Very, very crowded. good for people watching and things to do.

If you haven't seen it you have to go at least once. However Oahu has some much better beaches on the Island. I was stationed at Pearl Harbor and found some great spots to go where no one else went.

what a shock i expected a beautiful long beach like you get in Wales but it was crowded you cant even enjoy the scenery in a tiki bar as you are not allowed to drink on the beach. Very disapointed wont go again, No big waves seen bigger in my home town,,apparently they are at the north side of the shore

We think Waikiki is an excellent place for family vacations. There is one main street, Kalakaua Ave., and it is easy to get around walking, or by bus if going far, but nothing is very far in Waikiki. The Hilton Hawaiin Village Hotel is very nice and has a lovely private beach area, but is a little separated from the rest of the activities further up the beach. Beach area is easy to find all along Kalakaua Ave. Some areas offer great beach umbrellas for rent for the day. I recommend looking at a Waikiki map when booking your hotel. Along Kalakaua or nearby are hundreds of restaurants including everything from McDonald's or Denny's to Ruth's Chris Steak House. There are many luaus to choose from, but I recommend you do some research for the one that best suits you. Some offer crafts or games. Try the International Marketplace for shopping for local items, and check out the Ala Moana Shopping Center and Honolulu Zoo. The zoo isn't huge, but a good activity with children. Although you do not need a car to get around Waikiki, it is nice to rent a car for a day and ride around the island. The Polynesian Cultural Center is an awesome experience for the whole family, but plan an entire day for this. Tour buses will pick you up at or near your hotel and take you the Polynesian Cultural Center, snorkeling, surfing, to luaus, etc. Check the travel desk in your hotel. ABC stores are on every corner for misc. things you might need, and wonderful shopping all around from Tiffany's and Coach to street vendors. Lots of activities available, or just hang out on the beach and read. Something for everyone. Aloha!
Beach tip: Pack a twin sheet for the beach. It covers a lot of ground, the sand shakes off easily, and it drys in no time.