Queen's Surf Beach

Oahu Beach Guide

Queen's Surf Beach

Queen's Surf Beach is an east Waikiki beach known for bodyboarding at The Wall, calm-day snorkeling, swimming, beach walks and its location near the Waikiki Aquarium.

Beach in Waikiki
Beach in Waikiki

Queen's Surf Beach, Oahu

Named after Queen Liliuokalani because her beach house and its pier used to stand here, Queen's Surf Beach is located right in Waikiki and is actually a section of Waikiki Beach.It is located between the Kapahulu Groin on its west end and the Waikiki Aquarium on its east end.

The Kapahulu Groin was built in 1951 and surfers named it The Wall, or in short Walls. Walls is also the name of the nearby surf break, which is reserved exclusively for bodyboarders (no surfboards are allowed within 150 yards of it and the area is marked by buoys). Another popular big-wave surf spot, named Cunha's, is located straight out from The Wall.

So besides being a bodyboarder's paradise, Queen's Surf Beach is also a great spot for snorkelers. There is a reef in front of the Waikiki Aquarium where snorkeling is good when the water is calm.

In the park near The Wall is a bronze sculpture, which was dedicated by the City and County of Honolulu in 2003. Designed by artist Robert Pashby, It's called "Surfer on a Wave" and it is a monument to surfing in Waikiki.

The Kapahulu Groin also marks the western boundary of the Waikiki Marine Life Conservation District, which goes all the way from the Groin east to the War Memorial Natatorium. In this area, fishing and removing marine life is prohibited.

If you like movies, come here on select weekend evenings during the summer months when free outdoor movies are shown on a big movie screen (you can't miss it, just look out for the large construction right on the beach). The event, known as Sunset on the Beach, includes music entertainment prior to the movie and food booths and begins at around 4 p.m. The movie begins around sunset, or around 7 p.m.

Visitor Reviews

Reviews and Ratings

3.5

Rated 3.5 out of 5 based on 2 rated visitor reviews, plus 1 unrated comment.

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Cathy

Thu Mar 17, 2022

If you like beach volleyball, this is the place to be. The University of Hawaii play many of their home matches here so it's a great place to catch some high qualility beach volleyball when the beach bows are in season. If not, then bing your ball, enjoy some sun, water and play!

Ashlee

Fri May 15, 2020

Sorry to say, but Sunset on the Beach is no longer a regular event at Queen's Surf Beach.

Clay

Fri May 05, 2017

Very nice and not crowded beach.. But lots of coral and rocks in the water..!! Bring your water shoes

Location, Parking and Directions

Queen's Surf Beach is located at 2605 Kalakaua Avenue in Honolulu, on the Diamond Head side of Waikiki between the Kapahulu Groin and the Waikiki Aquarium. Parking in this part of Waikiki can be limited, so visitors often walk from nearby hotels, use paid lots, take transit or arrive early for street and park-area parking.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Queen's Surf Beach located?

Queen's Surf Beach is located at 2605 Kalakaua Avenue in Honolulu, on the Diamond Head side of Waikiki between the Kapahulu Groin and the Waikiki Aquarium.

Is Queen's Surf Beach good for swimming?

Yes. Queen's Surf Beach can be good for swimming when ocean conditions are calm. Visitors should still follow lifeguard guidance and watch for reef, bodyboarders and changing surf.

Can you snorkel at Queen's Surf Beach?

Yes. Snorkeling can be good during calm, clear conditions, especially near the reef by the Waikiki Aquarium. Do not touch coral, feed fish or remove marine life from the conservation area.

What is The Wall at Queen's Surf Beach?

The Wall is the nickname for the Kapahulu Groin area near Queen's Surf Beach. It is a popular bodyboarding zone, and the offshore area is marked by buoys.

What facilities are available at Queen's Surf Beach?

Queen's Surf Beach has nearby restrooms, showers, picnic tables, lifeguard coverage, food options and equipment rentals in the surrounding Waikiki area.