Waikiki Beach

Waikiki Beach, Oahu

Waikiki Beach (view panorama) on the island of Oahu is Hawaii's most popular and visited beach. It is located on the south shore of the island next to Diamond Head. The beach is about 2 miles (3.2 km) long and across from it on the other side of the street are many hotels, restaurants, gift shops and beach bars.


At the east end of the beach, on the foothills of Diamond Head, is a large and beautiful oceanfront park called Kapiolani Park. It is a great place for a picnic, ball games or running. At the west end of Waikiki Beach is the Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon (also called Hilton Lagoon), which is a nice place for a relaxing swim.

If you like watersports you will be able to rent all kinds of equipment on the beach, such as bodyboards, surfboards and snorkeling gear. Some of the most popular things to do at Waikiki Beach are swimming, surfing, bodyboarding, snorkeling and kayaking.

Waikiki Beach is almost always crowded, and during the peak tourist seasons it can almost be difficult to find a spot where to put your towel. In the evening hours, there is music entertainment at the numerous beach bars and restaurants.

Since Waikiki Beach is 2 miles long, it has several sections that have their own name. Located at the west end of Waikiki is Kahanamoku Beach, which is the widest stretch of Waikiki Beach. The area near the Kapahulu Groin (also known as The Wall) is called Kuhio Beach. This area has a breakwater, which creates a shallow and calm swimming lagoon that's ideal for families with children. To the east of Kuhio Beach is Queen's Surf Beach, a popular place among bodyboarders. Further east is Kaimana Beach, a nice swimming beach because of its sandy nearshore ocean bottom.

Waikiki Beach Overview

  • Hawaii's most popular and most visited beach (view panorama)
  • One of the most famous beaches in the world - attracts over 4 million visitors every year
  • Many hotels, restaurants and shops along this 2-mile-long beach
  • Honolulu Zoo, Waikiki Aquarium and Kapiolani Park are at the east end of the beach
  • Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon is at the west end of the beach
  • Watersports equipment rental available
  • High surf often times in the summer months (May to September)
  • Evening entertainment at numerous bars and restaurants

Vacation Rentals near Waikiki Beach


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Reviews and Comments:
 
This beach is ace for people watching and has showers, its close to shops and easy to access via many alleyways try and walk all the way along the beach you will see so much plus has a wonderful dance show on certain nights. dont forget to watch the sunset here too, just lovely!!
Suzanne, Thu May 10, 2012
 
Waikiki beach was my first Hawaiian beach. It's especially beautiful at sunset and sunrise. I love the color of the water (baby blue) at sunset. At sunrise you have the beach all to yourself. Looking forward to going back!
Carlene Kalani Wilson, Sat Aug 27, 2011
 
Waikiki is absolutely beautiful i would love to visit there one day. matter of fact i would like to but property right next to the beach.
Nilka Branford , Mon May 16, 2011
 
Waikiki Beach is nice but there are other nicer beaches on Oahu.
Sarah, Nov 15, 2010