Waikiki Beach
Waikiki Beach
4
About
This iconic landmark in Waikiki is one of Hawaii’s most famous beaches, located on the south shore of Oahu. Waikiki Beach is the birthplace of modern surfing culture—look out for the statue of renowned waterman Duke Kahanamoku, who popularized the sport internationally. Once the playground of Hawaiian royals, today the beachfront is lined with resorts and some of Hawaii’s most historic hotels. Surfers, swimmers, and sunbathers flock to this beach all day long.
Boat tours in Waikiki are a great way for admiring the coast away from the crowds. Neighboring Kalākaua Avenue has plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. – Tripadvisor
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Waikiki
Best nearby
Restaurants
1,180 within 3 miles
Attractions
289 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Donna TPoway, California333 contributionsWarm, calm ocean but crowdedWe arrived at Waikiki beach late morning on Jan 28th. It was crowded when we arrived after parking at a nearby hotel that offered pay parking. When we left about 1 pm, groups of people were spaced at most 3 feet apart on the sand or nearby grass. The water was warm and calm when I waded. I am happy to have seen Waikiki, the famous statue of Duke Kahanamoku, and viewed Diamond Head from the beach. But I was not impressed.Visited January 2020Written February 18, 2020
- NorCal-traveler08Orangevale, California1,895 contributionsTons of people, Great VibeThe vibe on Waikiki Beach is always fun and is filled with all kinds of people. We visited on a Saturday in the afternoon and it was difficult to find a place to sit. We wanted to watch the sun set. We ended up just standing but the sunset was amazing and we enjoyed it with hundreds of other people. I love to watch the people trying to surf and see everyone having such a great time. If the beach isn't your thing the shopping is amazing on Kalakala St.Visited January 2020Traveled as a coupleWritten February 2, 2020
- TommoMelbourne, Australia49,414 contributionsWorld famous beachThis beach is world famous and that has been one on my bucket list for many years. It didn't disappoint. Whilst it has a beautful whte sandy beach its not the best beach that I have seen. I loved White Beach in Boracay Philippines better but the atmosphere is similar. Waikiki Beach is very busy and vibrant, with musicians playing at the many atmospheric beach front bars and restaurants. Sunset is beautiful at this location and we also enjoyed a sunset cruise which departed from Waikiki Beach. Certainly should be on everybody's bucket list.Visited March 2020Written March 20, 2020
- Kim Z3 contributionsThey really need to clean up this communityThe beach is small, smells like urine, major homeless issue, covid killed a ton of businesses and it just seems dirty. The most the restaurants we ate at were over priced with bad food, and you have to make a reservation or you're not getting in unless you're willing to wait an hour and a half. Cheeseburger in Paradise, Hy Steak house and a food truck were the only 3 places I would recommend eating at. Hy steak is a very classy restaurant with a dress code. Truly enjoyed this experience. If you're staying in Waikiki I recommend planning in advance the different excursions out of the town.Visited April 2021Traveled as a coupleWritten April 10, 2021
- MG444Bucharest, Romania23 contributionsIt’s really just average!The beach was just too crowded for me to like. The water was dirtier than I thought as well. Finding restaurants along the Waikiki main road is also very painful, now after COVID, prices have drastically risen! If you want to watch the sunset I do not recommend it as much as I would the other west coast beaches, because on Waikiki the whole sunset is blocked by a small mountain.Visited May 2021Traveled with familyWritten May 31, 2021
- TweedleDeeHuntsville, Alabama412 contributionsBeautiful BeachVery nice beach but not all that large and can get crowded. If you plan on being out there for the day there are chair and umbrella rentals that are a good idea as even on nice temperature days the sun can still be quite brutal. Very nice water and stays relatively shallow for quite a way out. Not a lot of sand area, but there is also a lot of food and shopping venues just across the street. You can also go further down towards the south side of the beach and there is a large shaded park area that can be explored. Parking is at a premium so you might have to pay a meter or park at a nearby parking garage but the bus is also a good option as the stop is right in the middle of the beach area!Visited February 2020Written March 8, 2020
- ChrisHFrederick, Maryland498 contributionsWaikiki is very nice but an extremely expensive area--the rest of Honolulu, not so muchWaikiki Beach and the surrounding area is ok but the rest of tourist and working class Honolulu is no better than third world (unless you visit the multimillionaire areas). Spent a week at one of the high rise hotels on Waikiki beach in early February. Waikiki is very nice but an extremely expensive area. Totally unimpressed with the rest of Honolulu though. More like being in a third world city than our perception of Hawaii from TV shows. Dirty, rundown, noisy and way too much traffic and pollution. Constant traffic jams and speeding vehicles make walking hazardous. Used the Waikiki Trolley as our main means of transportation and saw many areas of the city where we would not have gotten off the trolley to wander around without feeling totally unsafe, especially Chinatown. The city has changed for the worse since we were here in the 1980s. Honolulu International Airport restrooms near the American/United check-in areas are also horrendous at 230pm in the afternoon. Dirty, smelly, trashy and pee all over the floor. Another example of Hawaii state not caring about its number 1 industry, Tourism.Visited February 2020Written March 1, 2020
- Diane DNaples, Florida160 contributionsDodging Crowds and the HomelessI never got tired of the view from our balcony high above the beach watching the surfers, sunbathers, sailboats, and sunsets. Once down on the street, however, the crowds on the beach, lines at every shop and restaurant, homeless people approaching, and traffic made the street level less appealing. Waikiki, an urban city with a beach running along the edge, is not representative of the relaxed, tropical island paradise atmosphere Hawaii is famous for.Visited June 2021Written July 2, 2021
- Eric SSaint Louis, Missouri115 contributionsThe most iconic beach in the worldMy wife and I stayed at the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort for our anniversary. The beach is stunning in its beauty. I recommend staying in one of the few hotels that are actually on the beach as most are across the street. We went to the beach early and late in the day. The morning and near sunset are lovely times to be on the beach and it is not too crowded at those times. The beach does get very crowded during the main time of the day, but it is an exciting vibe. The surfers are fun to watch as are the sail boats. Diamond Head on the one end is breathtaking. The sand is soft and the waves generally are calm. It is fun to people watch as well. There is so much to do in the Waikiki area we had no need for a rental car.Visited June 2021Traveled as a coupleWritten June 20, 2021
- StacyInDC2012Alexandria, Virginia898 contributionsSmaller than Expected, but Very Pretty!We enjoyed Waikiki Beach because we didn't go for a traditional beach day. Our first visit was during our first night in Hawaii, just before sunset. It was still crowded, but not nearly as packed as I imagine it was during the height of the day. We returned the following morning shortly after sunrise (thanks East Coast jet lag) and enjoyed the beach for about an hour before the crowds showed up. The proximity to the city is convenient and the view of Diamondhead impressive, but for a "day at the beach" I'd prefer something a little less central & crowded!Visited September 2021Written September 12, 2021
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
18,783 reviews
Excellent
9,245
Very good
5,711
Average
2,918
Poor
678
Terrible
230
Kim Z
3 contributions
Apr 2021 • Couples
The beach is small, smells like urine, major homeless issue, covid killed a ton of businesses and it just seems dirty. The most the restaurants we ate at were over priced with bad food, and you have to make a reservation or you're not getting in unless you're willing to wait an hour and a half.
Cheeseburger in Paradise, Hy Steak house and a food truck were the only 3 places I would recommend eating at. Hy steak is a very classy restaurant with a dress code. Truly enjoyed this experience.
If you're staying in Waikiki I recommend planning in advance the different excursions out of the town.
Cheeseburger in Paradise, Hy Steak house and a food truck were the only 3 places I would recommend eating at. Hy steak is a very classy restaurant with a dress code. Truly enjoyed this experience.
If you're staying in Waikiki I recommend planning in advance the different excursions out of the town.
Written April 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MG444
Bucharest, Romania23 contributions
May 2021 • Family
The beach was just too crowded for me to like. The water was dirtier than I thought as well. Finding restaurants along the Waikiki main road is also very painful, now after COVID, prices have drastically risen! If you want to watch the sunset I do not recommend it as much as I would the other west coast beaches, because on Waikiki the whole sunset is blocked by a small mountain.
Written May 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TweedleDee
Huntsville, AL412 contributions
Feb 2020
Very nice beach but not all that large and can get crowded. If you plan on being out there for the day there are chair and umbrella rentals that are a good idea as even on nice temperature days the sun can still be quite brutal. Very nice water and stays relatively shallow for quite a way out. Not a lot of sand area, but there is also a lot of food and shopping venues just across the street. You can also go further down towards the south side of the beach and there is a large shaded park area that can be explored. Parking is at a premium so you might have to pay a meter or park at a nearby parking garage but the bus is also a good option as the stop is right in the middle of the beach area!
Written March 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ChrisH
Frederick, MD498 contributions
Feb 2020
Waikiki Beach and the surrounding area is ok but the rest of tourist and working class Honolulu is no better than third world (unless you visit the multimillionaire areas).
Spent a week at one of the high rise hotels on Waikiki beach in early February. Waikiki is very nice but an extremely expensive area.
Totally unimpressed with the rest of Honolulu though. More like being in a third world city than our perception of Hawaii from TV shows. Dirty, rundown, noisy and way too much traffic and pollution. Constant traffic jams and speeding vehicles make walking hazardous.
Used the Waikiki Trolley as our main means of transportation and saw many areas of the city where we would not have gotten off the trolley to wander around without feeling totally unsafe, especially Chinatown.
The city has changed for the worse since we were here in the 1980s.
Honolulu International Airport restrooms near the American/United check-in areas are also horrendous at 230pm in the afternoon. Dirty, smelly, trashy and pee all over the floor. Another example of Hawaii state not caring about its number 1 industry, Tourism.
Spent a week at one of the high rise hotels on Waikiki beach in early February. Waikiki is very nice but an extremely expensive area.
Totally unimpressed with the rest of Honolulu though. More like being in a third world city than our perception of Hawaii from TV shows. Dirty, rundown, noisy and way too much traffic and pollution. Constant traffic jams and speeding vehicles make walking hazardous.
Used the Waikiki Trolley as our main means of transportation and saw many areas of the city where we would not have gotten off the trolley to wander around without feeling totally unsafe, especially Chinatown.
The city has changed for the worse since we were here in the 1980s.
Honolulu International Airport restrooms near the American/United check-in areas are also horrendous at 230pm in the afternoon. Dirty, smelly, trashy and pee all over the floor. Another example of Hawaii state not caring about its number 1 industry, Tourism.
Written March 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Diane D
Naples, FL160 contributions
Jun 2021
I never got tired of the view from our balcony high above the beach watching the surfers, sunbathers, sailboats, and sunsets. Once down on the street, however, the crowds on the beach, lines at every shop and restaurant, homeless people approaching, and traffic made the street level less appealing. Waikiki, an urban city with a beach running along the edge, is not representative of the relaxed, tropical island paradise atmosphere Hawaii is famous for.
Written July 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eric S
Saint Louis, MO115 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
My wife and I stayed at the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort for our anniversary. The beach is stunning in its beauty. I recommend staying in one of the few hotels that are actually on the beach as most are across the street. We went to the beach early and late in the day. The morning and near sunset are lovely times to be on the beach and it is not too crowded at those times. The beach does get very crowded during the main time of the day, but it is an exciting vibe. The surfers are fun to watch as are the sail boats. Diamond Head on the one end is breathtaking. The sand is soft and the waves generally are calm. It is fun to people watch as well. There is so much to do in the Waikiki area we had no need for a rental car.
Written June 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
StacyInDC2012
Alexandria, VA898 contributions
Sep 2021
We enjoyed Waikiki Beach because we didn't go for a traditional beach day. Our first visit was during our first night in Hawaii, just before sunset. It was still crowded, but not nearly as packed as I imagine it was during the height of the day.
We returned the following morning shortly after sunrise (thanks East Coast jet lag) and enjoyed the beach for about an hour before the crowds showed up.
The proximity to the city is convenient and the view of Diamondhead impressive, but for a "day at the beach" I'd prefer something a little less central & crowded!
We returned the following morning shortly after sunrise (thanks East Coast jet lag) and enjoyed the beach for about an hour before the crowds showed up.
The proximity to the city is convenient and the view of Diamondhead impressive, but for a "day at the beach" I'd prefer something a little less central & crowded!
Written September 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HillaryDawn
Paphos, Cyprus48 contributions
Dec 2019
We mostly swam at the end of the beach nearest the Duke statue and near Waikiki Zoo. Wouldn't really recommend. Was packed and one side was too rocky, where the other side, while being protected and great for little kids, felt dirty. If you go up the strip and swim in front of some of the nicer hotels, you'll have a better time. All in all, it's a stunning beach with crystal clear waters and near-white sand, but parts of it are nicer than others!
Written January 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VeeLee4
Arlington, VA145 contributions
Jan 2020
We have visited the other islands, and I had hesitated to come to Oahu because I thought Waikiki would be too touristy. Well, it is very touristy, but not in the sense of an Ocean City or Orlando. It's very pretty, with the hills in the background, and lots of green space. It was cloudy and rainy the last few days of our vacation but it was still pleasant, and we enjoyed the Iolani Palace, Bishop Museum and Honolulu Museum of Art.
Written January 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kyliethefabulous
Batemans Bay, Australia5 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
Not sure why there’s so much hype about this beach. It’s crowded, very built up and the coral under your feet once in the water isn’t the best experience. It’s pretty to look at in spots, the water is clear (although the rubbish in the water at the nearby marina is disappointing), and it’s suitable for small kids as there’s almost no waves.
Written January 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Margaret S
Napier, New Zealand553 contributions
Where else in Oahu can you go that there is a calm lagoon type beach? We need a reasonably priced accommodation option close to the beach. Thanks.
Jose P
Burnaby, Canada229 contributions
The Ala Moana beach is the best beach for people who wants a calm like lagoon beach. The water is like a lagoon, no waves, no surfers. It is attached to a park and not to far from the Ala Moana Mall.
J D
Ripon, CA24 contributions
We want to come to Waikiki in November and maybe stay at the Sheraton, but I'm curious where the sun sets that time of year? Should we face Diamond Head or is it still better to face out direct oceanfront?
Annette K
Boise, ID443 contributions
No matter where your is located in the Sheraton, you can go to Rumfire ( open air bar and food attached to the Sheraton) on the beach. Grab a drink and watch to your right for the green flash as the sunsets. Have a wonderful time!
Tessa C
Penrith, Australia2 contributions
I am visiting in July and would like to know where I can get Dole Whip in Waikiki Beach, especially flavours other than pineapple :D
wayne k
3 contributions
Shoreline Hotel Waikiki! , Lobby of queen kapiolani.hotel. Nest door to the US Army Museum at Fort DeRussy Park is a tall skinny condo ,There is a concession stand there that sells Dole Whip also google Dole whip in waikiki. Aloha !
LaurenC
Spring Hill, KS9 contributions
We are staying in the Waikiki area at an AirBnB, about 0.5 mile walk from the beach. Should we bring our own chairs or are their places on the beach we could rent? Also, we’ll have a rental car - what are some recommendations on things (places, beaches, restaurants, ext) for a family of four to explore? Our kiddos 4 & 6 years old. TIA!
marilyng673
Vulcan, Canada69 contributions
There are 2 chairs & umbrella for rent for 78 USD from 8 am until 5 pm. We brought on own towels. Hope that helps😃🇨🇦
Melissa A
Chappell Hill, TX3 contributions
I was wondering how is the weather in Waikiki so far. Has it been sunny or cloudy? I will be leaving in two days for one week vacation down there in Waikiki Honolulu Hawaii and I was just wondering how the weather has been if it has been sunny or cloudy. I was hoping for sunny weather so I can get a tan. My first vacation ever so I really want to relax and enjoy it. Please let me know thank you.
Donna T
Poway, CA333 contributions
The weather was nice when we were there in late January. You can look up weather predictions 10 days in advance online. That is what I did to know what to pack. Enjoy!
Melissa A
Chappell Hill, TX3 contributions
I planned on going to Honolulu Waikiki Hawaii from march 6 to march 12. I have been keeping an eye on the weather over there and noticed it says it will be cloudy no sun so far for march 6 and 7. And high of 79. Will it still be hot as nd be and beautiful to go swimming at the beach. Plus can you still get a tan and sunburn.
Joe M
5 contributions
yes to both! the uv index is high as your closer to the equator and the saltwater drying on your skin also speeds up the burn or tanning process!
quantos visitantes por anyo tiene waikiki beach ?
Daniel S
Cologne, Germany53 contributions
Das kann ich nicht sagen aber wenn sie einen ruhigen Strand suchen ist dieser Beach nicht der richtige.
Tom Bailey
8 contributions
Do you have to pay an extra resort fee staying in the Waikiki beach area
Joe M
5 contributions
yes, it's $37 a day, no exceptions!! just another tax they add on
Abominus1985
Paris, France1 contribution
Can you rent beach chairs and umbrellas?
Chawke8
Melbourne, Australia169 contributions
If you are able to bring your own great if not definitely plenty of opportunities to hire anything!
Enjoy and do not forget to apply sunblock :)
Chely x~
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Claim your listingWaikiki Beach - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Waikiki Beach
- We recommend booking Waikiki Beach tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 122 Waikiki Beach tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Waikiki Beach:
- Waikiki Friday Walking Tour. Fireworks! Treats! Some Hula Show! (From $24.00)
- Turtle Canyon Snorkel Sail Waikiki 2hr 8am/Snacks 3 hr 11am/lunch (From $107.62)
- Whale Watch, Dolphins, Turtles and Sightseeing Cruise (winter only) (From $40.00)
- Afternoon Waikiki Glass Bottom Boat Cruise (From $40.00)
- Open-Door Helicopter Tour over Oahu (From $350.00)
- Hotels near Waikiki Beach:
- (0.02 mi) Romantic Waikiki Banyan 2513 with Ocean and Diamond Head Views and Free Parking!
- (0.02 mi) Freshly renovated studio w/ a stunning view of Waikiki Beach
- (0.03 mi) Waikiki Sunset 2105 Paradise Awaits 1-bedroom Superior Suite with Incredible
- (0.03 mi) Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach
- (0.07 mi) Hotel Renew
- Restaurants near Waikiki Beach:
- (0.04 mi) Arancino di Mare
- (0.11 mi) d.k Steak House
- (0.10 mi) M.A.C. 24/7
- (0.09 mi) Oahu Mexican Grill (OMG)
- (0.11 mi) Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar
- Attractions near Waikiki Beach:
- (0.00 mi) Kuhio Beach
- (0.03 mi) Aqua Zone Scuba Diving & Snorkeling Center
- (0.03 mi) Paina Waikiki Luau
- (0.08 mi) Hawaiian Style Rentals & Sales
- (0.10 mi) The Magical Mystery Show at Hilton Waikiki Beach
Waikiki Beach Information
Excellent Reviews | 9,247 |
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Very Good Reviews | 5,711 |
Waikiki Beach Photos | 11,120 |