Choose from 76 Fun Things to Do in Oahu
ShowingFilter 61-76 of 76 listings.
Waimanalo Beach Park
What locals refer to as Waimanalo Beach Park could easily be described as paradise by most visitors; what with its three miles of soft white sand flanked by Hawaii’s famous Koolau Mountains, soaring ironwood trees and dreamy azure and emerald sea, one can hardly argue that Waimanalo Beach Park is nothing short of heaven on earth. In opposition to more famous and more active Waimea Bay Beach, Waimanalo Beach Park is infinitely more tranquil. A silent retreat during the week, it shifts into a family-friendly, chill picnic and barbecue spot for locals.
Waimea’s waves are neither too high nor break far from the beach, making it the ultimate body boarding and body surfing spot on O’ahu, in addition to being perfect for lengthy tanning sessions. Early-risers will be pleased to learn that Waimanalo Beach Park is also an excellent place to catch a good sunrise, thanks to its unbeatable eastward location. Not one to be shy of the spotlight, Waimanalo Beach Park was used as a filming location for Magnum P.I. and Baywatch Hawaii.
Because nothing is perfect, visitors should be very careful with Portuguese man-of-war, a painfully stingy jellyfish found in abundance in the area, especially on windy days.
Practical Info
Waimanalo Beach Park is located is southeastern O’ahu, about 16 miles outside Honolulu. It can be reached by car via route 61 and 72 in 30 minutes. It is also possible to get there by bus but the journey is quite complex. The beach is fully equipped with visitor facilities, such as showers, restrooms, a pavilion, picnic tables, a camping area and a lifeguard tower.
Address: Oahu, Hawaii, USA
From $ 50
Valley of the Temples
An ethereal Japanese temple, immaculate zen landscaping, a palm-lined drive, memorial gazebos overlooking the Pacific and a Koolau mountain backdrop conspire to create one of Oahu’s most peaceful settings. The valley is a memorial park and the final resting place for thousands of Shinto, Buddhist and Christian Hawaii residents, including early Honolulu developer Walter Francis Dillingham (1875-1963) and Zhang Xueliang, a warlord and northern China Army General who died in 2001 at age 100. Visitors explore the grounds, especially to see the bright red Byodo-In temple that looks like it was dropped in front of its reflecting pond via some portal to ancient Japan.
The temple was built in 1968 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first wave of Japanese immigrants in Hawaii and is a replica of the nearly 1,000-year-old Byodo-In temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Uji, Japan. Here, incense wafts from the main temple building and peacocks strut in front of the waterfalls that trickle into koi-filled ponds. When visitors ring the temple’s giant brass peace bell, the sound resonates along mountain walls. In summer and fall, the park hosts annual Japanese Obon dance festivals honoring ancestors here.
Also within the Valley are a triangular-shaped Christian church with floor-to-ceiling windows facing the green mountain face, statues of the Virgin Mary and unique memorial displays including markers shaped like aloha shirts—the Valley is a multi-denominational place of rest for both the living and the dead.
Practical Info
The Valley of the Temples is north of downtown Kaneohe off Highway 83 (47-200 Kahekili Hwy). The memorial park is open from 6 a.m. til dusk daily and the Byodo-In temple keeps regular business hours (9 a.m. til 5 p.m.). There is no admission to explore the Valley of the Temples, but there is a cash-only admission charge for the temple ($3 adult, $2 seniors and $1 child). To access the Byodo-In Temple, follow the entrance road up the hill to the back of the valley.
Address: 47-200 Kahekili Hwy, Kaneohe, Hawaii 96744, USA
Hours: Open from 6 a.m. til dusk daily and the Byodo-In temple keeps regular business hours (9 a.m. til 5 p.m.)
Admission: $3 adult, $2 seniors and $1 child
From $ 79
Paradise Cove
One of Hawaii's most popular luaus is held beside swaying palms and a stunning sunset at Paradise Cove.
A Hawaiian village at Paradise Cove highlights island arts and crafts, and cultural activities include net fishing, the Imu underground oven ceremony and of course the hula.
After being greeted with a traditional floral lei and tropical mai tai, relax into the evening with a full Hawaiian buffet and tropical drinks. Transportation can be included as a package, along with souvenirs, deluxe seating and drinks.
Practical Info
Paradise Cove is at the Ko Olina Resort on Oahu's leeward coast. To get here by car, take a 40-minute drive west from Waikiki via the H1 and Farrington highways.
Address: 92"“1089 Aliinui Drive, Kapolei 96707, USA
Hours: Open daily 5pm-9pm
Admission: Luau packages start at $80 per adult
From $ 97
KCC Saturday Farmers' Market
When you're on Oahu on a Saturday, there's nothing quite like living local: Rising early, going for a surf or swim in the sea and then perusing fresh, tropical produce for a delicious Island-style DIY brunch. The KCC Saturday Farmers' Market, a weekend tradition for many Honoluluites, is where you go to satisfy the latter.
The weekly event has blossomed from a collection of traditional farm stalls to include vendors proffering regionally-made value-add products: jams, honeys, flavored salts, sausages, breads, taro chips, popsicles and bean-to-bar Hawaiian chocolate. Unique and niche produce vendors sell microgreens, sea asparagus, locally-caught seafood and fresh-cut tropical flowers. On any given Saturday you'll find upwards of 70 food and artisanal edibles vendors.
Gift items are omnipresent and despite the tourists that come by the bus-full to find unique-to-Oahu souvenirs, the weekly event retains its local charm.
After shopping, take a short walk through the college's exotic desert landscaping featuring rare and endangered Golden Barrel Cactus, towering saguaro, agave and aloe vera.
Practical Info
The market runs Saturday mornings only from 7:30am-11am on the grounds and in parking lot C of Kapolei Community College (4303 Diamond Head Rd., Honolulu).
It is serviced by TheBus routes 3, 22 and 58. Follow the Hawaii Farm Bureau on Twitter @HFBF1 for weekly tips, updates and specials. Always go early for the best selection.
Address: 4303 Diamond Head Rd., Honolulu, Hawaii 96816, USA
Hours: Saturday mornings only from 7:30am-11am
From $ 25
Waikele Center
If it’s a rainy day in this island paradise, or you forgot your bathing suit at home, the Waikele Center is a sprawling sanctuary of classic retail therapy. Located in Waipahu in Central Oahu, the outlets here provide an affordable alternative to the larege scale malls in town. You’ll find global classics such as Armani, Converse, Adidas, and Michael Kors, as wells as shops with island flare like the Local Motion surf shop. There’s a popular food court for re-fueling so you literally don’t shop ‘til you drop, and even a trolley connecting the two sides of this sprawling commerce compound.
Practical Info
The Waikele Center is open Monday through Saturday from 9am to 9pm and on Sunday from 10am to 6pm. Stores are often open later during holidays, with the exception of Christmas when all stores are closed. The Waikele Center is about 35 minutes from downtown Waikiki and 20 minutes from West Oahu resort such as Aulani and Ko Olina.
Address: 94-849 Lumiaina St, Waipahu, Hawaii 96797, USA
From $ 18
Waikiki Natatorium War Memorial
Eerie and abandoned, the salt water swimming pool and stone bleachers of the Waikiki Natatorium War Memorial off San Souci beach was a shimmering seaside tribute when it opened in 1927. Today, some call the crumbling venue haunted and it is often featured in Island-wide nighttime ghost tours.
The aging edifice, shuttered since 1979, is still worth a daytime visit, if only to peek through the bars of its towering front gate and imagine what it once was. As one of the country’s few ‘living memorials,’ the space served both as a gathering place to honor the 10,000 Hawaii service men who served during WWI and a public facility where Hawaii residents learned to swim in its 100m length. The Natatorium is credited with creating a swimming culture in the local community, and providing a peaceful practice spot for Olympians including legendary Hawaiian waterman (and five-time Olympic swimming medalist) Duke Kahanamoku. On Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day, the chipping lot around the structure still occasionally hosts commemorative ceremonies honoring the structure’s original purpose.
Despite its designation as a ‘national treasure’ by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, no one seems to know what to do with the Natatorium. Throughout the years, numerous plans to revive or raze the structure, adding a new stretch of white sand to Waikiki’s crowded beaches, have been passed over. Until then, it just waits.
Practical Info
The structure is located at 2815 Kalakaua Ave., across from Kapiolani Regional Park and next to Kaimana Beach at the far end of Waikiki’s main strip. Visitors are welcome 24 hours a day, though interior access is always prohibited.
Address: 2815 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu, Hawaii 96815, USA
From $ 109
Wet 'n' Wild Hawaii
Wet ’n’ Wild Hawaii, one of the most visited family attractions on the island of Oahu, occupies 29 lush acres with more than 25 rides and attractions. Kids can climb up the multi-level Water World Kids Playground with its five fun zones and seven slides or splash around in Keiki Kove, a spray ground filled with water cannons, pint-size water slides and a mushroom water shower. Kapolei Cooler, a lazy river, makes an 800-foot lap around the park, while Cutter’s Island provides a serene retreat for guests over 12 years of age.
Thrill seekers will find a host of attractions as well, including raft rides, body slides, racers and a 400,000-gallon wave pool. For an extra fee, guests of all ages and skill levels can catch a wave on Hawaii’s only simulated surf attraction.
Practical Info
The park’s hours aren’t always regular, so be sure to check ahead of time to avoid disappointment.
Address: 400 Farrington Hwy, Kapolei, Oahu, USA
Hours: Monday, Thursday and Frida 10:30am-3:30pm; Saturday and Sunday 10:30am-4pm; Closed Tuesday and Wednesday
Admission: $49.99
From $ 50
Heeia State Park
Heeia State Park is located on Oahu's eastern shore, right on the popular Kaneohe Bay. The park covers about 18.5 acres, with one side on Kaneohe Bay and not far from the town of Kaneohe. It's between the Heeia Fish Pond and a small harbor called He'eia Kea. There are picnic facilities, including some with covers, and walking trails.
From Heeia State Park, you can see not only Kaneohe Bay but also the Koolau mountains. There are sometimes walking tours available, as well as kayaking and snorkeling tours and occasionally classes on canoe building.
Practical Info
At low tide, a sandbar in Kaneohe Bay becomes accessible by kayak"”that's one of the most popular things to do in this part of the island.
Address: 46-465 Kamehameha Hwy, Kaneohe, Hawaii 96744, USA
From $ 129
Honolulu Museum of Art
What is formerly known as the Honolulu Academy of Arts is the leading museum of its kind the state of Hawaii, and hosts one of the largest single collections of Asian and Pan-Pacific art in the United States at 50,000 objects. It represents all the major cultures of Hawaii and spans 5,000 years, from ancient times to today. Founded by esteemed local missionary Anna Rice Cooke in 1927 in Honolulu's most beautiful Hawaiian-style building, the museum continues to present international caliber exhibitions along with its permanent collection, which is home to world-class pieces by none other than Van Gogh, Monet, Picasso and Warhol.
The museum actually encompasses several building, scattered over 3.2 acres near downtown Honolulu; it features the Spalding House, the Doris Duke Theatre, the Robert Allerton Art Library, the Art School and the Shangri La Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art. The museum's unique architecture makes for an idyllic backdrop for art; visitors can stroll from gallery to gallery past open-air landscaped courtyards (with splendid views of Diamond Head) and ponds before heading to the Pavilion Cafe.
Practical Info
The Honolulu Museum of Art is located at 900 South Beretania Street in Honolulu. It can be reached by car or by bus (routes 1, 2 and 1L). The museum is open between Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10am to 4:30pm, and from 1 to 5pm on Sundays. It is closed on Mondays. Admission costs $10 per adult and is free for children under 17 years old. Entry is free for everyone the first Wednesday of every month. Guided tours are offered several times daily.
Address: 900 South Beretania Street, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
Admission: $10
From $ 25
Koʻolau Range
Stretching from just behind Honolulu to Oahu's Windward (eastern) coastline, the Ko'olau Range is not actually a mountain range at all. Instead, the undulating green and vertical slopes which top out at 3,100 feet, are just one side the ancient, massive Ko'olau shield volcano. The other half of the volcano collapsed into the ocean millennia ago. The Ko'olau Range acts as a wind block for points inland, stopping clouds along the coast and causing regular rains. But here, rain is a good thing: Residents and locals delight as the Ko'olau's creased face fills with hundreds of thin white waterfalls and Hawaii's iconic rainbows arch across the sky.
The best places to experience the grandeur of the Ko'olau Range are themselves elevated. The Pali Road, connecting Kailua to downtown Honolulu, winds up, into and, in some instances, through, the Ko'olaus via tunnels bored directly into the cliff face. Be sure to stop and take in the view from several scenic stop-offs along the way. The Likelike Highway and Interstate H-3 also run through the Ko'olau Range. The popular but family-friendly hike to Makapu'u Point overlooking a historic lighthouse, is recommended and from the top affords sweeping views of the Ko'olaus behind Waimanalo and heading north to Kaneohe Bay.
Practical Info
Several driving and helicopter tours take in Ko'olau Range scenery. Should you choose to get up close and personal with the Ko'olau Range via a hike, however, it's important to note that several historically popular trails navigating the summit ridgeline"”including Stairway to Heaven off the Pali and the Tom Tom Trail behind Waimanalo"”are now considered dangerous and may be closed. Safer alternatives that still pack the scenic punch include the 1-mile roundtrip to the Pali Puka (hole), a wind-battered hole through a stone wall from the Pali Lookout, and the challenging 11.6 mile round trip hike on the Manana Trail following the Ko'olau ridgeline above the Pacific Palisades; the trailhead is off Komo Mai Drive.
Address: Oahu, Hawaii, USA
From $ 100
Byodo-In Temple
While most sights on the island of Oahu are located in an urban setting, the Byodo-In temple is a Buddhist sanctuary backed by the Ko'olau Mountains. Located in Oahu's "Valley of Temples", the Byodo-In temple is only ten minutes from the town of Kaneohe and is a peaceful escape from the fast pace of city life.
Modeled after the 900-year old Boydo-In temple in the Kyoto prefecture of Japan, the temple on Oahu is a popular place for events and weddings where Buddhist communities from both Hawaii and Japan come to celebrate together. Although the Byodo-In temple is not a practicing temple, visitors are welcome to tour the grounds in exchange for a nominal fee.
More than just well-manicured grounds and a replica of Japanese architecture, the temple is also home to a golden Buddha which is believed to be the largest of its kind carved outside of Japan. Measuring over nine feet tall, the carving is covered in gold lacquer and is rung by 52 smaller Boddhisattvas who all celebrate around the base of the Buddha.
The temple is also home to a three-ton brass bell which was cast in Osaka, Japan, and it's reputed to mirror the original bell which hangs in the original Japanese temple. Or, if you simply want to collect your thoughts, there is a meditation pavilion towards the back of the temple as well as a reflection pond which is stocked with hundreds of koi.
The Byodo-In temple a testament to the island's Japanese community, and it's a calming respite from the fast-pace of city life which grips Hawaii's most populous island. Despite the fact the temple is mere minutes from a major town, a walk around the temple grounds still manages to feel like a journey to a different place and time.
Modeled after the 900-year old Boydo-In temple in the Kyoto prefecture of Japan, the temple on Oahu is a popular place for events and weddings where Buddhist communities from both Hawaii and Japan come to celebrate together. Although the Byodo-In temple is not a practicing temple, visitors are welcome to tour the grounds in exchange for a nominal fee.
More than just well-manicured grounds and a replica of Japanese architecture, the temple is also home to a golden Buddha which is believed to be the largest of its kind carved outside of Japan. Measuring over nine feet tall, the carving is covered in gold lacquer and is rung by 52 smaller Boddhisattvas who all celebrate around the base of the Buddha.
The temple is also home to a three-ton brass bell which was cast in Osaka, Japan, and it's reputed to mirror the original bell which hangs in the original Japanese temple. Or, if you simply want to collect your thoughts, there is a meditation pavilion towards the back of the temple as well as a reflection pond which is stocked with hundreds of koi.
The Byodo-In temple a testament to the island's Japanese community, and it's a calming respite from the fast-pace of city life which grips Hawaii's most populous island. Despite the fact the temple is mere minutes from a major town, a walk around the temple grounds still manages to feel like a journey to a different place and time.
Address: 47-200 Kahekili Highway, Kaneohe, HI 96744, USA
Hours: Open 9am - 5pm Daily.
Admission: Adult $3, Senior $2, Child $1
From $ 69
Waikiki Beach
For decades, Waikiki Beach has been Oahu’s tourist mecca thanks to its palm-fringed white-sand beaches and high-rise luxury hotels that stretch from downtown Honolulu east toward the towering Diamond Head. Here all the spoils of Hawaiian beach life—from sunbathing and swimming to snorkeling and fruity-cocktail sipping—are within steps of world-class shopping and dining.
The Basics
Waikiki Beach is one of the best spots on Oahu to get out on the water with a surfing lesson or stand-up paddleboarding tour. It’s also possible to check out the beach aboard a duck or catamaran sunset tour, or gaze into the ocean on a submarine excursion. If you’d rather relax, soak up the sun on the sandy beach. The site is visited on most Oahu tours, including those that also hit other Honolulu highlights like the Bishop Museum, Iolani Palace, and Chinatown before heading farther afield to the Polynesian Cultural Center on the North Shore, Hanauma Bay, and Sea Life Park Hawaii on the east side of the island. Visitors who want to cram in the most sites on Oahu can even book helicopter or circle-island tours, both of which depart from Waikiki and showcase the entire island.
Know Before You Go
- Waikiki Beach is a must-see for first-timers to Oahu and beginning surfers.
- If you’re not staying in one of the Waikiki hotels—and even if you are—parking can be expensive and hard to find. If possible, leave the driving up to tour companies and bus drivers.
- Waikiki is warm and sunny year-round. Don’t forget your sunblock, hat, sunglasses, and bathing suit—though if you do, rest assured you can find a shop with replacements.
- Lifeguards are staffed at lookouts along Waikiki Beach. Though conditions are usually calm and great for swimming year-round, heed the lifeguard’s warnings and exit the water if necessary.
How to Get There
Waikiki is just east of downtown Honolulu on Oahu’s southern shore, and about eight miles (12.5 kilometers) from Honolulu International Airport. The main stretch of Waikiki Beach is along Kalakau Avenue, parallel to the sea, which stretches east to Kapiolani Park and Diamond Head. The Waikiki Trolley connects the downtown Ala Moana Center with Waikiki.
When to Get There
Waikiki Beach is popular year-round, but summer, spring, and winter school holidays are the busiest times. To make the most of your trip, time your visit with one Waikiki’s many festivals and parades, such as the King Kamehameha Floral Parade in June, the Spam Jam in late April, or the Aloha Festival Floral Parade, usually held in late September.
The Duke Kahanamoku Statue
One can’t-miss Waikiki Beach landmark is the nine-foot (2.75-meter) bronze statue of Duke Kahanamoku Statue, the king of surfing. Following tradition, visitors drape leis around Duke’s neck and arms; it’s not uncommon for the man to sport fistfuls of purple orchids and be buried up to his eyeballs in plumeria. Duke Kahanamoku was a Waikiki local who is credited with popularizing the ancient Hawaiian sport of surfing and once won an Olympic gold medal in swimming.
Address: Kalakaua Avenue, Waikiki 96815, USA
Admission: Free
From $ 22
Waimea Bay Beach
Welcome to one of the most iconic places on O’ahu Island! Combining popular culture, history and extreme sports, Waimea Bay Beach simply does not disappoint. Its stunning panoramas alone, as seen from the Kamehameha Highway, are sufficient reason to visit the island’s northern end! The area’s international reputation emerged in 1779, when famous Captain James Cook was killed by native villagers after he tried to make the King of Hawaii captive. Staples of this period are still visible today at the Pu'u o Mahuka Heiau State Monument, the largest of its kind on the island.
Many years later, Waimea Bay Beach once again gained popularity by becoming the top surfing destination in the world and officially starting the 1950s now-iconic surf phenomenon (as demonstrated by the Beach Boys’ famous song!). In fact, surfing is still very much in fashion in this neck of the woods, with numerous surfing events taking place throughout the year, especially during big wave season between November and February. Alternatively, it is a very nice place to swim and sunbathe during the calmer summer months. Waimea Bay Beach even made it to the small screen as a filming location for acclaimed series Lost.
Practical Info
Waimea Bay Beach is located on the northern tip of O’ahu Island in Hawaii, roughly 35 miles northwest of Honolulu. It is reachable via route 99 in just under an hour. It is also possible to get there with bus #55 from Ala Moana Shopping Center in Honolulu.
Address: Oahu, Hawaii, USA
From $ 79
Coconut Island (Mokuoloe Island)
For an island that's only 28 acres, Coconut Island has a grandiose history that belies its tiny size. Originally used by Native Hawaiians for traditional fishing and farming, this palm-covered islet in Kane'ohe Bay would eventually be purchased by Christian Holmes"”heir to the Fleischman yeast fortune. In addition to expanding the island's size from 12 to 28 acres, Holmes built everything from a saltwater swimming pool complete with a slide and diving board, to a private residence with outdoor bars and a collection of exotic animals.
After Holmes' death in 1944, troops stationed at Kane'ohe Marine Base would use the island as a recreation retreat between their tours of duty. It would be purchased by another private family, host a long list of celebrities and future or former presidents, and even feature on the opening scene of the TV show, Gilligan's Island. Today, Coconut Island is a research base for the University of Hawaii, and while a select handful of marine biologists are allowed to access the island, the coral outcropping is otherwise closed to the general public. The snorkeling, however, is some of Oahu's best, and kayaking tours from Kane'ohe Bay allow visitors the chance to splash and swim in the turquoise waters offshore.
Practical Info
The island itself is closed to the general public, but snorkeling is possible nearby with kayaking tours.
Address: Kane"˜ohe, Hawaii, USA
From $ 129
Waikiki Aquarium
Have you been wondering the name of the bright yellow fish or strange eel that you saw snorkeling? Wonder no longer—the small but lively Waikiki Aquarium has dozens of tanks that recreate area reefs, as well as unusual ocean habitats in the remote Northwest Hawaiian Islands, with informative signage. The aquarium boasts half a dozen species of butterflyfish (your yellow fish could have been one of these), the fun-to-say state fish of Hawaii— humuhumu-nukunuku-a-pua’a, sharks, puffers, turtles and even two resident specimens of the endangered Hawaiian monk seal. Watch jellies float in black-lit tanks, see a nautilus use jet propulsion to move through the water, or find strange seadragons camouflaged in seaweed. The aquarium also hosts after-hours programming, including the popular Reef After Dark, which takes participants to explore area tide pools with experts by moonlight.
Practical Info
Waikiki Aquarium is located 2777 Kalakaua Avenue at the Diamond Head side of Waikiki beyond the Honolulu Zoo. The building is open daily from 9 a.m. with the last person admitted at 4:30 p.m. (building closes at 5 p.m.); special holiday hours or closures may apply. General Admission tickets are $12 adults, $5 kids ages 4-12 and children under 3 are free, discounts are available for seniors, Hawaii residents and military with ID. The aquarium is serviced TheBus routes 19,20 and 22, the hop-on, hop-off Waikiki Trolley and is within walking distance of many Waikiki hotels.
Address: 2777 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA 96815, USA
Hours: Open daily 9am-4:30pm
Admission: Adults: $12; Children: $5
From $ 25
Waikiki
Waikiki, where most Hawaii vacations get their start, is everything at once: white sandy beaches, swaying palms, high-rise accommodations, world-class shopping, top-notch and seaside dining, local culture, and excellent surfing. It’s no wonder this former playground for Hawaiian royalty continues to be an oasis for global visitors.
The Basics
Waikiki is Honolulu’s city within a city dedicated to fun and sun. Stroll down the main oceanfront thoroughfare, Kalakaua Avenue, and place a lei on the Duke Kahanamoku surfer statue; splash in the surfer’s namesake Kahanamoku Lagoon; shop in one of several open-air malls; grab lunch along the way for a picnic in Kapiolani Park; and see the sunset behind the profile of Diamond Head.
Waikiki sightseeing tours by trolley or Segway are a great way to learn about the area and cover greater distances than you can on foot. For a different perspective, take to the water aboard a sunset dinner cruise, or get on the water in this watersports wonderland: Learn to surf, take a stand-up paddleboarding lesson, or try kayaking, parasailing, or scuba diving. Many Oahu tours, including circle-island tours and helicopter tours, depart Waikiki and allow visitors to see sights beyond Waikiki Beach.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Waikiki is a must-see for first-timers to Oahu, families, sunbathers, and more.
- Oahu enjoys daytime temperatures that hover around 80°F (27°C) year-round. But come nightfall in spring and winter, it can get cool—bring an extra layer if you plan to be out past sunset.
- Don’t forget a hat, sunscreen. and sunglasses. Though if you do, several ABC Stores—a Hawaii retail chain—offer replacements along Kalakaua Avenue.
How to Get There
Waikiki, a 3.4-square-mile (8.8-square-kilometer) neighborhood in southeast Honolulu, encompasses everything between Ala Wai Boulevard, Kapahulu Avenue, and the oceanfront. It is serviced by several local bus routes, including the 2, 8, 9, 13, and 22. By road, the area is within 30 minutes of most main Oahu attractions, including the 23 sites covered by the Waikiki Historic Trail, Pearl Harbor and the USS Missouri and Arizona memorials, Iolani Palace, the Nuuanu Pali Lookout, the popular snorkeling haunt of Hanauma Bay, and Sea Life Park Hawaii.
When to Get There
Waikiki’s peak season coincides with the United States’ spring, summer, and winter school holidays. If you plan to visit during these times, it pays to book tours and hotels well in advance. Several of the region’s best (and most unusual) festivals, such as the parades and cultural demonstrations of the Aloha Festival in September and the Waikiki Spam Jam in April, beckon in the off-season.
Waikiki in Winter
Balmy Waikiki provides a tropical respite to the mainland’s chilly winters, but in these months the rains are more frequent, the waves can be wilder, and temperatures still dip a bit—expect 77 to 82°F (25 to 28°C) as opposed to summer’s 82 to 89°F (28 to 32°C). Still, warm-weather seekers will be in good company: Between November and March, hordes of humpback whales migrate down from chilly Alaska to mate, splash, and put on a show for eager onlookers.
Address: Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
From $ 25