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Amazing dining, shopping galore – oh, and one of the world’s best beaches. There’s plenty to love about Waikiki. Discover a few of our neighborhood picks below. Plus, head a little further afield to find your beachy bliss at some of our fav stretches of sand.
Made famous way back in 1925 in a Charlie Chan novel (they’ve been open since 1917), this beachfront restaurant and bar has an expansive patio where people flock to watch the sunset each night, with live Hawaiian music and signature mai tais making for a perfectly memorable evening. (Don’t let the “bar” part fool you: it’s all about the music and the sunset, so you can bring your kids with a clear conscience.)
2199 Kalia Rd, Honolulu, HI, USA
Enter through the ground-level store, pass the Hawaiian shirts and upscale souvenirs, and make your way to the second floor for well-executed Hawaiian-inspired dishes. Or, go up to the third-floor bar which has its own private “beach” and plenty of umbrella drinks.
298 Beachwalk Drive Honolulu, HI 96815
The lines can be long at this popular noodle joint, but they’re worth it. Their Sanuki-style Udon noodles are freshly made, as are the broths, and half the fun is picking the fresh garnishes and toppings to create your perfect bowl of Udon.
2310 Kuhio Avenue #124, Honolulu, HI, USA
This fresh, modern, open-concept hall has everything from grab-and-go snacks and meals to sit-down dining. There’s a coffee bar, burger place, bakery, grocery, and wine shop — which means you can pick whatever you’re in the mood for once you get there.
2255 Kuhio Avenue, Honolulu, HI, USA
Fish tacos on the beach? Yes, please! The Hula Grill serves up Hawaiian specialties all day long, from macadamia nut pancakes to pan-seared ono for dinner — all against the backdrop of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head.
2335 Kalakaua Ave #203, Honolulu, HI, USA
For serious cases of dining indecision, check out The Street. To call it a food court would be doing it a serious disservice. Same concept, but done with all the style and epicurean finesse that you would expect from Michael Mina and the collection of chefs he’s assembled.
2330 Kalakaua Avenue Suite 330, Honolulu, HI, USA
This beachfront classic embraces its Hawaiian side with just a touch of tiki. They’re open breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but the breakfast buffet has been a long-running favorite for over 25 years, with made-to-order omelets, piles of fresh fruit, and more to fuel your adventures.
2335 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI, USA
Get your eggs (‘n things) any way you like them—or some ways you haven’t even thought of yet—at this casual nearby eatery. Although the focus is on eggs, the “things” include pancakes, acai bowls, crepes, and evening entrees with no eggs in sight.
2464 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI, USA
Sip, snack, and socialize at this café that celebrates local flavors. The menu focuses on fresh,
locally grown, and organic ingredients, so you can feel good about what you eat. And the
atmosphere is fun and laid back, with just the right amount of surfer chic. Serving breakfast,
lunch, and dinner downstairs at the Shoreline Hotel.
342 Seaside Avenue, Honolulu, HI, USA
Although it’s about half an hour away by car, this pineapple empire might be worth a drive if you’re traveling with kids. The enormous store itself is worth a visit, with gifts, handcrafts, and food items galore. (It’s one of the best smelling stores you’ll ever visit.) There’s a pineapple maze and the Pineapple Express Train Tour, both with a separate admission.
Dole Plantation, Kamehameha Highway, Wahiawa, HI, USA
Everyone knows you should visit Pearl Harbor, but one of our staff who used to work at the National Park had some tips to make your trip even better: There are lots of tours you can join, but to save money and time, just hop on a bus or shuttle and go on your own. Get there right when they open and get your ticket to the USS Arizona Memorial right away so you don’t have to wait hours for your admission time. And don’t miss the tour of the Pacific Aviation Museum, where you can talk to an actual survivor of Pearl Harbor on Saturdays and Thursdays.
Pearl Harbor, HI, USA
In the Hawaiian Hall of this fascinating museum, you’ll find over a million Polynesian artifacts that tell the story of Hawaii. There’s also a planetarium and Science Adventure Center — complete with an erupting volcano — that’s a hit with the kids. In other words, bring the whole family.
Bishop Museum, Bernice Street, Honolulu, HI, USA
Get a better appreciation for what’s swimming around out there at this small but interesting aquarium. Jelly fish, flashlight fish, monk seals, coral — this is your chance to get an up-close look at marine life without having to put on sunblock.
Waikiki Aquarium, Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI, USA
Check out the statue of famed surfer Duke Kahanamoku, then get a taste of Hawaiian culture with this free show at the Kuhio hula mound. Surprisingly un-touristy, it showcases top hula troupes and is an authentic bit of Hawaii in the midst of all the condo towers.
Despite the fact that this is many locals’ favorite beach, it’s rarely crowded. The currents can be strong, which means it’s not always ideal for swimming (ask the lifeguard), but you can’t beat the scenery: it’s set in a cove-like bay against a mountain of black lava rock crowned by a lighthouse. (Bring your camera!)
Makapu‘u Beach, Waimanalo Beach, HI, USA
Hit the North Shore at this gorgeous beach that’s famous for big-wave surfing. In the summer, the water is calm enough for swimming and snorkeling, but in the winter months, the waves pick up and the surfers come out to play. It’s amazing to watch, and at the end of the day, you’ll be rewarded with the beach’s other claim to fame: sunset.
Sunset Beach Park, Pupukea, HI, USA
Try a different side of the island at Kailua Beach Park. A beautiful drive up Highway 61, this park has white sand beaches and full facilities for you and your family. Just down the road is beautiful Lanikai beach, which doesn’t have parking or facilities, but is a gorgeous slice of island.
Kailua Beach Park, Kawailoa Road, Kailua, HI, USA
Just a few miles away from Waikiki Beach, Ala Moana has the same golden-sand beaches, the same view of Diamond Head, but a totally different vibe. There’s nearly a mile’s worth of beach, so there’s plenty of room to spread out, picnic, and play beach volleyball. Swimming is great here, too: the seawalls and outer reef provide protection, making the water perfectly calm.
Ala Moana Beach, Honolulu, HI, USA
One of the most famous beaches in the world, and with good reason. The beautiful setting includes golden sand beaches and views of Diamond Head crater, and you can swim, sun, snorkel, or surf, all within the same area. With its gentle slope and pool-like conditions, it’s even great for wading with little ones, especially near the seawall in the Kuhio Beach section.
Waikīkī Beach, Honolulu, HI, USA