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Beach · Honolulu, Hawaii
Waikiki Beach
The roughly 3 km stretch of sand on Honolulu’s south coast, between Ala Wai Harbor and Diamond Head, with long-rolling waves, surf and canoe lessons, and the statue of Duke Kahanamoku.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Waikiki Beach
Waikiki (Waikīkī, “water that springs forth” in Hawaiian) was a landscape of wetlands, fishponds, and taro fields, fed by streams from the Mānoa valley. It was a resting place for chiefs and the Hawaiian royal family. Between 1921 and 1928 the construction of the Ala Wai canal drained the wetlands and made room for today’s neighborhood.
The beach is a succession of named sections, such as Kahanamoku, Fort DeRussy, Royal Hawaiian, Kuhio and Queen's, protected by breakwaters and reefs. Some sand was brought from elsewhere, including California, to replace erosion. The long, consistent waves have made Waikiki a traditional place to learn surfing, stand-up paddling, and to take outrigger canoe trips.
In the center of the beach, the bronze statue of Duke Kahanamoku, an Olympic swimmer who popularized surfing globally, is often adorned with flower leis. Nearby are the sacred Kapaemahu stones, associated with Hawaiian healing traditions. At the eastern end, Kapiʻolani Park and the Waikiki Aquarium sit below Diamond Head.
Along the sand runs Kalākaua Avenue, with shops and restaurants. At the western end, Fort DeRussy Park houses an Army museum in a former gun battery.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
A morning or an afternoon to walk, swim, and take a surf lesson; many visitors return to the beach daily.
Best time
Early morning the sea is usually calmer and the sand less crowded. The sunset appears over the ocean, with Diamond Head lit in the background. In summer, southern swells make larger waves for surfers.
How to get there
It’s about 5 km east of downtown Honolulu. Several bus lines connect Waikiki with downtown, Ala Moana, and the airport. Parking near the sand is hard to find and metered on most streets.
Tip
Use sunscreen that does not contain substances banned in Hawaii, which harm corals, and keep your distance from green sea turtles that appear in the water. Surf lessons depart from kiosks on the beach.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Waikiki Beach
Can you learn to surf on Waikiki beach?
Yes. The long, regular waves at the beach have been used for lessons for decades, offered by schools and beach kiosks.
How far is Waikiki from Honolulu Airport?
About 15 km. The trip takes 25 to 40 minutes by car or bus, depending on traffic.
Who was Duke Kahanamoku?
A Hawaiian swimmer and Olympic champion who helped popularize surfing worldwide. His statue stands in the center of Waikiki Beach.