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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Top ways to experience Waikiki Beach
The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Waikiki
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
1,196 within 5 kms
Attractions
290 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- Stan KTorremolinos, Spain8 contributionsGood and BadThe beach is long but not very deep in places. The sand is nice. The water from the Pink Hotel towards Diamond Head is terrible. Full of rocks and lots of traffic from surfers and sail boat tours. From the Pink Hotel towards the West is great. The water has soft sand and you can walk out for at least 100 yards. But be prepared for congestion. Make sure you bring your own towels, chairs and most importantly an umbrella. The prices for rentals vary from $20 - $100 an HOUR.Visited November 2022Written 4 December 2022
- Megan E36 contributionsCrowded beach, others on the island are nicerWe stayed at Waikiki Beach at the Hilton. While there are lots of shops and restaurants around there are also tons of people and lots of traffic. Our family prefers beautiful nature and we felt that there are many other better beaches on the island. We would not return and stay at Waikiki. We would choose another less populated Hawaiin island. We are big fans of the Bahamas and places in Mexico.Visited December 2022Written 13 December 2022
- DannyWassermanVirginia Beach, Virginia4,241 contributionsBeautiful beaches of Oahu !This is a spectacular area of Oahu where the white sandy beaches hit the beautiful blue oceans of Hawaii. We layed out on the beach and got some good rays and watched the surfers, hang gliders, boaters, etc having a great time. This is a beautiful beach and needs to be visited.Visited November 2022Written 13 December 2022
- Michele BCochrane, Canada18 contributionsOverrated and busyWe went to Waikiki Beach just to say we did but honestly wouldn't go out of our way again. It's extremely busy, parking is awful and expensive, the beach itself is packed. Shopping isn't anything special that you can't go elsewhere.Visited December 2022Written 30 December 2022
- Wilkeson SmartBonney Lake, Washington70 contributionsA zoo but niceIt was absolutely nuts for most of the days that we were there with mass amounts of people many with no sense of space. We hung out in front of the Outrigger and Moana hotels which seemed to have a high concentration of people in front of them. Sunsets were gorgeous! Perfect place for families with younger children as the currents were not too strong (you still need to watch them though). Arrive early if you want to rent chairs and water toys - they go fast!Visited December 2022Written 2 January 2023
- HipHopper14 contributionsSo relaxingRented umbrella and chairs for reasonable $30-40 depending on whether we stayed 4-6 hours. Lots of room on the beach and waves were gentle for a weak swimmer like me. Sun is very hot so an umbrella is a good idea.Visited November 2022Written 5 January 2023
- TT3Huntsville, Alabama14 contributionsBusy but beautifulWaikiki is beautiful and convenient to access and enjoy. Know that it's very busy, but arriving at non peak hours or walking down past the immediate access of the hotels will help. Calm waters when we were there and great for swimming for the most part.Visited December 2022Written 7 January 2023
- EJsMommy318 contributionsWarm Waikiki BeachReviewing the section of the beach closest to Embassy Suites. What can I say? The water was clear and perfect temperature to swim with some fish, which you will encounter here :) Very touristy, but still you can catch beautiful sunrises coming up over Diamond Head and sunsets. My favorite thing here was the sunrises on a cloudy day, breathtaking lavender hues! Second favorite thing was being able to walk right in and swim because the water was so nice and warm! Third was watching the ocean from my room mid day-the vibrant color of the water and seeing the sail boats, surfers, and paddle boarders way out in the distance was so calming.Visited December 2022Written 9 January 2023
- Emily Pearl2 contributionsOvercrowded with TouristsThe city of Honolulu makes sure tourists are safe and the beaches are clean, with a heavy HPD presence. However, this is the most advertised beach in Hawaii and, as such, it is extremely overcrowded. Find literally any other beach in Oahu to go to.Visited January 2023Written 12 January 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
18,792 reviews
Excellent
9,252
Very good
5,714
Average
2,917
Poor
678
Terrible
231
Edwin F
Calgary, Canada1,740 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
We visited Waikiki beach every day we were in Hawaii. Always busy, morning noon and night. Our hotel provided towels, chairs, umbrellas etc. Great for swimming and people watching!
Written 18 November 2023
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.
Canucksontheloose
Victoria, Canada744 contributions
Mar 2023 • Family
If you like crowds, this is a great beach. You can rent chairs and beach stuff nearby or from the hotels; the beach is relatively clean and the water is warm. But if you like quieter beaches, go to Ala Moana Beach or Magic Beach at the top end of Waikiki Beach. Same nice sand, more grassy areas and trees but farther from the madding crowd.
Written 16 November 2023
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.
Richard H
Fort Worth, TX198 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
We enjoyed morning walks on the beach. It was a perfect way to start the day before it got warm and busy with people. The walkway along the beach is also a perfect way to get up to places, such as restaurants and such, more central and northern. Even if you’re not a water person, don’t come to Oahu and not explore Waikiki Beach.
Written 3 November 2023
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.
Charles L
Effingham, IL17 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
The Outrigger Hotel was one of the best we've ever stayed at. Our whole family loved it. The views were spectacular. We witnessed couples renewing their wedding vows on the beach. Restaurants and gift shops were nearby. We love the Hard Rock Cafe which was one block away. Out son's family took surfing lessons behind the hotel. We could see Diamondhead in the distance which we all climbed later.
Written 1 November 2023
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.
Ryan H
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Solo
Stinky dirty homeless Mecca. Over cost rip off low quality garbage state. Always has been always will be. Dirty ocean and the sand is imported with flees and other invasive species sand. Disgusting dirty water. Slum
Written 29 October 2023
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.
Arnold B
Watsonville, CA3 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
It’s the place to be, to play in the water and watch the sunsets 🌅 My (adult) daughter and I enjoyed the surf, sky and sun all day long. We also met interesting people from all over the 🌎 globe!
Written 23 October 2023
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.
Colmich
Warners Bay, Australia402 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Beautiful clear water, no rubbish, turtles swimming close by. Loads of people but that's to be expected. Get there early to claim a good spot.
Written 3 October 2023
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.
Gary W
Richmond, Australia885 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Iconic beach in Honolulu. Plenty of beach area available. Water is warm and clean. There are several sections of the beach - open, walled and surf, some of which have life guards. The currents are powerful so the walled area was appreciated. There are shower areas to get rid of the sand. Lots of grassy areas at the back and lounge chairs can be hired. Plenty of bars, eateries and souvenir shops nearby.
Written 2 October 2023
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.
mwbudd
Alameda, CA288 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Since we were steps away from this fantastic beach we made it a habit to take a morning swim. One must bring NO valuables to the beach unless someone is sitting with them at all times. The beach is smooth and sandy amd since there is an offshore reef the shore break is gentle. The water is quite comfortable and it is like bathing. Can't pass it up.
Written 2 October 2023
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.
Carol H
San Jose6 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
Beautiful beach! Enclosed area great for little kids. Sandy bottom. Lots of walkable restaurants. Everything close.
Written 10 September 2023
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 Zealand554 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 (Honolulu) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos) - Tripadvisor
Frequently Asked Questions about Waikiki Beach
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Waikiki Beach:
- Waikiki Friday Walking Tour. Fireworks! Treats! Some Hula Show! (From ₹ 2,000.67)
- Guarantee Hawaiian Sea Turtle Snorkel Sail Waikiki w/add-on Trans (From ₹ 8,971.32)
- Whale Watch, Dolphins, Turtles and Sightseeing Cruise (winter only) (From ₹ 3,334.44)
- Afternoon Waikiki Glass Bottom Boat Cruise (From ₹ 3,334.44)
- Open-Door Helicopter Tour over Oahu (From ₹ 29,176.39)
- Hotels near Waikiki Beach:
- (0.03 km) Romantic Waikiki Banyan 2513 with Ocean and Diamond Head Views and Free Parking!
- (0.04 km) Freshly renovated studio w/ a stunning view of Waikiki Beach
- (0.05 km) Waikiki Sunset 2105 Paradise Awaits 1-bedroom Superior Suite with Incredible
- (0.05 km) Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach
- (0.06 km) 1 minute walk to the Waikiki beach
- Restaurants near Waikiki Beach:
- (0.07 km) Arancino di Mare
- (0.16 km) Tiki's Grill & Bar
- (0.17 km) d.k Steak House
- (0.16 km) M.A.C. 24/7
- (0.15 km) Oahu Mexican Grill (OMG)
- Attractions near Waikiki Beach:
- (0.00 km) Kuhio Beach
- (0.05 km) Aqua Zone Scuba Diving & Snorkeling Center
- (0.05 km) Paina Waikiki Luau
- (0.13 km) Hawaiian Style Rentals & Sales
- (0.17 km) The Magical Mystery Show at Hilton Waikiki Beach