WAIKIKI
Everything you need to know about visting Waikiki.
Hawaii’s tourism industry began in Waikiki in 1901, and this iconic Honolulu neighborhood is where much of it continues today. Glittering Diamond Head and shaded Kapiolani Park to the east, Ala Wai Canal to the north and bustling Ala Wai Harbor to the west frame the 1.5-square-mile stretch along Oahu’s South Shore. High-rise vacation condos and historic hotels, cheap food courts and posh restaurants, inexpensive souvenir shops and luxury retailers, plus nightclubs, bars and lounges of every stripe, line its busy but broad sidewalks; you’ll find family attractions such as the Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Aquarium here too. Waikiki is best known, however, for its long beach with gentle rolling waves, beloved by surfers of every level, and just enough sand to accommodate hundreds of sun worshippers.
Countless TV and film appearances, along with visits by generations of celebrities — from Shirley Temple and Duke Kahanamoku, to Elvis Presley and Don Ho, and the stars of two versions of “Hawaii Five-O” — have helped keep Waikiki in the public eye for decades. Its star power also includes the best entertainers in Hawaiian music, performing al fresco at the Kani Ka Pila Grille or Duke’s Waikiki, or inside the elite Blue Note Waikiki. You’ll also see stars every Friday night, thanks to the Hilton Hawaiian Village fireworks show over the ocean.
History: Bubbling springs and rivers, now mostly diverted, gave Waikiki its name, which means “spouting water” (waikīkī). As early as the 15th century, Hawaiians used these valuable resources to create taro patches and fishponds in the area, which also became a seat of power for local rulers. The appearance of a legendary rooster (moa) led Chief Kakuhihewa to plant a coconut grove where the Royal Hawaiian Hotel and its tranquil grove stand today, a place the Hawaiians called Helumoa (“chicken scratch.”)
In 1794, King Kamehameha I landed his war canoes on Waikiki Beach as part of his quest to unite the islands under his rule. He later built a home at Helumoa and in 1809, moved his court to Waikiki. Subsequent royals lived and vacationed in the area, too; much of the land remains in their estates bequeathed to various charities.
Photo: Jack Wolford
What's New In Waikiki
What To Do In Waikiki
Where To Stay In Waikiki
Where To Eat In Waikiki
Waikiki's Annual Events
Due to Covid times, please check in with the organizers of these events to make sure they are still happening.
JANUARY: Want to start your year with some golf? The Sony Open, the largest charity golf event in Hawaii, is a hole in one.
MARCH: If you’re looking for a day full of parades, crafts, and educational exhibitions, make sure to stop by The Honolulu Festival supporting the Koa Tree Planting Project.
APRIL: You won’t see anything like the Waikiki SPAM Jam Festival, on the mainland! The street festival celebrates Hawaii’s unusually large consumption of SPAM with a variety of booths and restaurants. The celebration also includes free entertainment and all of the proceeds benefit the Hawaiian Foodbank.
MAY: May 1st is Lei Day in Hawaii. The annual Lei Day Celebration at Kapiolani Park features lei exhibits, the annual Lei Court, foods, crafts, and entertainment. You won’t want to miss the biggest celebration held in front of the Outrigger Beach Resort.
JUNE: While the tranquil ocean water may be calling your name, don’t forget to dive into traditional Hawaiian culture too. The three-day Pan-Pacific Festival (full of arts, crafts, foods, and performances) is a great place to start.
JULY: Want to watch authentic Hawaiian Hula? Be sure to make a stop at the annual Prince Lot Hula Festival featuring performances from a variety of hula groups. The annual Ukulele Festival at Kapiolani Park Bandstand, a Waikiki summer tradition, is the largest ukulele festival in the world. The free concert features guest artists and an orchestra of over 800 students.
AUGUST: The annual Duke’s Oceanfest honors the legacy of Duke Kahanamoku’s life through a variety of lifestyle sports activities including surfing, paddleboard racing, swimming, beach volleyball, tandem surfing, and more. Duke spread his love of surfing by teaching the sport to others around the world. Duke’s Oceanfest, a non-profit organization, provides resources to other organizations with hopes to enrich the lives of Hawaiian youth.
SEPTEMBER: The Annual Waikīkī Ho‘olaule‘a beachfront street festival, hosted by Aloha Festivals, showcases Hawaiian culture through endless cuisine and craft booths. The festival also features music and other forms of entertainment on four stages. The festival ends with the Annual Floral Parade which ceremoniously debuts all aspects of Hawaiian culture in a colorful march throughout Waikiki.
NOVEMBER: The Waikiki Holiday Parade commemorates the Pearl Harbor Attacks honoring all the military heroes and survivors.
DECEMBER: Eager to make your visit a little more active? Participate in the annual Honolulu Marathon. There’s no better place to run than paradise!
