Waikiki Outdoor Activities & Popular Things to Do
Whether you hike to the top of Diamond Head, snorkel in Hanauma Bay, watch pro surfers ride the Banzai Pipeline, or hike the rainforests of Waimea Valley, you’ll discover amazing things to do and see in Oahu.
Hiking in Waikiki: Diamond Head State Park
Towering over Waikiki Beach and the Oahu coastline, Diamond Head is a 760-foot volcanic peak famous for its historic hiking trail, magnificent coastal views, and history. Diamond Head State Monument encompasses 475 acres, including the wide, saucer-shaped crater formed 300,000 years ago. Hike the steep and winding 0.8 mile trail from across the crater floor to the summit of Leahi where you’ll enjoy stunning views of Waikiki and Oahu’s southern shore.
Pearl Harbor/USS Arizona Memorial
Pearl Harbor and USS Arizona Memorial are the most popular tourist destinations in Hawaii. Commemorating the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, this national memorial houses the sunken hull of the Battleship USS Arizona, a museum, and exhibits of WWII history. The Memorial is the gravesite for the 1,177 crew members who died during the Attack of Pearl Harbor, and commemorates the site where World War II began for the US.
Battleship Missouri Memorial
A living museum that celebrates the end of WWII, Battleship Missouri Memorial at Pearl Harbor offers exhibits, activities and memorabilia that tell the story of the world’s last and most famous battleship. “Mighty Mo” is the site of Japan’s surrender to Allied Forces on September 2, 1945. Tour the Surrender Deck, where WWII officially ended.
Polynesian Cultural Center in Oahu
Sitting on 42 beautiful acres of the North Shore, Polynesian Cultural Center highlights island heritage through recreated villages, exhibits and activities that represent the South Pacific nations. Learn customs and participate in the activities of each island – from games and crafts to food and war training. With its lagoon, waterfalls, erupting volcano and tropical flora, PCC conveys the essence of the South Pacific. Enjoy the Alii Luau, with traditional Hawaiian luau food and entertainment, Rainbows of Paradise Canoe Pageant show, and Hawaii’s only IMAX theater.
Waikiki Halona Blowhole & Beach Cove
Called “The Peering Place”, Halona Blowhole is a natural ocean geyser and an unpredictable wonder. When breaking surf inside the Kaiwi Channel is forced through an “L” shaped lava tube, the massive pressure creates a spectacular explosion of water. Halona Beach Cove is a secluded, rocky cove with a small sandy beach that is ideal for swimming when the surf is calm.
Waikiki Sunset Cruises
Sunsets are breathtaking as you sail the azure sea off Waikiki. Enjoy a romantic adventure on a sunset dinner cruise that departs from Waikiki Beach and Honolulu. This magical sunset experience offers dinner, drinks, dancing andlive entertainment off the coast of Waikiki and Diamond Head. Hop aboard the Outrigger Catamaran, which offers daily sunset sails, weekly eco sails and snorkel tours.
Swimming With Sharks on Oahu
Encounter the beauty of Hawaii’s sharks as they rise from the depths to greet you. Swimming with sharks off the coast of Oahu is an extreme adventure that will profoundly affect your attitude towards these amazing creatures. As you sail out to deep water about 3 miles out, enjoying awesome views of the North Shore, you’ll see dolphins, whales, and green sea turtles. Bravely climb into the viewing cage, descend into the deep blue, and swim with the sharks of Oahu – an unforgettable experience!
Waikiki Submarine Atlantis Adventures.
Hop aboard the world’s largest fleet of passenger submarines that take you on an underwater adventure to 90 feet below the coast of Waikiki, Oahu. Watch nature’s undersea wonders through large viewing ports on this spacious submarine. As you submerge you will see the vibrant colors of coral life, exotic fish, and surrounding seawater as it filters the prism of sunlight.
Horseback Riding in Honolulu, Oahu
Go horseback riding along the Pacific Ocean to the pristine North Shore of Oahu. Starting at the Mokuleia Polo grounds, you’ll enjoy riding one of the thoroughbred “ponies” that play in the polo games on Sundays as you embark on a winding ride along the beautiful Pacific coast.
Waikiki Hiking at Makapuu Point
One of Oahu’s most beautiful, challenging and rewarding hikes is the 2.5-mile round trip hike to Makapuu Point, the most eastern point of Oahu. The hour hike to the point is primarily uphill, so do it early in the day when the sun is behind the cliff face. Enjoy spectacular views of Waimanalo Bay to the north and Sandy Beach and Koko Head to the southwest. Makapuu Point is a great spot for whale watching from December to May.
Waikiki, Oahu Waterfalls
Manoa Falls is a spectacular waterfall that cascades down a vertical cliff for 150 feet into a pool of sparkling water. Hike the scenic 1.5 mile trail, through bamboo forest, rainforest, and foothills of the Koolaus Mountains, to the towering falls. On the northeastern tip of Oahu, La’ie Falls is a stunning waterfall that cascades into a deep pool. Hike the 5-mile tropical forest trail and enjoy wonderful views of the ocean. Swim in the falls and pool, or hike to Koolau Summit Trail. Hike the rainforest trail through Waimea Falls Park to Waimea Falls, a towering waterfall that flows from the mountains to Waimea River. Cliffdivers climb the rock wall to the falls and dive 45 and 60 feet into the deep pool. One of the most beautiful waterfalls and hiking destinations in Oahu, Maunawili Falls cascade into a deep pool. Hike a wide 1.5 mile trail along three streams to the rushing falls or to the lush mountainside.
Oahu’s North Shore Beaches
A scenic hour drive along the Oahu coastline, the North Shore stretches 20 miles with gorgeous beaches, refreshing turquoise waters, and big wave surfing. Home of the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, this surf holy land summons top surfers to ride monstrous 30-foot winter waves. Summer tranquility brings calmer waves for swimming, bodysurfing, boogie boarding, fishing and diving. Drive to Ehukai Beach Park, a surf utopia and home of the Banzai Pipeline; Waimea Beach, birthplace of big wave surfing; Sunset Beach, one of the longest beaches in Oahu with white sands and crystal clear water; Royal Beach; and Three Tables.
Park Shore Waikiki
Park Shore Waikiki is a relaxing retreat above the waves of Waikiki Beach. Lounge in your private lanai with awe-inspiring views of Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head. Surf the waves or swim in our freshwater rooftop pool. Discover a tranquil hotel in harmony with the natural rhythms of Waikiki. Check out these Waikiki Hotel Specials & Packages.
