Things to do in Waikiki:
Ala Moana Shopping Center
The largest one in Hawaii located near Waikiki. It’s an open air shopping center, with department stores like Macy’s and Nordstrom, luxury brands, and local specialty stores. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from, from fine dining to well known chain restaurants like Bubba Gump, to food court with International selection.
Walking around Waikiki on Kalakaua and Lewers Street (My MUST DO)
What could be better than enjoying a beautiful view and doing some shopping at the same time? There are so many stores from local apparel stores like Honolua to high end ones like Prada or Louis Vuitton, the options are endless. There are a lot of restaurants to choose from along the street too. In International Market, you’ll find local arts and crafts, island clothing, and casual local Hawaiian food stands.
Diamond Head hike (My MUST DO)
This is one of the MUST DOS when visiting Oahu assuming you are in good physical shape. The trail is under 1 mile long but uneven and steep. The last part of the trail is mostly steep stairs, so it IS a strenuous hike, but the view at the top is totally worth it. You’ll see the view of the crater and the whole Waikiki Beach. Restrooms are available at the start of the trail.
Pearl Harbor (My MUST DO)
The largest one in Hawaii located near Waikiki. It’s an open air shopping center, with department stores like Macy’s and Nordstrom, luxury brands, and local specialty stores. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from, from fine dining to well known chain restaurants like Bubba Gump, to food court with International selection.
Walking around Waikiki on Kalakaua and Lewers Street (My MUST DO)
What could be better than enjoying a beautiful view and doing some shopping at the same time? There are so many stores from local apparel stores like Honolua to high end ones like Prada or Louis Vuitton, the options are endless. There are a lot of restaurants to choose from along the street too. In International Market, you’ll find local arts and crafts, island clothing, and casual local Hawaiian food stands.
Diamond Head hike (My MUST DO)
This is one of the MUST DOS when visiting Oahu assuming you are in good physical shape. The trail is under 1 mile long but uneven and steep. The last part of the trail is mostly steep stairs, so it IS a strenuous hike, but the view at the top is totally worth it. You’ll see the view of the crater and the whole Waikiki Beach. Restrooms are available at the start of the trail.
Hanauma Bay (My MUST DO)
(Tips: Closed on Tuesdays, $1 per car parking fee, $5 per person admission fee for 13 year old or older; Free for children under 13 years and for Hawaii residents and military stationed in Hawaii with proper ID)
No need to go on a boat ride to be drop off somewhere in the middle of the ocean to go snorkeling. At Hanauma Bay, you can just walk right of the beach and snorkel in one of the best spot in the world. If you don’t have your own snorkel gear, you can rent one there. Restroom/showers are available on site.
See if you can spot Humuhumunukunukuapuaa (Hawaiian state fish) but be careful not to step on the corals. And please do take the time to enjoy the beautiful Hanauma Bay.
Sunset Waikiki Boat Tour
There are many options for the Sunset Waikiki Boat Tour. The boats cruise along Waikiki Beach to Diamond Head and back. I can't remember which one I took when I was there (Sorry!!) But they are pretty much the same, some offers sunset dinner with Polynesian dance as the entertainment. The the food could be good or bad depending on which boat you take. Alcoholic drinks are normally included in the ticket price. Some boats just offer drinks. Personally I like the ones without dinner for two reasons: the dinner cruise is much pricier, and food is better on land. So my suggestion is to go with the sunset cruise and enjoy some cocktails on board while gazing through the picturesque Waikiki beach and get dinner somewhere else after the cruise.
(Tips: Closed on Tuesdays, $1 per car parking fee, $5 per person admission fee for 13 year old or older; Free for children under 13 years and for Hawaii residents and military stationed in Hawaii with proper ID)
No need to go on a boat ride to be drop off somewhere in the middle of the ocean to go snorkeling. At Hanauma Bay, you can just walk right of the beach and snorkel in one of the best spot in the world. If you don’t have your own snorkel gear, you can rent one there. Restroom/showers are available on site.
See if you can spot Humuhumunukunukuapuaa (Hawaiian state fish) but be careful not to step on the corals. And please do take the time to enjoy the beautiful Hanauma Bay.
Sunset Waikiki Boat Tour
There are many options for the Sunset Waikiki Boat Tour. The boats cruise along Waikiki Beach to Diamond Head and back. I can't remember which one I took when I was there (Sorry!!) But they are pretty much the same, some offers sunset dinner with Polynesian dance as the entertainment. The the food could be good or bad depending on which boat you take. Alcoholic drinks are normally included in the ticket price. Some boats just offer drinks. Personally I like the ones without dinner for two reasons: the dinner cruise is much pricier, and food is better on land. So my suggestion is to go with the sunset cruise and enjoy some cocktails on board while gazing through the picturesque Waikiki beach and get dinner somewhere else after the cruise.
Pearl Harbor (My MUST DO)
Whether or not you are a history junky, this is a definite must do. We all know the story of Pearl Harbor but seeing it yourself is a totally different experience. The museum has a good setup to learn about the history behind Pearl Harbor.
I've only been to the USS Arizona Memorial and to be honest, I still feel the eeriness whenever i think about it. Seeing the destructions and the memorial of lost lives was such a moving experience. If you only have a short time, USS Arizona Memorial is the one to go.
There are also USS Bowfin, USS Missouri, and Aviation Museum to explore.
Costo (only if you have the membership or know someone with the membership who can go with you)
First thing I do after landing in Honolulu Airport is go to Costco to get some macadamia nut chocolates and hurricane popcorn. You’ll get the best price there.
Flea Market at Aloha Stadium (Wed/Sat/Sun from 8am to 3pm)
Entrance fee is $1 per person. You’ll find Hawaiian goodies for a great price. Things like island shirts/dresses, t-shirts, arts and crafts, island jewelries, dried fruits, nuts, and fruits with li hing powder, food /drink stands with lunch plates and fresh coconut.
My Yet to Explore in Waikiki
'Iolani Palace
First thing I do after landing in Honolulu Airport is go to Costco to get some macadamia nut chocolates and hurricane popcorn. You’ll get the best price there.
Flea Market at Aloha Stadium (Wed/Sat/Sun from 8am to 3pm)
Entrance fee is $1 per person. You’ll find Hawaiian goodies for a great price. Things like island shirts/dresses, t-shirts, arts and crafts, island jewelries, dried fruits, nuts, and fruits with li hing powder, food /drink stands with lunch plates and fresh coconut.
My Yet to Explore in Waikiki
'Iolani Palace
(Tips: closed on Sundays)
This is the only royal palace in United States. 'Iolani Palace was the official residence of the Hawaiian Kingdom's last two monarchs -- King Kalakaua his successor and sister Queen Lili`uokalani . During the monarchy period, the Palace was the center of social and political activity in the Kingdom of Hawai`i.
It's grandeur was neglected for many years after the overthrow of the monarchy, but now restoration and preservation continues. Visitors to this National Historic Landmark can enjoy one of the most precise historic restorations and learn much about Hawaiian history and heritage.
It's grandeur was neglected for many years after the overthrow of the monarchy, but now restoration and preservation continues. Visitors to this National Historic Landmark can enjoy one of the most precise historic restorations and learn much about Hawaiian history and heritage.
