Explore the Best of Waikiki Hawaii: Your Essential Travel Guide
Waikiki, Honolulu, also known as the “Tropical Kingdom by the Sea,” is a well-known and most-visited paradise that has attracted many travelers from around the globe. Waikiki is situated on the island of Oahu. If you think it’s just the beach you’re going to see here, then let me tell you, it’s more than just beaches here!
Waikiki is a blend of natural beauty, rich cultural history, and vibrant modern attractions. This all-rounder area, with its iconic golden sands, pristine beaches, and lush landscapes, offers both an inviting respite and a dynamic hub for entertainment and activity.
Want to know more about Waikiki? Here, we have discussed its history, cultural heritage, geography, natural beauty, and the experiences that make it a “Tropical Kingdom by the Sea.”
History of Waikiki
The history of Waikiki traces back centuries to when it was a favored retreat for Hawaiian royalty. In the Hawaiian language, “Waikiki” means “spouting waters,” named after the springs and streams that once flowed abundantly through this region.
Historically, the area was a swamp fed by these freshwater sources, and ancient Hawaiians developed an ingenious system of irrigation that made the region agriculturally prosperous. Early Hawaiian royalty visited Waikiki for its healing waters and serene environment, with their influence shaping the spiritual and social values of the region.
Did you know? Hawaii was named the first capital back in 1795-1796 when it was first founded. The reason for this was that during the 1800s, the Hawaiian royalty preferred to relax in Waikiki and stay on the early versions of longboards.
By the year 1880, a few small hotels had started to open. Soon, in 1893, a Greek-American, George Lycurgus, leased Allen Herbert’s guest house and renamed it “Sans Souci,” a French word that means “carefree/ without any worries.” This same guest house quickly became one of the earliest beach resorts in Waikiki.
In the same year, the popular writer Robert Louis Stevenson stayed at this resort which led to its popularity among the tourists as well as the residents. If you visit Waikiki, even now, you’ll find an area named “Sans Souci Beach.”
Moving on, in the early 1900s, Waikiki was full of wetlands, which made it a breeding ground for mosquitoes carrying diseases. To tackle this problem, the Ala Wai Canal was created, originally known as the Waikiki Drainage Canal.
Waikiki’s popularity grew even more when Duke Kahanamoku, a famous surfer from Waikiki, put the beach on the map as a surfing hotspot. He competed in the Olympics, sparking a worldwide interest in surfing and inspiring people to come to Waikiki to learn. When going to Waikiki, don’t forget to visit the Duke’s, a club named after him. And guess what? There’s also a beach named after him—Duke Kahanamoku Beach that you shouldn’t miss out on visiting.
Now, you must be wondering how the hotels started coming up. In 1955, Waikiki saw its first high-rise hotels go up, like the Waikiki Biltmore and Sheraton Princess Kaiulani Hotel. Then, big resort hotels started popping up, like the Hilton Hawaiian Village, Hyatt Regency Waikiki, Marriott Waikiki, and many more.
Also, here is a fun fact I want to share with you all! The Waikiki Beach you see did not exist earlier. Before the 1950s, Waikiki beaches were actually one continuous stretch of sand. The sands were imported from Manhattan Beach, California, and turned into proper beaches.
Now, Waikiki and Waikiki Beach have changed. You’ll see surfing lessons being given to beginners and competitions happening for pro surfers. From events to races and shopping, you can now experience almost everything in the present time.
Why Visit Waikiki?
Are you wondering why you should visit Waikiki and what can you do in Honolulu? Visiting Waikiki is not just about relaxing; it’s about learning about Hawaiian culture and traditions. The “Aloha” spirit, which encompasses respect, love, and harmony, is truly embedded in the Waikiki experience.
All the travelers visiting Waikiki are welcomed with open arms to share the traditions of the Hawaiian people and celebrate their food, music, and craft. But there’s more than what you can think of doing in Waikiki. We’ve listed a few things why we think you should visit Waikiki:
Experiencing Traditions
Waikiki is filled with traditions. Whether it is fire dancing or a hula performance, both are traditional Hawaiian dances. When visiting Waikiki, make sure to visit a Polynesian Centre to experience these traditional hula performances. These performances are usually seen at festivals, beachside shows, and even hotel lobbies.
During these performances, Hawaiian mythology and stories are narrated through graceful movements. Wondering where to experience these? You can visit the Bishop Museum or the Polynesian Cultural Center, where you can learn about the cultural and historical richness of the islands.
Appreciating its Geography
Since Waikiki is situated on the southeastern shore of Oahu, it is surrounded by the famous Diamond Head Crater, which increases its charm. On the beach, you’ll see coral reefs creating calm waters and waves, making it ideal for swimming and beginner surfers to surf. It also adds natural beauty to the places, making them more attractive to visitors.
Exploring the Beaches
When people think about Waikiki’s natural beauty, the first thing that comes to mind is the beaches. The soft white sand, clear turquoise waters, pristine sandy beach, and tall swaying palm trees represent many people’s tropical dreams.
Waikiki has eight distinct beaches, each with different features and a distinct character. Fort DeRussy Beach is quieter and favored by families, while Queen’s Beach is known for its vibrant atmosphere and snorkeling opportunities.
Among these, some other names are Duke Kahanamoku Beach, Halekulani Beach, Kuhio Beach, Royal Hawaiian Beach, Kaimana Beach, and Kapiʻolani Beach.
Seeing the Natural Beauty
Yes, we know beaches are the most popular thing in Waikiki, but guess what makes it beautiful? It’s the lush, green mountains and rainforests. Waikiki is filled with exotic flora and fauna, and there are multiple botanical gardens and parks on the island.
One such example is Kapiolani Park, which offers travelers a jungle-like escape for relaxation, picnics, and bird watching. Next are the Waikiki Aquarium and Honolulu Zoo, popular attractions that show Hawaii’s unique wildlife and marine life.
Engage in Outdoor Activities and Water Sports
Waikiki calls for leisure surfing and surfing contests. But why is it so? Because Waikiki is the place that made this sport popular. Surfing was once a sport that only the Hawaiian royalties would engage in. It is also a great place for beginners to start their surfing journey. Waikiki’s water is calm and has gentle waves, making it the safest place to surf as well as sit surfing.
However, surfing is not the only activity you can do in Waikiki. There’s snorkeling, where you can explore the underwater world with beautiful coral reefs and vibrant marine life. You can find various spots along the beach for snorkeling and experiencing the best view.
There are guided tours also available to take you to the best and least crowded spots for a more immersive experience. Other popular water activities include stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing, and sailing, and various operators offer lessons and rentals.
Cruises
If you love the sunset and have dinner while watching the beautiful view, cruises are a great option to explore. One of the most common cruises among many you’ll find is the sunset cruise. These cruise options are a favorite among couples and families and are sure to provide a magical end to the day.
These cruise boats depart from Waikiki’s harbor to take you on a scenic journey along the coastline. As you sail, you’ll see the setting sun casting a golden glow over Diamond Head and the city’s skyline.
Trying the Delicious Food
Whether you’re traveling on a budget or have ample cash on you, you shouldn’t miss out on trying out the delicious culinary options in Waikiki! From a blend of traditional Hawaiian flavors to modern fusion, you’ll find almost everything. Foods like kalua pork, poi, and a poke bowl are a staple here, made with the freshest ingredients.
You can also find Asian influences on the food, and a variety of restaurants and cafes serve Japanese and Thai cuisine. If you want something more sophisticated, try out the Italian and American restaurants you can find here. There are several food trucks that serve delicious food of different kinds as well.
Finally, don’t forget to end your meal with Waikiki’s unique treat, known as shaved ice. These come in many tropical flavors like coconut, mango, passion fruit, pineapple, and many more. If you’re a coffee person, a Kona coffee with its rich and smooth flavor is a must-try!
Shopping
Waikiki is a shopping center for many tourists. Kalakaua Avenue, which is Waikiki’s “main street,” is lined with high-end boutiques, luxury brand stores, local artisans, and souvenir shops. Then, there’s the Royal Hawaiian Center and the International Market Place—two major shopping complexes where you can find a mix of designer brands, local crafts, and Hawaiian-themed merchandise.
Enjoying the Nightlife
Wait! Did you think that Waikiki is all fun during the day? You might be wrong! The nightlife in Waikiki is an experience you cannot forget. From beachside bars to sophisticated rooftop lounges with ocean views, the nightlife in Waikiki is fun and unique.
You’ll get a relaxed vibe while enjoying tropical cocktails and live Hawaiian music under the stars. If you are lucky enough, you might also see the Friday Fireworks show, when the sky will be filled with vibrant colors.
Travel in Style in Honolulu on a Moped
Mopeds are a great way to scoot around the city and explore every nook and corner of the island. These are cost-effective and allow you to travel anywhere and everywhere with ease and without any hassle. There are many more reasons why we say this is the best way to travel:
Get Great Views
One of the biggest benefits of moped riding is that you get great views of Waikiki’s surroundings without any hindrance. Whether it is the Diamond Head you want to see from afar or just pass by the popular Ala Moana Beach Park, seeing them is pretty easy and convenient.
Highly Efficient
Since mopeds are compact vehicles, traveling between traffic is very smooth. Mopeds can go around even the smallest places when traffic is blocking the way. Especially during peak seasons when traffic is higher, mopeds are the most efficient option for riding. Also, finding a parking spot for it is easy.
Freedom of Exploration
When you are traveling around Waikiki on a bus or a car, you don’t have to stop anywhere and take in the beauty of the place. But when you’re riding a moped, you can stop by anywhere, grab your phones and GoPro, and just capture the amazing view around you!
Travel Around Waikiki with the Aloha Spirit
To be honest, Waikiki is a place that represents more than just a travel destination; it is a haven for tourists where the beauty of nature and the warmth of human connection unite, making it a true kingdom by the sea.
If we talk about its real charm, it truly lies in its unique blend of natural beauty, history, and cultural richness, all infused with the “Aloha Spirit.” Waikiki’s appeal is timeless and universal, offering something for every type of traveler.
In this “Tropical Kingdom by the Sea,” you are invited to experience not only the physical paradise of Waikiki but also the deeper cultural and spiritual connection that defines Hawaii. And don’t forget to explore the island comfortably on a moped to get the best experience! If you want to book one, feel free to reach out to us!