Waikiki Outdoor Activities

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.

Waikiki Diamond Head State Park. Towering over Waikiki Beach and the Oahu coastline, Diamond Head is a 760-foot volcanic peak. Hawaii’s symbolic landmark is 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 Le’ahi where you’ll enjoy stunning views of Waikiki and Oahu’s southern shore. Take a 2-hour walk to the top to enjoy breathtaking views of Honolulu’s beaches, landmarks, and shoreline – from Koko Head to Wai’anae to the green Koolaus Mountains. If you visit during the winter, you can see the humpback whales. Visit http://www.hawaiistateparks.org/.

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. Visit http://www.nps.gov/usar/.

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. Visit www.usmissouri.com

Polynesian Cultural Center in Waikiki. 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. Visit www.polynesia.com.

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. To the right of the protected cove is a beautiful rocky shoreline to climb and explore and Halona Blowhole Overlook.

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 and live entertainment off the coast of Waikiki and Diamond Head. Savor brilliant sunsets and views of the Honolulu shoreline. Some cruises offer limousine pick-up from the hotel and will whisk you away to a Honolulu nightclub for a night on the town. Hop aboard the Outrigger Catamaran sailing the waters off Waikiki and offering daily sunset sails, weekly eco sails and snorkel tours.

Swimming With Sharks in Waikiki. 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 treasures 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. 808-973-9811

Horseback Riding in Waikiki. Go horseback riding along the Pacific Ocean to the pristine North Shore of Oahu. Starting at the Mokuleia Polo grounds, you’ll mount up and enjoy riding one of the thoroughbred “ponies” that play in the polo games on Sundays. Experience a winding ride through the iron woods and Opaka bush and along the beautiful Pacific coast. Guides will lead to perfect photo opportunities, so bring a camera. For horseback riding tours in the Waikiki area, visit http://hawaiipolo.com/trailrides/

Hiking Diamond Head in Waikiki. Towering over Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head State Monument offers 475 acres of hiking adventure. More than 3,500 feet in diameter with a 760-foot summit, Diamond Head in Waikiki s the world’s most recognized volcanic crater. Walking up the side of an extinct volcano to its peak overlooking Waikiki’s coastline is amazing. Hike the wide crater floor to the steep, winding 0.7 mile hiking trail to the summit of Le’ahi and enjoy magnificent coastal views of Waikiki and Oahu’s southern shore – Koko Head to Wai’anae. Climb the inside slope of Diamond Head for .6 miles to a steep upward ascent through tunnels and stairs that reach a World War II bunker. Step up to panoramic views of Oahu, feel the trade winds, and hear the crashing waves.

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 great spot for whale watching from December to May.

Waikiki 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 cliffs of the mountains.

Waikiki’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. The wide sandy beaches, azure waters and playful surf make the North Shore an awesome destination. 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.

Waikiki Beach Hotel. 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.