Waikiki - Waikiki

Waikiki
(Honolulu)
Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head
Location
Waikiki - Localization
StateUnited States of America
Federated stateHawaii
TerritoryOahu
POSTAL CODE96815

Waikiki is a district of the city of Honolulu.

To know

One of the most famous beaches in the world, Waikiki is a popular neighborhood in the city of Honolulu on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. Sandwiched between the Ala Wai Canal and the ocean in the shadow of the majestic Diamond Head crater, Waikiki is known to be the tourist hub of the islands Hawaii.

Waikiki was the favorite playground of Hawaiian royalty in the 19th century, when it was an area of ​​wetlands fed by the streams of the valleys above Honolulu. That all changed in the 1920s when the government decided to build what would become the Ala Wai Canal, which would dry up the wetlands and pave the way for further development.

Today, this 2.4km stretch of white-sand beach is the core of Hawaii's tourism industry, filled with high-rise hotels that promise to treat you like royalty, some of which may even require a king's ransom for admission. Although it is often criticized for its concrete jungle look, large crowds and touristy vibe, there is a lot to enjoy here and you can still find a quiet spot if you know where to look.


How to orient yourself


How to get

For more information on how to get there, see the article on Honolulu.

From the airport there are many options for getting to Waikiki. The Airport Waikiki Express offers shuttle service to Waikiki hotels every half hour for $ 9 per person; look for the bright yellow shirts. Keep in mind that these are full buses and if your hotel is at the eastern end of Waikiki, the shuttle will take the same amount of time to go through all other hotels and traffic as it did to get to Waikiki from the airport. If you are a group of several people, it is best to take a taxi.

Furthermore, the city ​​buses 19 and 20 ($ 2.50, $ 1 for child and seniors; exact exchange required, local bills and coins accepted) connect Waikiki to the airport once every half hour, passing through downtown. You can pick them up outside the second floor of the domestic and international departure terminals. The bus only accepts baggage that fits on your lap and under the seat. If you have a lot of luggage, consider other options.

If you are driving to Waikiki from the airport or points to the west, follow signs for H1 east then continue on H-1 east for approximately 3km to the Waikiki / Nimitz Highway exit, then continue to Nimitz Highway (which becomes Ala Moana Boulevard past the Downtown Honolulu) which leads directly to Waikiki. Another option is to stay on H1 East and take exit 25A (King Street); after entering King Street, stay on the right and take the second right along Kapahulu Avenue and follow Kapahulu to Waikiki. If you are coming from the east, take the H1 west to the Kapiolani Blvd exit and continue to Kapiolani Blvd to McCully Street, then turn left to Waikiki.

How to get around

When you get directions in Hawaii, you are more likely to hear "mauka", "makai", "ewa" and "diamond / koko head" rather than north, south, west or east. Mauka means towards the mountains. Makai means towards the water, in this case the ocean. Ewa means towards Ewa Beach, or roughly west, and Diamond / Koko Head means roughly east towards Diamond Head. This means that the directions depend on where you are on the island. In the case of Waikiki and Honolulu, which are located on the southern coast of Oahu, mauka roughly means north and makai roughly means south.

In Waikiki, the three main roads, from Makai to Mauka, are Kalakaua Avenue (one-way from Ewa to Diamond Head, along Waikiki Beach), Kuhio Avenue (two-way), and Ala Wai Boulevard (one-way from Diamond Head to Ewa, along the Ala Wai Canal).

Everything in Waikiki is within easy walking distance of each other. Another option is to use a moped: around Waikiki, numerous stands can rent mopeds (small motor scooters). Prices vary widely, so shop around a bit before deciding. These bikes generally cannot exceed 35 mph, allowing for easy movement on city streets. Some rules to remember and the locals will respect you better:

  • Stay right! Always stay as far right as possible and if someone turns, stay on the far right of the lane you are in (move to the far right of the road as soon as possible).
  • It is illegal to travel in two, so avoid having passengers on your bicycle.
  • Don't park your bike on the sidewalk: the police will get a fine.
  • Unless you are an expert, do not ride your bike at night in dark areas - it is very difficult for you to be seen.


What see

  • Kapiolani Park. A large public park at the eastern end of Waikiki (towards Diamond Head), home to the1 Waikiki Shell amphitheater and the Honolulu Zoo. Just across the street on the shore is the Waikiki Aquarium. 
    • 2 Honolulu Zoo, 151 Kapahulu Ave (On the corner of Kapahulu Ave and Kalakaua Blvd), ☎ 1 808 971-7171. Ecb copyright.svg$ 14; $ 8 resident and military; $ 6 children; free under 3 years. Simple icon time.svgMon-Sun 9: 00-16: 30. Closed on December 25th. Lovely zoo with many exotic animals such as elephants, rhinos, lions, zebras and giraffes. Honolulu Zoo (Q5896736) on Wikidata 
    • 3 Waikiki Aquarium, 2777 Kalakaua Ave, ☎ 1 808 923-9741. Ecb copyright.svg$ 12; $ 8 resident and military; $ 5 children and seniors; free under 3 years. Simple icon time.svgMon-Sun 9: 00-16: 30. Closed on December 25th. The third oldest aquarium in the United States, this incredible institution is home to hundreds of marine life species from Hawaii and the Pacific, including sharks, octopuses, jellyfish, colorful reef fish, corals, and an outdoor Hawaiian monk seal exhibit. Waikiki Aquarium on Wikipedia Waikiki aquarium (Q2891869) on Wikidata 

Beaches

Waikiki Beach (it is a series of beaches) is by far the most famous in Hawaii. It forms the foreground of most postcard images, with Diamond Head in the background, and it's the first beach that comes to mind when most people think of Hawaii. As a result, it is also by far the busiest. It's a good place to learn to surf if you can not hit or get hit by other surfers in the crowd.

From west to east:

  • 4 Kahanamoku Beach (At the Ala Moana end of Waikiki, opposite the Hilton Hawaiian Village Resort.). Named after the legendary surfer Duke Kahanamoku, this is an artificial beach and lagoon. 
  • 5 Fort DeRussy beach (Located adjacent to a park). This is the largest stretch of beach and one of the most popular. It is also a good place for snorkeling, with a coral reef just offshore. 
  • 6 Royal Manoa Beach (Opposite the Royal Hawaiian Hotel and the Moana Surfrider Hotel). This is perhaps the busiest stretch of beach in Waikiki. 
  • 7 Kuhio Beach. With an offshore retaining wall, this is a quieter section of beach that's ideal for families and novice surfers. Along Kalakaua Avenue are four stones known as Ancient Pohaku (Wizard Stones) which are believed to have spiritual healing powers. There is also a statue of legendary surfer Duke Kahanamoku located here, often adorned with leis and a popular photo spot. Kuhio Beach Park (Q6442122) on Wikidata 
  • 8 Queens Surf Beach (In front of the Kapiolani park). This is a quieter section of the beach which is also popular with gays. Snorkeling is great here, with huge sprinkles, Moorish idols, and other fish. 
  • 9 San Souci beach (Located between the War Memorial Natatorium and the New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel). This is a much quieter section of beach protected by a coral reef; great for families and swimming. 


What to do

First-time visitors should make sure to book at least one luau. Some are better than others, check with the hotel concierge for recommendations.

  • Waikiki offers excellent surfing for both beginners and seniors. It doesn't have the killer waves like Pipeline, but it does have some nice longboard waves just off the beach, where the beginner lessons are located. A little paddling will take you to moderate sized waves. There are plenty of places to rent boards and take lessons right on the beach, all open early, and there are countless cheaper places to rent off the beach.
  • 1 Atlantis Submarines (Hilton Hawaiian Village), ☎ 1-800-548-6262. Ecb copyright.svg$ 99, $ 45 children. Simple icon time.svgMon-Sun 9: 00-15: 00. Submarine tours off the coast of Waikiki, getting close to marine life, coral reefs and shipwrecks. 


Shopping

At the west end of Waikiki you can find incredibly expensive shops like Armani, Tiffany's, Bvlgari, etc.

  • ABC. These ever-present shops are located so that most hotels are within a block of walking distance. Many locations are in fact found in the commercial areas of major hotels. They provide all sorts of food, souvenirs, and convenience store merchandise, but the convenience comes at an additional cost. If you are looking for Hawaiian bath and body products, you will find a variety of products in ABC stores Forever Florals. 
  • 1 Longs Drugs, 2155 Kalakaua Ave, ☎ 1 808 922-8790. Simple icon time.svgMon-Sun 0: 00-24: 00. General merchandise shops popular with locals with locations all over the islands. Longs Drugs (referred to simply as Longs by locals) should be on your list of places to go if you are going to be in town for more than a few days and don't want to eat out every night, as the groceries here are cheaper than any shop of the island's grocery stores, with very few exceptions. For this reason, Longs is a popular place to shop and checkout lines can get very long very fast, and some shops are best described as hectic. However, the wait was worth it. Another important note is that if you are from the mainland and need a prescription refill, Longs is now owned by CVS / pharmacy. 
  • 2 Food Pantry, 2370 Kuhio Ave, ☎ 1 808 922-0027. The closest thing to a real supermarket in Waikiki. 
  • 3 International market (International Market Place), 2330 Kalakaua Ave, ☎ 1 808 753-5714. Anchored by Saks Fifth Avenue. International Market Place (Q28223751) on Wikidata 
  • 4 Royal Hawaiian Center, 2201 Kalakaua Ave, ☎ 1 808 922-2299. The main shopping mall in Waikiki, with levels of many tourism-oriented shops and restaurants. It includes more than 100 shops and restaurants ranging from the Cheesecake Factory to high-end boutiques (Hermes, Fendi, Cartier, etc.), to art galleries and her booths. Royal Hawaiian Center (Q7374260) on Wikidata 
  • 5 T Galleria Hawaii by DFS, 330 Royal Hawaiian Ave, ☎ 1 808 931-2700. One of the largest duty free shops in the state. Due to its duty free nature, it is very popular with foreigners, especially the Japanese. However, Americans can buy anything here too, just be prepared to pay taxes as you normally would. 
  • 6 Waikiki Shopping Plaza, 2250 Kalakaua Ave, ☎ 1 808 923-1191. It comprises five levels of small shops, including a rooftop restaurant. 


How to have fun

Night clubs

Most of the bars in Waikiki also serve good food and it is sometimes difficult to draw the line between pub and restaurant. Any of these places should also be considered a good place to dine.

  • 1 Hula's, 134 Kapahulu (On the second floor of the Waikiki Grand), ☎ 1 808 923-0669. The oldest and most popular gay-friendly nightclub with a glassed-in dance floor. Great cocktails, especially mai tais. Music videos are shown on large screens and are all on request on Monday evenings. Open to the air. 
  • 2 Kelly O'Neil's, 311 Lewers St, ☎ 1 808 926-1777. Energetic pub atmosphere with live music every night. 
  • 3 The Yard House, 226 Lewers St, ☎ 1 808 923-9273. Not only does it have a wonderful food menu but offers over 130 draft beers from around the world, the huge island bar protects the 4 walls of the taps inside. If you were wondering how they can have so many beers on tap, just take a stroll over to the 0.50 meter thick Plexiglas double wall which allows you to observe the elaborate tapping system. It may take longer to choose a beer than to actually drink it. 


Where to eat

Moderate prices

  • 1 Teddy's Bigger Burgers, 134 Kapahulu Ave, ☎ 1 808 926-3444. Simple icon time.svgMon-Thu 10: 00-21: 00; Fri-Sun 10: 00-22: 00. This is a branch of a small chain. The name represents the truth in advertising. The burgers are very large and juicy, as are the grilled chicken breasts. The other ingredients, such as lettuce, tomatoes and onions are also fresh. Good value for money, good food even for people who usually avoid burger joints. The decor has a retro 60s vibe and the soundtrack they play is classic 60s / early 70s rock. 
  • 2 Marukame Udon, 2310 Kuhio Ave, ☎ 1 808 931-6000. Ecb copyright.svgLess than $ 10. Simple icon time.svgMon-Sun 7: 00-22: 00. Cafeteria-style restaurant specializing in Japanese Udon: long, thick noodles served with meat, vegetables and broth. There is usually a line outside the door but the service is quick as it is cafeteria style. 

Average prices

  • 3 Duke's, 2335 Kalakaua Ave (At the Outrigger Waikiki Hotel), ☎ 1 808 922-2268. It is named after the legendary surfer Duke Kahanamoku. For meals and drinks right on the beach you can't beat Duke's. It is a bar and a restaurant. Their Sunday live music is a local favorite. 
  • 4 Eggs' N Things, 2464 Kalakaua Ave, ☎ 1 808 926-3447. Simple icon time.svgMon-Sun 6: 00-14: 00 and 16: 00-22: 00. This very popular breakfast and brunch spot attracts queues, so don't go if you're in a rush. They make excellent omelettes and pancakes, and there are three syrups on the table; coconut syrup is the best of the three. The portions are huge, so be hungry or order in moderation. The service is polite and the atmosphere is convivial. 
  • 5 LuLu's Waikiki, 2586 Kalakua Ave (Across the street from the Honolulu Zoo), ☎ 1 808 926-5222. Simple icon time.svgFrom 7:00 until late. This is an enclosed but open-air sports bar across the street from the beach. 
  • 6 Mikawon Korean restaurant, 2310 Kuhio Ave (It is not easily seen from the street, as it is located inside a pedestrian mall about half a block from Kuhio Ave), ☎ 1 808 924-3277. Simple icon time.svgMon-Sun 10: 00-22: 00. Very informal, with colored testimonies in various languages ​​that cover the walls. The clientele is mainly Korean and the staff speak little English, so don't expect much help deciding what to order. Take what looks good to you (some photos in the menu might help you) and enjoy some delicious Korean food. Banchan is also excellent (free side dishes). 
  • 7 Tiki's Grill & Bar, 2570 Kalakaua Ave (At the Waikiki Beach Hotel), ☎ 1 808 923-8454. Good food and good service. 


Where stay

There are many hotels in Waikiki. Try to find a place close to the city center with decent amenities and recently renovated. Don't waste time eating at the hotel restaurant unless it's one of the famous high-end ones like Duke's. The usual hotel booking websites all do a great job here, although you won't be surprised to find that your hotel name has changed since you made your booking.

Moderate prices

  • 1 'Ilima Hotel, 445 Nohonani St, ☎ 1 808 923-1877. Ecb copyright.svgFrom $ 133. An affordable condo two blocks from Waikiki Beach. Free parking and internet. The condos are very large units. 

Average prices

  • 2 Courtyard Waikiki Beach, 400 Royal Hawaiian Ave, ☎ 1 808 954-4000. Contemporary boutique style hotel right in the heart of Waikiki. Two towers, 401 rooms. It is the only courtyard in Hawaii. 
  • 3 Prince Waikiki, 100 Holomoana St, ☎ 1 808 956-1111. A hotel that has all rooms and suites with ocean views. Other hotel amenities include a championship golf course, day spa, tennis courts, and extensive facilities for meetings, weddings and social events. 
  • 4 Hilton Hawaiian Village, 2005 Kalia Rd (Off Ala Moana Blvd.), ☎ 1 808 949-4321. The largest resort in Waikiki, covering 85 m² in front of Waikiki Beach. Five towers with 2,545 units, 90 shops and 22 restaurants. Alii Tower offers one of the best beachfront locations in Waikiki. Beachfront accommodations, exclusive services, advanced amenities, including the Tower's private pool terrace, whirlpool and private fitness center. Parking in the garage is very convenient; with your room card you can access your car at any time without having to wait for the car collection and return service. There Diamondhead Tower it dates back to the 1970s and many of the rooms are poorly maintained with torn wall paper, water damage, and obvious electrical cables running under the carpet. Overall the resort is very busy in high season, but for families with small children it might be acceptable. Hilton Hawaiian Village (Q3135697) on Wikidata 
  • 5 The Lotus at Diamond Head, 2885 Kalakaua Ave, ☎ 1 808 922-1700. Boutique hotel. 
  • 6 Moana Surfrider, 2365 Kalakaua Ave, ☎ 1 808 922-3111. Have breakfast at The Verdara and dine at the Beachhouse at The Moana, wine at bin 1901 and enjoy the Moana Lani Spa. 
  • 7 Park Shore Waikiki, 2586 Kalakaua Ave, ☎ 1 808 954-7426. Overlooking Diamond Head and the pristine expanses of Kapiolani Park. 
  • 8 Sheraton Princess Kaiulani, 120 Kaiulani Ave, ☎ 1 808 922-5811. Dine at Pikake Terrace, Splash Bar and Bento. They also have a song and dance show called Creation - A Polynesian Journey. 

High prices


Safety

Travel Notice!ATTENTION: It is illegal to go to the beach in Waikiki after midnight. Violators will receive a criminal subpoena, which will become a warrant if you don't go to court. The ban serves to prevent wandering, but many tourists are taken for the crime of "walking on the beach".
  • If you are not familiar with this climate, you may sometimes feel as if you are just inches from the sun. The cool breeze or convertible you are driving can compensate for the heat, but not the ultraviolet rays of the sun. Pay due attention and keep the top open until the evening or early morning.
  • Don't pick up strangers, regardless of whether they're being friendly and saying they really need a ride.
  • Be careful when you are in the ocean. Never underestimate the power of currents and waves and don't swim alone. If in doubt, ask a lifeguard about the current conditions. If there are signs posted, listen to them. Jellyfish sometimes float close to shore - if you get stung, head to a rescue station. The lifeguard will spray vinegar on the bites.
  • While certainly safer at night than in Chinatown, be careful when walking Waikiki at night. A powerful mix of drug dealers, hookers, and intoxicated tourists can explode in a bad situation.
  • Theft is rampant on Waikiki Beach. Never leave items unattended.


How to keep in touch

Internet

There is an internet cafe, the 1 Blue Hawaii Mobility Internet, at 2463 Kuhio Ave. Also in the same building there is a small shop to get a prepaid SIM card for your cell phone, Dakine Cellular. Tiny place, but helpful staff.


Around

Waikiki is a pleasant place, but there is a lot more to see in the rest of Honolulu and other parts of Oahu. Definitely consider making it your base, but unless all you want to do is be on Waikiki Beach during the day and have dinner and a cocktail there in the evening, don't spend all your time there.

Other projects

  • Collaborate on WikipediaWikipedia contains an entry concerning Waikiki
  • Collaborate on CommonsCommons contains images or other files on Waikiki
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