturally, the rise of Japanese militarism culminating in the attack on Pearl Harbor and World War II is another key topic. Coverage then extends through later Pacific wars in Korea and Vietnam. Throughout, much coverage is also given to the contributions of Hawaiians, particularly its Japanese Americans, in American military history. This is particularly true as the exhibits move to the second floor and the Gallery of Heroes which covers the Hawaiian recipients of the Medal of Honor and Army Distinguished Service Cross. Also on the second floor is a separate gallery devoted to the Army Corps of Engineers and their work not only in Hawaii but around the country in general. The exhibits are quite well done, combining artifacts, models, photos, ephemera, and even interactive displays to tell the story. Audio tours are also available. Admission is free (although donations are gratefully accepted), and they even validate parking. Once you get finished looking at the exhibits, you can stop by their gift shop for souvenirs, history books, etc. We spent the better part of two hours here and had a great time.
3. Saint Augustine by-the-Sea
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 572 reviews
Reviewed By 661matthewy - Salt Lake City, United States
This is a beatifiul church right off the Waikiki beach so it gets lots of visiting parishioners. We attended the Aasumption of Mary Mass and the priest who was visiting from the states did a wonderful homily. The story of St Augustine is a wonderful story by itself. We have attended Mass each time we visit. .
4. Lucoral Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By jennleighthorne
This place is amazing! It is the only museum type cultural attraction that is walking distance - so close to the beaches- it's right there! Great place to go when you don't have tons of time- you could view the place in 30 min or linger for an hour! Great for solo or fun for kids. I am so glad I didn't miss out on this place! What's really neat is how authentic it feels and the owner is warm and wonderful! You can experience a casual, self-guided tour through the gallery and view tons of gemstones, pearls, coral, rocks etc! There are some exceptional and uniquely ancient pieces in the collection that will blow your mind! To top it off, you can peruse the small store of on-site made jewelry. The prices are very affordable and the range includes gift worthy items and fine jewelry to treat yourself. (I purchased authentic gold/pearl drop earrings and I treasure them)! The thing about the jewelry they sell is it is seriously the ONLY place on the island you can shop in peace for yourself or gifts- you can linger and enjoy without being hassled- and with crazy good prices! Don't miss this stop! It's not like any other attraction on the island. It's well-loved, and though not fancy- it's absolutely worth a visit!
5. Nohea Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Nohea Gallery is a community resource bringing Hawaii's artists and artisans and people who appreciate real made in Hawaii art and crafts. At Nohea Gallery you will find original paintings by some of Hawaii's best-loved artists, koa bowls, boxes, frames and furniture made locally with great care, blown glass, ceramics, and a wonderful assortment of locally made jewelry from island girl chic to classic Hawaiian wedding rings. We celebrate the artists of Hawaii and welcome you!
6. Waikiki Beach Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,598 reviews
An upscale hotel, condominium and retail development.
Reviewed By evelinh2014 - Maple, Canada
Great street with booths and vendors twice a week.Has pretty stores and great restaurants.Has a few hotel lobbies and a big ABC store, Hawaii's main tourist to go to store.You find things that are different,Also Starbucks is there and few coffee shops and a great ice cream place.
7. Fort DeRussy Beach Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,880 reviews
Reviewed By Mojoblue717 - Manchester, United Kingdom
Enjoyed a lovely stroll through this park, whilst visiting Waikiki Beach, Lots of nice shady areas, well maintained and a great place to relax or have a picnic
8. Dolphins and You
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 974 reviews
With a heavy heart, Dolphins and You has decided to suspend tours and activities through the end of the Hawaii stay at home order. We plan to reopen our tours starting July 1st and continue to accept future bookings. Discover what more than 200,000 Dolphins and You guests have experienced: Swimming with wild dolphins in Hawaii is the memory of a lifetime! With transportation from Waikiki included, our tour also includes a traditional Hawaiian ceremony and snorkeling with tropical fish and sea turtles. After snorkeling enjoy our kayaks, SUP boards and new 20-foot water slide! Sit back and relax while our staff entertains you with hula dancing and ukulele performances or answer your questions on Hawaiian culture and history. And to top it off, we offer a delicious Taro bun cheeseburger (vegetarian available) and snacks for lunch. It’s no wonder our dolphin swim tour is the longest-running and highest-rated on the island!
9. Kuhio Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 603 reviews
A great surfing beach being renovated with new sand, landscaping and the addition of a plaza.
Reviewed By franks471 - Lloydminster, Canada
This is a very popular area for hanging out at the beach, especially if you have little ones. The breakwater (wall) in the section of Kuhio Beach makes it extremely safe for kids and toddlers as you dont have to be as concerned with waves and being taken out to sea. Also the water is very calm for swimming. It is a busy area but close to numerous shops and ABC stores across the street. We enjoyed spending several afternoons in this area of Waikiki as it was close to our accomodations. Nice place to catch a gorgeous sunset! It is worth sticking around for!
10. Statue of Duke Kahanamoku
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,960 reviews
Reviewed By psudino - Weehawken, United States
Duke Paoa Kahinu Mokoe Hulikohola Kahanamoku was quite a prolific man. A gold medalist swimmer, actor, police officer and probably the most important person in the history of surfing. This impressive statue, usually adorned with the leis of visitors, sits right on the Waikiki beach, a perfect place for a man who loved the beach. An impressive statue.
