Top 70+ Things to Do in Waikiki Hawaii You Can’t Miss in 2025

Welcome to Waikiki, Hawaii—a world-renowned tropical paradise where golden beaches, swaying palm trees, and vibrant island vibes collide to create the perfect vacation experience. Nestled on the south shore of Oʻahu, Waikiki isn’t just a beach—it’s a full-blown experience that offers everything from exciting surf lessons 🌊 and shopping sprees 🛍️ to cultural luaus 🌺 and iconic landmarks like Diamond Head ⛰️.

Can’t-Miss Waikiki, Hawaii Experiences for 2025 Travelers

If you’re planning a trip in 2025, you’re in for a treat! Waikiki has leveled up with new attractions, revamped classic experiences, and hidden gems that even frequent visitors may not know about. Whether you’re a first-time traveler looking for adventure, a couple on a romantic getaway 💕, or a solo explorer ready to soak up Hawaiian magic, this destination has something to make your heart sing.

In this ultimate travel guide, we’ve curated a list of 70+ unforgettable things to do in Waikiki, Hawaii, from sunrise hikes and beach yoga sessions to sipping mai tais at rooftop bars with panoramic views 🌅🍹. Get ready to dive into the laid-back island lifestyle, explore world-class cuisine, and create memories that’ll last a lifetime.

🏖️ Beach Adventures in Waikiki Hawaii

 

1. Surf the Iconic Waikiki Beach 🏄
   Ride the waves where Duke Kahanamoku taught the world to surf.

2. Take a Catamaran Sunset Sail 🌅
   Glide across the ocean with cocktails and stunning sunset views.

3. Swim at Kuhio Beach 🏊
   Known for its calm waters — perfect for families with kids.

4. Try Stand-Up Paddleboarding 🏄‍♀️
   Balance and paddle along the serene shoreline.

5. Snorkel at Queen’s Surf Beach 🐠
   Spot vibrant marine life in this lesser-known snorkel spot.

6. Catch a Sunrise at Sans Souci Beach 🌞
   A peaceful way to begin your island day.

7. Go Bodyboarding at Ala Moana Beach Park 🌊
   Enjoy small, rideable waves without the crowd.

8. Enjoy Canoe Surfing 🛶
   A thrilling group activity powered by tradition and adrenaline.

9. Book a Private Beach Picnic 🧺
   Luxurious and Insta-worthy beachside dining.

10. Relax Under a Beach Umbrella at Fort DeRussy 🌴
    Chill with a tropical drink and live like a local.

🌆 Urban Waikiki Experiences

11. Shop Till You Drop at Kalakaua Avenue 🛍️
    Luxury boutiques, souvenirs, and island-inspired fashion.

12. Visit the Royal Hawaiian Center 👑
    Mix culture and commerce in this open-air shopping hub.

13. Explore Waikiki Beach Walk 🎶
    Dining, live music, art, and aloha vibes in one spot.

14. Take a Ride in a Hawaiian Horse Carriage 🐎
    Romantic and charming way to explore downtown Waikiki.

15. Check Out Waikiki’s Friday Fireworks Show 🎆
    A Hilton tradition that lights up the sky weekly.

16. Get Inked with a Polynesian Tattoo 🌀
    Immortalize your island adventure with traditional art.

17. Visit the Surfboard Fence at Duke’s Lane 🏄‍♂️
    Snap a selfie at this famous photo op.

18. Enjoy Island Music at a Rooftop Bar 🍹
    Sip cocktails with sunset views and live ukulele.

19. Take a Lei-Making Workshop 🌺
    Learn the meaning behind these fragrant flower garlands.

20. Catch a Hula Performance at Kuhio Beach Hula Mound 💃
    Free cultural shows with traditional storytelling.

🏛️ Culture & History in Waikiki

21. Tour the US Army Museum of Hawaii 🪖
    Learn about Pearl Harbor and Hawaii’s WWII role.

22. Visit the Duke Kahanamoku Statue 🏆
    Pay tribute to the legendary Hawaiian surfer.

23. Explore the Iolani Palace (Short Trip from Waikiki) 👑
    The only royal palace in the U.S., filled with Hawaiian history.

24. Check Out the Honolulu Museum of Art 🎨
    Island art mixed with global masterpieces.

25. Discover the Bishop Museum 🗿
    Dive into Hawaiian culture, science, and history.

26. Wander Through Kapiolani Park 🌳
    Honolulu’s oldest public park filled with banyan trees and views.

27. Watch a Traditional Luau Show 🌴
    Feast, dance, and fire knives all in one dazzling night.

28. Learn Hawaiian Words in a Mini Language Class 📘
    Say more than just “Aloha!”

29. Take a Historical Walking Tour of Waikiki 🚶
    Discover old hotels, battlefields, and sacred sites.

30. Explore the Queen Emma Summer Palace (Just Nearby) 🏯
    A peaceful historic home nestled in lush gardens.

🧗 Outdoor & Nature Escapes in Waikiki Hawaii

31. Hike Diamond Head Crater 🥾
    Spectacular panoramic views of Waikiki and beyond.

32. Take the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail 🌄
    A family-friendly hike with epic photo ops.

33. Go Parasailing Over Waikiki 🪂
    A bird’s-eye view of Oahu’s coastline.

34. Swim with Sea Turtles on a Guided Tour 🐢
    Unforgettable encounters with these gentle giants.

35. Rent a Bike and Ride Along the Ala Wai Canal 🚴
    A scenic, shaded path through Waikiki.

36. Chill at Magic Island Lagoon 🌊
    Ideal for a quiet afternoon near Ala Moana.

37. Explore Hanauma Bay (Short Drive) 🐠
    Protected marine life conservation area, excellent for snorkeling.

38. Take a Rainforest Waterfall Hike 🌿
    Short trips from Waikiki lead to gorgeous cascades.

39. Try Ziplining at Coral Crater Adventure Park 🌪️
    Just outside Waikiki for adrenaline-pumping fun.

40. Join a Yoga Class on the Beach 🧘
    Find your zen at sunrise or sunset.

🍴 Foodie Favorites in Waikiki

41. Dine at Duke’s Waikiki 🍤
    Legendary beachfront dining and hula pie.

42. Grab a Plate Lunch from Rainbow Drive-In 🍛
    Local-style meals with history and flavor.

43. Try a Fresh Acai Bowl at Island Vintage Coffee 🍇
    A healthy, tropical treat.

44. Sip a Mai Tai at the Royal Hawaiian Mai Tai Bar 🍹
    Classic drinks with an ocean view.

45. Get Shave Ice from Waiola Shave Ice 🍧
    Colorful and delicious — a must in Hawaii.

46. Go on a Waikiki Food Tour 🍴
    Sample poke, spam musubi, loco moco, and more!

47. Book a Sunset Dinner Cruise 🚢
    Gourmet dining with dancing and ocean views.

48. Enjoy High Tea at the Moana Surfrider Hotel 🫖
    Elegant vibes in a historic setting.

49. Try Malasadas from Leonard’s Bakery 🍩
    Deep-fried, sugar-coated perfection.

50. Taste Fresh Poke from Ono Seafood 🐟
    Rated among the best poke bowls in all Hawaii.

🎉 Unique Experiences & Hidden Gems in Waikiki Hawaii

51. Sleep in a Historic Hotel Like Moana Surfrider 🏨
    The “First Lady of Waikiki” oozes vintage charm.

52. Take a Ukulele Lesson 🎸
    Learn to strum your way through island classics.

53. Join a Traditional Outrigger Canoe Ride 🚣
    Paddle like the ancient Polynesians.

54. Stargaze at Waikiki Beach ✨
    Lay back and spot constellations over the Pacific.

55. Visit a Hidden Beach Cove Like Cromwell’s Beach 🌊
    A local secret spot to unwind.

56. Paint Your Own Hawaiian Landscape at an Art Class 🎨
    Take home a self-made souvenir.

57. Rent a Convertible and Cruise Oahu’s South Shore 🚘
    Freedom and views rolled into one.

58. Attend a Beachside Movie Night 🎬
    Occasional pop-up outdoor movie events.

59. Try Night Snorkeling or a Glow Paddle Tour 💡
    Explore marine life after dark — truly magical!

60. Experience an Island Helicopter Ride 🚁
    For sweeping aerial views of Waikiki, Diamond Head, and the coast.

👨‍👩‍👧 Family-Friendly Waikiki Hawaii Fun

61. Visit Honolulu Zoo 🐒
    Just steps from Waikiki Beach with exotic animals.

62. Explore the Waikiki Aquarium 🐠
    Family-friendly and educational.

63. Take a Ride on the Waikiki Trolley 🚌
    A colorful and fun way to explore.

64. Build Sandcastles at Kaimana Beach 🏰
    Great for little ones with gentle surf.

65. Watch the Fish Feeding at the Lagoon at Hilton Hawaiian Village 🐟
    A hidden gem for kids!

66. Join a Family Luau Show 🥥
    Interactive hula lessons, crafts, and island cuisine.

67. Attend Keiki (Kids) Surf Lessons 🧒🏄
    Surf schools for children with certified instructors.

68. Enjoy Coconut Ice Cream from Banan Waikiki 🍦
    Vegan, healthy, and deliciously tropical.

69. Take a Glass Bottom Boat Tour 🛥️
    See reef life without getting wet!

70. Go to a Turtle Release Event (Seasonal) 🐢
    Conservation groups sometimes host public events.

Whether you’re a sun seeker, thrill chaser, culture lover, or foodie — Waikiki, Hawaii is your dream destination. 🌈 These 70+ experiences in 2025 promise magic, aloha, and unforgettable memories. So pack your bags, bring your sunscreen, and say “Aloha!” to a tropical paradise you’ll want to visit again and again.