Top 12 things to do in Waikiki

Hawaii is a lovely tropical state with some of the world’s nicest beaches. Located in the middle of the pacific ocean, Hawaii has a lot to offer. On the island of Oʻahu, Hawaii’s biggest island, lays the largest city in the state called Honolulu. In that city, there is a neighborhood called Waikiki. Walking by the kalakaua avenue and you are hit with the sight of beautiful blue water. That is the neighborhood of Waikiki! Here is a list of things to do in Waikiki.

1. Take Some Time Off At The Beach

One of the most obvious things to do in Waikiki is go to the beach. With looks that can only be compared to the beaches of the Caribbean Sea, it would be a shame to not see in person. I always wanted to visit Hawaii but never gotten the chance. Just imagine jumping into that crystal blue water and having that cold but warm feeling of the water hitting your skin. Play frisbee with your friends old and new. Picture having a picnic with a view like this. It would be amazing being blinded by the blue water and engulfed by the sounds of the waves as you eat your favorite snack.

2. Visit The Waikiki Aquarium

Have a look at the local marine wild life at the Waikiki Aquarium. See how the local fish and turtles look like. It’s a great way to keep the little ones entertained, if you traveling with family or kids. Tell them to see if they can find Nemo or Dori. Is it bad to pull lighthearted jokes on kids? Anyways, let them be busy. Everybody needs to time to relax sometimes. The admissions for adults is 12 dollars and for kids it is 5.

3. Take a Drive To Pearl Harbor

Yes, Pearl Harbor is not too far away. It’s only about a 16 min drive from Waikiki. You can take a taxi which is about 18 dollars trip per person. Kind of expensive to be honest. Hawaii is an expensive state. It is best to rent a car to drive around the islands. It will save you money in the long run! Getting back to Pearl Harbor. Go to the place that made the Usa join world war 2. It’s about 72 dollar per person.

4. Go scuba Diving and snorkeling

Well, if you have been following my blog. I’m sure you remember my snorkeling photos. Get up close and personal to the local underwater ecosystem. It’s a-whole-nother world down there. Seeing how fish act in their natural habitat is something I will always hold fond of in my memories. It will make you see seafood differently.

5. Visit The Honolulu Zoo

This is really for the kids. If you ever travel with children, you know there are things you have to find to entertain them. Been to several zoos, I tend to have have mix feelings about those places. However if i’m when with my little cousins, I tend to look for activities to keep them busy. So, definitely use the Honolulu zoo as a motivator to keep them calm when you are doing the things you wanted to do.

6. Take A Walk Through Chinatown

If you are craving Chinese food, Honolulu’s Chinatown is not too far away from Waikiki. It’s about a 20 minute walk from the beach. So if you want some chicken chow mein after your swim, then this the activity for you!

7. Go To The Local Farmers’ Market Aloha Swap Meet

Get the local produce from the nearby Hawaiian farmers. I always want to help out the local economy, so farmers’ markets always makes me feel like my money is going to the right people. It’s just 20 minutes away from Waikiki. The admission is one dollar per person. Kids 11 and younger go for free. Farmers are hard workers, why not stop and show some love. It’s only a dollar!

8. Explore Kalakaua Avenue

The kalakaua avenue is pretty much the main center of the neighborhood. This is where you can find all the restaurants. The hustle and bustle is found here. You can find pretty much anything here. There is even a street food hall with food from all over the world! I will go more into detail with the next activities.

9. Maui Brewing Company

On Kalakaua avenue, there is a place called the Maui Brewing company. If you are into beer by the beach then this is the place for you. Have a taste of Hawaii while seeing the crystal blue waters. Just picture you sitting at the beach with a bottle of Hawaii’s most famous beer.

10. Visit the Duke Paoa Kahanamoku Statue

For those who don’t know, the sport of surfing was created in Hawaii. If you put two and two together, Duke Paoa Kahanamoku was the person who popularized the ancient sport of surfing. Duke Paoa was a five-time Olympic medalist. He has won a gold medal and a silver medal. The guy is a legend in Hawaii. Definitely stop by to just appreciate a local hero. The bronze statue is on the kalakaua avenue.

11. Hike Diamond Head

There is an interesting rock formation near the Waikiki beach. You can take a mild hike that takes about 30 minutes to get to the top. The diamond head is a volcanic cone. Best to go early in the morning, unless you don’t mind getting blasted by the Hawaiian sun. Since, there is no place to find shade. It’s 5 dollars to drive in by car and one dollar per person to walk in. It’s definitely worth the hike and possible sun tan lines.

12. Take Surfing Lessons At Waikiki Beach

Yes, probably the most touristic thing to do in Waikiki. However, there will be no bad judgement for doing this. This is Hawaii, you need to learn how to surf. Going to this state and not ride the waves on a board will be a big missed opportunity. That’s like going to New York City and taking the subway or seeing the empire state building. People from all over the world come to Hawaii just to surf. There are a lot of companies that offer lessons. Doesn’t matter what level of experience you have or what age. As long if you are over 18 and can swim, you will have a great time.

Thank you so much for reading! Much love and safe travels!