The Best Things To Do In Waikiki
Waikiki is a beach paradise that is located on the southern shore of Oahu in Hawaii, and is a vibrant resort district that is well known for its picturesque beaches, rich history, and so much more. There is a plethora of activities that you can get up to when you are in Waikiki. This article will guide you through some of the best things to do, including nearby attractions, packing tips, what to do, what not to do, etc.
Waikiki Beach: A Tropical Paradise
People fly in from all over the world to experience the magical wonder that is Waikiki Beach. It is famous for its soft, white sand beaches, and crystal, clear blue waters, which makes it a top destination for adventure and relaxation. This beach offers a large variety of water sports, which include:
Surfing
It happens to be the birthplace of modern surfing, which is why Waikiki is perfect for beginners and experienced surfers alike. It is a very popular sport that draws people from all over the world, especially during the winter months where you can even take part in competitions.
Surfing is a popular activity in most of the Hawaiian islands, but Waikiki is specifically well-known for it.
Surfing the waves of the Pacific Ocean at Waikiki will be something that you will always remember. If you are a beginner and would like surfing lessons, this would be a great place to start. Many tourists go to Waikiki and I really enjoy surfing lessons.
Snorkeling
Explore the underwater world that is filled with colorful fish and sea turtles. If you’re lucky, you can see some sharks as well. If you do see sharks, we recommend you maintain a safe distance and not interact with them.
Exploring snorkeling spots near popular beaches is a very fun activity that most tourists spend time on because it gives you access to the beautiful waters around Hawaii while also being able to take a look at the beautiful reefs and the marine wildlife around the islands.
Paddle-boarding
You can rent a paddleboard and enjoy the calm waters well, also enjoying some views of Diamond Head. Hawaii tourism is boosted by such activities as it helps you immerse yourself in water sports and fully enjoy the island vibe.
Many people have experienced marine life from a different perspective when paddleboarding. Some people say they’ve seen whales jump out of the water and swim around when they were out in the water. In such a case, it is important to stay calm and give the marine life some space.
North Shore: The Surfing Capital
The North Shore of Oahu is popular for its big waves and its surfing culture, especially during the winter months. Visitors usually visit spots like Haleiwa Town when they want local dining and shopping experiences.
The North Shore is around a 45-minute drive from Waikiki, which makes it an excellent choice for a day trip. The North Shore is a captivating destination that is known for its gorgeous beaches, laid-back atmosphere, and world-class surfing opportunities.
It stretches approximately 17 miles along the northern coast, an area which features a mix of charming towns, natural beauty, and cultural experiences which attracts millions of visitors from all around the world.
Spots to visit:
Waimea Bay
It is known for its massive waves during the colder months. You will see many surf competitions take place here.
During the summer months, the water usually calms down, which makes it perfect for people who are vacationing there in the summer. It is also a great time to go snorkeling and explore the crystal-clear waters.
Sunset Beach
This place is very popular because it offers stunning sunsets and spectacular surfing conditions.
Banzai Pipeline
Renowned for its perfect barrels and the surf culture. It is an iconic beach which is also one of the most challenging surfing spots in the world. It has been known to attract professional surfers during the competitions, particularly during the winter months when the waves can reach up to 50 feet.
Shark Cove
Snorkelling and diving are two very popular activities that you can get up to at Shark Cove. You will be able to see vibrant marine life including sea turtles and colourful reef fish.
Hiking
It is essential that you try hiking in places like the Waimea Valley, which features gorgeous botanical gardens and archaeological sites. The hike to the waterfall is particularly spectacular.
What To Pack When You Visit North Shore
If you are planning on visiting the North Shore of Hawaii, you should consider packing drinking water, swimwear, sunscreen, lightweight clothing, and some water shoes.
Do’s and Don’ts
Do make sure you keep an eye out for warning signs about dangerous water and surf conditions.
Do respect local customers and be mindful of any cultural practices.
Do make sure to carry snacks and stay hydrated.
Don’t swim or surf when there are high waves, if you are inexperienced in dealing with waves. Always follow the advice of lifeguards.
Don’t litter on the beach or anywhere, especially when you’re hiking.
Don’t disturb or interact with the marine life or the wildlife on land.
The best time to visit the North Shore of Hawaii is from November to February. You should also visit in the summer if you can, but keep in mind that hotel prices and flight ticket prices will be a lot higher because of the peak season.
If you want to avoid the big waves during the winter, the months of May to September will give you calmer waters, which are favourable for tourists who want to swim and snorkel.
Kailua Beach Park: A Family-Friendly Destination
It is a must-visit location in Oahu. Swimming and snorkelling in the calm waters is ideal for families with children. Kayaking is also a very popular water sport to indulge in.
It is a great place to explore nearby islands like the Mokulua Islands. Packing a picnic would be a great idea when you are planning a trip to the Kailua Beach Park.
Waikiki Aquarium
The Waikiki Aquarium in Honolulu is a very prominent marine research and educational institution that showcases rich aquatic life that is present in the Pacific Ocean. It was first founded in the year 1904, and it is the second oldest public aquarium in the entire USA (the New York Aquarium being the first).
This facility spans 8 acres and features more than 3,500 species of marine creatures and around 500 varieties of native Hawaiian flora.
Fun Facts About The Aquarium
- The Hawaiian monk seal habitat is a must-visit attraction. This exhibit features two male Hawaiian monk seals who serve as ambassadors for their species, which is unfortunately critically endangered. The seals are used to being around people, so visitors can observe them from up close and learn about the conservation efforts of these beautiful creatures.
- There is a living reef exhibit in the 60,000-gallon saltwater tank. It features more than 100 species of fish and around 200 types of coral found in the Hawaiian waters.
- The Northwestern Hawaiian Islands exhibit replicates unique ecosystems of the islands, featuring species like the angelfish and table corals. It emphasises the importance of marine conservation.
- The giant clams exhibit displays many species of giant clams, beautifully displaying their vibrant colours and their significant size.
Educational Programs At The Aquarium
The Waikiki Aquarium offers many educational programs that are aimed at promoting marine conservation. There are a couple of daily feeding programs that visitors can enjoy. They can watch feeding sessions for many species of marine life present in the aquarium, including jellyfish, sharks, and more.
These programs will teach the visitors about their habitats and diets. There are some interactive experiences where the aquarium provides hands-on activities for school groups and families, which will help foster a deeper understanding of the marine ecosystems present around the Waikiki coastline and other islands.
Some Other Things To Do In Waikiki:
Here are a couple of highly-rated things to do in Waikiki
Go to Pearl Harbor
A historic site that played a pivotal role in the Second World War, particularly known for the surprise attack by the Japanese forces in December 1941.
Today, it serves as a memorial and museum that educates visitors about the events of the day and also honours the lives of those who died during the war.
Stay at the Hilton Hawaiian Village
It is a sprawling resort that is located on Waikiki Beach. It offers a blend of luxury accommodation, as well as cultural experiences.
It features multiple pools, restaurants, and direct access to gorgeous beaches. It has been known to provide guests with a quintessential Hawaiian vacation experience.
Explore Downtown Honolulu
Downtown Honolulu is probably where you are going to end up on your first day in Hawaii if you land in Honolulu. This part of the island features many shopping malls, good restaurants, iconic hotels, access to rolling waves with spectacular views of the coast, public transportation, and more.
Many visitors love the open bar in a lot of Hawaiian resorts in Honolulu. It is a vibrant hub that features everything you could possibly need for a great vacation. You will even find some budget-friendly food trucks along the coast, very close to the downtown area.
Explore the island on a moped:
Renting a moped or a scooter is one of the best ways to explore the island. It takes away all of the restrictions that a car might impose. It has been reviewed by tons of visitors, that the scooter or a moped will give you many opportunities to explore parts of the island that are otherwise inaccessible.
Learn about Hawaiian royalty
When you’re in Hawaii, you should learn about Hawaiian royalty. It has rich Hawaiian history which includes notable figures such as King Kamehameha I, who united the Hawaiian islands in the early 19th century.
The legacy of Hawaiian royalty has been preserved with the help of historic sites, cultural practices, and ongoing efforts that celebrate and honour all of the contributions to the island’s heritage.
Watch hula dancing
Visitors should try and catch a free hula performance when they’re in Hawaii. These performances usually feature live music and street performers.
The dancers are very talented, and the showcase traditional movements accompanied by music. The hula show will feature people who engage the audience with captivating storytelling with the help of dance.
Visit USS Arizona Memorial
The memorial is a solemn tribute to all of the sailors who died during the attack on Pearl Harbor. It rests above the sunken battleship itself. Visitors can take a boat ride out to the memorial.
Go To Diamond Head Lighthouse
The Diamond Head lighthouse stands on the eastern edge of the Diamond Head crater. It has guided ships safely into Honolulu harbour since the year 1917. It has a picturesque setting and a lot of historical significance. It also offers stunning views of the coastline and is a great spot for photography, enthusiasts, and tourists alike.
FAQs
What is Waikiki best known for?
Waikiki is best known for its vibrant nightlife, stunning beaches, and rich cultural experiences, which make it a top tourist destination in Hawaii.
Can I get around Waikiki without a car?
You can easily get around Waikiki without a car because it is very pedestrian-friendly and also offers public transportation options like buses and trolleys.
What is the famous street in Waikiki?
The famous Waikiki street is called Kalakaua Avenue. The street is lined with restaurants, shops, and attractions that showcase the lively atmosphere of the area.