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Planning a trip to Waikiki on Oahu? You’re in the right place!
With its golden sand and epic sunsets, it’s easy to see why lively Waikiki is the most visited spot in Hawaii. But with so many beaches, tours, restaurants, and iconic sights packed into one area of the city of Honolulu, planning how to spend your time can feel a little overwhelming.
That’s where we come in. After spending plenty of time exploring Waikiki (and beyond!), we’ve put together a detailed and easy-to-follow 5-day itinerary that balances beach time with unforgettable experiences. Keep reading to see exactly how to make the most of five days in Waikiki without feeling rushed.
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did was this Circle Island tour with pick up right from Waikiki! We were whisked off to some of the island’s best spots – from scenic lookouts to the famous North Shore and the Dole Plantation! It was a low-stress way to see more of Oahu with no planning required.
Itinerary Overview
Waikiki is the most popular place to visit in all of Hawaii, and once you get here, you’ll see why! It’s technically a neighborhood within Honolulu, and it’s a super scenic and walkable spot that boasts lots of shops and restaurants. And of course, it’s home to Waikiki Beach, which is one of the most famous and beautiful beaches in the world!
What we love about Waikiki (and why we keep coming back!) is the fact that you can easily spend your entire vacation here without getting bored. But with that said, there are some amazing day trips up to the North Shore and around the rest of Oahu, so we’ve also included a few carefully chosen experiences that let you explore more of the island while still keeping Waikiki as your home base.
One of the best parts of this itinerary is that you don’t need a rental car. Everything is either within walking distance, a short taxi or Uber ride away, or part of a tour that includes transportation from Waikiki. We’re all for having your own wheels, but parking here is limited and hotels often charge around $50 USD per day, so skipping the car saves a ton of money and hassle.
Day 1: Ease into your trip with a glass-bottom boat tour off Waikiki, then spend the afternoon relaxing on Waikiki Beach before ending the day with a traditional luau that includes transportation from Waikiki.
Day 2: Today we’ll see the highlights of the island on a full-day Oahu tour, which includes stops at the North Shore, Dole Plantation, and Haleiwa Town, before heading back to Waikiki for dinner and live music.
Day 3: Start the day with a Diamond Head hike, then visit the Waikiki Aquarium, enjoy lunch with ocean views, and choose between a doors-off helicopter flight or parasailing for a bird’s-eye view of Waikiki, followed by an evening magic show.
Day 4: Kick off the day by snorkeling with sea turtles at Turtle Canyon on a morning tour, explore Waikiki’s shops in the afternoon, and wrap up the day with a sunset sail or a fireworks cruise if it happens to be Friday night!
Day 5: Learn about US history on a Pearl Harbor tour, then spend your final evening strolling Surfboard Alley, and enjoying Japanese food in Waikiki.
Day 1
Early Morning – Grab a Hawaiian coffee and a sweet treat
We were awake super early on our first morning in Waikiki due to jet lag, so caffeine was a must. We went to Honolulu Coffee inside the historic Moana Surfrider Hotel, and their Hawaiian lattes were amazing.
They were so good, in fact, that we came back here quite a few times on our most recent trip to Waikiki – and if you’re hungry, be sure to pair your coffee with one of their pecan pie danishes. Or if you’re more into cold drinks, their Hawaiian Kona Frost is just the thing.
As a quick heads up, this place gets busy, and there’s almost always a line. But people queue here for good reason, and we promise it’s worth the wait!
Mid-Morning – Take a glass-bottom boat tour
After you’ve had your caffeine fix, it’s time to kick off today’s adventures in style with a glass-bottom boat tour! This is an awesome way to see a ton of marine life without having to get into the water, and we were lucky enough to see turtles and humpback whales when we did this tour.
For the best experience, we suggest that you book the 8:15 am or 8:45 am charter because at this time of day, the water is calmer and wildlife sightings are more likely. You’ll need to take a taxi or Uber to the harbor, which is about a 15-20 minute drive from Waikiki.
This ended up being one of our favorite experiences of the trip! We were lucky enough to see turtles, tons of fish, and even two humpback whales swimming right in front of Waikiki Beach. We were at a safe distance, but still close enough to hear the spray from their blowholes, which was unreal. And the views of Waikiki Beach with Diamond Head only made the whole experience even more stunning.
Our captain mentioned they often spot dolphins and seals as well, and if you’re visiting during peak whale season from January to March, your chances of seeing whales are even higher. We had super clear water when we went and could see all the way to the ocean floor through the glass viewing ports!
You can book your glass-bottom boat tour here, with free cancellation!
Lunch and Early Afternoon – Beachfront dining and the famous Waikiki Beach
After seeing Waikiki Beach from the water, we were just itching to go and enjoy it up close, and I imagine that you’ll feel exactly the same! So, after your boat tour, pop back to your hotel to change into your beach gear and then make your way to Waikiki Beachside Bistro for lunch.
We love the tacos here, and it’s also the perfect spot to enjoy the first Shave Ice of your trip! If you’re not sure what that is, it’s basically a bigger and better version of a snow cone, and it’s a Hawaiian classic! We loved the rainbow flavor here, which tasted just as good as it looked.
Since the bistro sits right on Waikiki Beach, you can head straight out onto the sand once you’ve finished eating. However, the stretch of beach right in front of the bistro does tend to get pretty busy, so we recommend walking a bit farther down toward the Moana Surfrider Hotel or the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort to find a little more space to spread out and relax.
Evening – Attend a traditional luau
We highly recommend going to a luau while you’re in Hawaii, and after attending quite a few over the years, we definitely have a favorite! The Mauka Warriors Luau includes transportation from Waikiki and was hands-down the best luau we’ve been to.
Before the show even started, we got to participate in fun activities like getting Polynesian tattoos (I got hibiscus flowers on my ankle), headband weaving, and a traditional cooking demonstration. Then, we sat down to a generous buffet followed by an incredible show. The hula dancers and even a haka performance completely wowed us, and the fire dancers at the finale were next level – they literally set the stage on fire! The entire luau is outdoors, too, so we got to watch the sunset and then see the stars come out as the night went on.
Pickup from this tour is usually at around 4 pm from Waikiki hotels, so we suggest leaving the beach at around 2:30 or 3 pm to ensure you have time to shower off and get ready beforehand. Then, you’ll be dropped off again at around 9:30 pm. It’s a full evening, but it’s so worth it, and the time just flies by!
Book your luau experience easily here before it sells out!
Day 2
See all of Oahu on a full-day tour
We kicked off our Honolulu adventure with an early wake-up call and were out the door by 6:30 am for our first big day on the island. I’m not usually a morning person on vacation, but this full-day Oahu sightseeing tour was totally worth it!
This tour covers so many of Oahu’s most iconic spots that it felt like we checked off half our bucket list in a single day, without ever feeling rushed! The pacing was spot on, and the mix of scenic viewpoints, cultural stops, and food experiences kept things interesting from start to finish. Some highlights included watching the Halona Blowhole shoot water high into the air, and spending time at the Dole Plantation and the famous North Shore.
In fact, we especially loved the Dole Plantation stop and made sure to ride the Pineapple Express train. Learning how to pick the perfect pineapple and tasting the famous Dole Whip was such a fun experience!
This full-day tour also gives you a great introduction to the North Shore of Oahu, which has a much more laid-back, surf-town feel compared to Waikiki. We had time to grab lunch at the famous Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck in Haleiwa, and the shrimp and rice plate I had was definitely worth the hype.
One of the best parts of the day was how easy everything felt. With a local guide handling the logistics, we were able to see parts of Oahu that would be tough to fit into a short five-day trip on our own. The tour wraps up around 4 pm, which gives you just enough time to relax and freshen up before dinner back in Waikiki. For first-time visitors, this is a no-brainer! You see so much of the island in one day, and with over 17,000 five-star reviews, we’re clearly not the only ones who love it.
Don’t miss out – book this top-rated full-day tour of Oahu here!
Dinner – Duke’s
After a full day of exploring the island, Duke’s is the perfect place to unwind this evening. This beloved spot sits right on Waikiki Beach and it has that classic island feel. We love the ocean views and tiki drinks, not to mention the fact that they have live music on almost every night!
Plan to be here for sunset if you can. Typically, that’s around 6 pm! It does get busy, so reservations are highly recommended – and just a heads up, peak times can book up a month in advance! That said, you can also just show up and try your luck. We were put on a waitlist during our last visit and had to wait a bit for a table, but it was worth it.
Either way, once you’re in, grab one of their legendary mai tais and enjoy the sunset, as well as some local favorite dishes like macadamia nut–crusted fish or their famous hula pie. And if you end up making it here again earlier in the dayDuke’s also does an excellent breakfast buffet that we really enjoyed and would happily go back for again!
Day 3
Breakfast – The Sunrise Shack
We’re hiking this morning, so take a moment to fuel up beforehand at this Oahu Institution. The Sunrise Shack is a well-known chain started on the North Shore, but they have a location right here in Waikiki, too, so stop in for a smoothie or one of their famous acai bowls.
I had the blue dream smoothie made with blue spirulina, mango, banana, and topped with coconut flakes. It was so good, but if you prefer something heartier, they also do coffee and breakfast buns or sandwiches.
Morning – Hike Diamond Head
No trip to Oahu is complete without hiking Diamond Head Crater! This dormant volcano is one of the island’s most iconic landmarks, and the panoramic views from the summit are some of the best you’ll find anywhere on Oahu.
The hike itself is about 1.6 miles (2.6 km) round trip and usually takes around 1.5 to 2 hours to complete. It’s considered moderately challenging thanks to the steady incline, but the trail is paved, well-marked, and easy to follow. The trailhead is only about a 15-minute drive from Waikiki, which makes this a perfect morning activity before the day really heats up.
One important thing to know is that if you’re visiting from out of state, you must book a hiking time in advance! Reservations cost $5 USD per person, plus $10 USD per vehicle for parking, and time slots can sell out up to two weeks ahead.
If you don’t want to deal with booking a time, organizing transportation, or worrying about parking, we recommend booking this Diamond Head hiking tour instead. It’s a self-guided tour, so you can still do your own thing on the hike itself, but it just makes life so much easier by handling all of the logistics for you – just show up and enjoy the trail!
Enjoy this hike stress-free when you book this tour here!
Mid-morning – Waikiki Aquarium
After your hike, head over to the Waikiki Aquarium. It’s close to Diamond Head, so you can walk if you’re feeling up for it, but if your legs need a break you can always catch an Uber instead. That’s what we did – no regrets!
This is a smaller aquarium, so you only need about 45 minutes to an hour here, but we were honestly so impressed by how much they packed into the space. I spent a solid 10 minutes mesmerized by the seahorses, especially the tiny baby ones that were literally the size of a grain of rice. There were clownfish, reef sharks, and these incredible cylindrical jellyfish tanks that stretched all the way to the ceiling.
We also timed our visit with a monk seal feeding and got to meet Hōʻailona, whose name means “a sign from the sea.” He was abandoned in the wild and is blind, so he couldn’t be released back into the ocean. One of the volunteers shared his story with us while we watched him “hunt” for fish and even bark loudly at his handler when he wanted more. It was such a memorable experience and a really special stop in Waikiki.
Lunch – Lulu’s
After a fun-filled morning, it’s time to slow down for a second and refuel – and Lulu’s Waikiki is just the spot. It’s only about a 10-minute walk from the Waikiki Aquarium and has become one of our go-to lunch spots in Waikiki. The restaurant sits on the second floor across the street from the beach, so the views are fantastic, and we love the friendly island atmosphere.
We were absolutely starving by the time we got here, so we went all in with the strawberry mochi pancakes topped with coconut syrup and the Big Kahuna Burger, plus a strawberry daiquiri to drink! It was just what we needed after a busy morning.
If you can, try to grab a table facing the beach. It’s open-air, so we had a gorgeous Hawaiian breeze coming through, and there was even a local surfing competition playing on the TV!
Afternoon – Helicopter Ride or Parasailing
Today is all about variety, so we’re shaking things up this afternoon. It’s time to take to the skies and enjoy the best views of Waikiki from above, but how you do that is up to you. We’ve got two amazing options here, so you can choose between a scenic helicopter ride or an exciting parasailing experience!
Option 1: See Waikiki from above on a doors-off helicopter flight
If you want the best aerial views of Waikiki, this helicopter flight is a no-brainer! It lasts for around 50 minutes, so you’ll get to see a whole host of iconic sights in that time. We’ve done helicopter rides before, but the views on this one were next level, and it was easily one of the most memorable experiences of the trip!
During the flight, you’ll fly over Pearl Harbor, the Halona Blowhole, and the lush Kaʻaʻawa Valley, which you might recognize as the real-life filming location for Jurassic Park. We loved being able to spot places we’d already visited earlier in the trip, like Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach, and we even saw a hidden waterfall that you can only see from the air – how cool is that?
And the doors-off experience was such a rush. You’re safely strapped in, but there’s nothing between you and the open sky, which makes the views feel even more unreal! Our pilot kicked things off by playing “Danger Zone” from Top Gun as we took off, which was such a fun touch and instantly set the tone. We were also lucky enough to spot a few whales in the distance, which was incredible.
With only four guests per helicopter, every seat has a great view. If you want the best possible one, you can upgrade to first-class seating for a front-row spot next to the pilot.
We recommend booking either the 2:30 pm or 4 pm flight, depending on how long you want to spend at lunch beforehand. Just be sure to arrive about 45 minutes early to check in, and book in advance, because this bucket list experience always sells out!
Don’t miss out – grab your spot on this epic helicopter flight here!
Option 2: Go parasailing
If the helicopter flight is a bit out of budget, no worries, because this parasailing flight is a fun and adrenaline-filled way to see Waikiki from above! This tour departs right from Honolulu and takes you soaring high above the coastline for some seriously incredible views.
On this tour, you’ll fly up to 700 feet (213 meters) above the ocean, with sweeping views of the turquoise water below and Diamond Head in the distance. And if you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can upgrade to fly even higher at 800 or 1,000 feet (244 or 305 meters).
Not keen on flying yourself? You can also join as a boat observer and still enjoy the views from the water.
We recommend booking one of the afternoon time slots between 1-5 pm, when the light is great, and the ocean colors are at their most vivid. Don’t forget to bring some extra cash if you want photos or GoPro footage of your flight! I mean, you’ll definitely want social media bragging rights after this one.
We haven’t actually done this ourselves (yet!) but after watching the parasailers floating in the distance from Waikiki Beach, it’s definitely on our list for next time. And after seeing that this flight has over 7,000 5-star reviews, we know we have to check it out!
Reserve this top-rated paragliding flight here and pay nothing until 48 hours before you go!
Dinner – Big Island Burger
For an amazing local burger, Big Island Burger is the place to go! This spot is owned by a local family, and everything on the menu is made using ingredients from the island, including the beef. The Hawaiian beef is grass-fed and organic, so it tastes insanely good, and the burgers are cooked to order, so you’ll get yours exactly how you like it!
I went with a classic cheeseburger cooked medium, and it was mouthwatering. Don’t skip the shoestring fries, either. They’re cooked in beef tallow and seasoned with organic thyme, parsley, and kosher salt, then served with a garlic aioli. I thought that fries could only get so good, but Big Island Burger definitely proved me wrong! I also ordered the house-made lemonade, which was super refreshing and hit the spot after a busy day.
We grabbed a table outside, but there’s plenty of seating indoors too. This is one of those places we already know we’ll be coming back to on our next trip!
Evening – Magic Show
After a full day of beach time and exploring Waikiki, it’s fun to switch things up with an evening activity that doesn’t involve more sun or sand. One of our favorite nighttime experiences in Honolulu is the Magical Mystery Show right in Waikiki – we were able to walk from our hotel!
This show feels like a bit of a hidden gem. The setting is a small, Victorian-style parlor, which creates an intimate, old-school atmosphere that’s very different from a big theatre show. Even though we sat toward the back, we still had an amazing view. You can also upgrade to VIP seating if you want to be right up front.
The magician, Shoot Ogawa, is considered one of the best close-up magicians in the world, and we were genuinely blown away by what he was able to do right in front of us. The levitation trick still blows my mind.
The show mixes incredible magic with humor and lots of audience interaction. I even got to yell “stop” during one of his card tricks and took home the signed vanishing card as a souvenir. And there was also a very cool trick with zip codes and a calculator – but you’ll have to go to the show to see it in action!
Read 2,700+ rave reviews and book this amazing magic show here!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
Day 4
Morning – Go snorkeling with sea turtles
One of the absolute highlights of our time in Waikiki was this snorkel tour to Turtle Canyon, which is located just off the coast. This area is known as one of the best places on Oahu to see Hawaiian green sea turtles, and it definitely lives up to the hype!
Turtles are pretty much guaranteed here, and we’ve seen them every single time we’ve gone. On our most recent trip, we even spotted a smaller “baby” turtle that our guide told us was only about 10 years old, along with plenty of full-grown ones, too.
The tour kicks off with a quick and easy briefing from the guide, making sure everyone feels comfortable before getting in the water. All snorkeling gear is included, so you don’t need to bring anything other than a swimsuit and towel. And once we were in the water, it felt like stepping into a completely different world. Turtles glided calmly around the reef, sometimes close enough to see the patterns on their shells, while schools of colorful fish swam all around us – it was incredible!
We recommend booking the 9 am tour for the best experience. This area gets busy with tour boats as the day goes on, and earlier tours offer calmer water and better wildlife sightings. Between the marine life, clear water, and easy access from Waikiki, this was easily one of our favorite experiences on Oahu and a total must-do.
Book this epic snorkel experience here and enjoy free cancellation!
Lunch – Paia Fish Market Waikiki
After snorkeling at Turtle Canyon, you’ll want to rinse off before lunch, so head back to your hotel and clean up. Then, once you’re ready, make your way to Paia Fish Market Waikiki. This is one of our favorite casual spots in Waikiki for fresh seafood at a great price, and we like the no-frills, local vibe.
The food here is seriously good, and it really hits the spot after snorkeling. I don’t know about you, but I always get super hungry after a couple of hours in the water! The menu is packed with options like grilled fish plates, fish tacos, and garlic fries, all cooked fresh and full of flavor. I ordered the Cajun-style mahi mahi with rice and home potatoes and would absolutely recommend it.
We went for lunch and had to wait in line, but it moved quickly and was totally worth it. It’s right in the heart of Waikiki, so it’s an easy but satisfying stop before you ease into the rest of your afternoon.
Afternoon – Stroll through Waikiki’s shops
After lunch, you’re just steps away from the International Market Place, which is a three-storey open-air mall packed with shops to browse. It even has some practical stops like Target if you need to grab a few essentials for your hotel!
We picked up a couple of souvenirs and popped into a super cute cat café, which is purr-fect for animal lovers (sorry, couldn’t resist). Then, we treated ourselves at Liliha Bakery, which is famous for its donuts and puff pastries. The pineapple cake was my favorite!
From there, head over to Kalākaua Avenue and take your time exploring. This stretch is lined with luxury shops, art galleries, restaurants, and local boutiques. We did plenty of window shopping and ducked into a few local stores, where I even picked up a cozy sweater to bring home since it’s cold back in Canada. And of course, we stopped at more than one ABC Store for snacks and souvenirs – you’ll see these shops everywhere in Waikiki!
Evening – Watch the sunset at Waikiki Beach (and the fireworks!)
Waikiki Beach is famous for its sunsets, and rightly so! The sun sets pretty early here, so you should plan to be on the beach by around 5:45 pm to enjoy the full spectacle.
Naturally, sunset is a popular time of day to hit the sand, and the beach can get busy. So if you’re after an uninterrupted view, we suggest hopping on a sunset sail! This top-rated cruise departs right from the sand in front of Duke’s Waikiki, so it’s both convenient AND scenic – what’s not to love?
When we chatted with the captain on a previous trip, he mentioned that these sunset sails almost always sell out, so booking online in advance is a good idea! The vibe is fun and relaxed, with music, free drinks, and beautiful views, plus the catamaran offers a very smooth ride.
And if you’re in Waikiki on a Friday night, don’t miss the fireworks! They go off every Friday at 7:45 pm from the Hilton Hawaiian Village. We usually walk to the Waikiki Wall, which is like a long pier, to watch from there, but you can also book a fireworks sunset sail if you want to catch the show from out on the water.
Book the sunset catamaran cruise here or reserve the fireworks boat trip for a Friday!
Dinner – Aloha Melt Waikiki
After watching the sunset or the fireworks, we suggest a quick and tasty meal tonight, and Aloha Melt works perfectly for that! This place is a late-night staple and they stay open until 1 am, so just head over when you’re ready and get one of their gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches! They stay busy right until close and when you taste these toasties for yourself, you’ll see why.
I went for the classic grilled cheese, which combines four different cheeses with bacon and onions and plenty of ooey-gooey deliciousness. Then, I got the tomato and basil soup on the side, and it was the perfect combo. Best of all, this is also a budget-friendly place to eat, and that’s rare to find in Waikiki!
Day 5
Breakfast – Island Vintage Coffee
We first discovered Island Vintage Coffee because all of these people were walking past us with these amazing-looking coffees in the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center. We did a little detective work and figured out where they were all coming from, which turned out to be a coffee shop tucked away on the second floor! It was so worth the effort.
This spot has an outdoor patio with a really nice view of Waikiki’s Kalākaua Ave, so grab a spot and enjoy your coffee here if you have time! If not, no worries, as they do take-out coffee and breakfast, too.
Do try to get here early if you can, because this place lines up. If you only want drinks, there’s a separate to-go line, but we wanted food, so we had to wait about 15 minutes to order – and the line was even longer when we left!
The wait was definitely worth it, because I had such an amazing acai bowl topped with strawberries, blueberries, bananas, granola, and Hawaiian honey. We also tried the egg brioche, which came with a jalapeno aioli that delivered just the right amount of kick! I also had a cool Kona Coconut Mocha to drink and believe me, I’ll be going back for another one of those!
Full Day – Pearl Harbor Tour
While most people come to Waikiki for the beaches and sunshine, Oahu also has an incredibly important WWII history that’s well worth taking the time to learn about. Since Waikiki is so close, it’s one of the easiest places to base yourself for a visit to Pearl Harbor, which is why we made this tour a priority on our itinerary.
From the moment we boarded the bus in Waikiki, we knew it was going to be a meaningful day. Our guide shared fascinating stories as we drove past landmarks like Iolani Palace and the Punchbowl National Cemetery, giving us helpful context about Honolulu’s history before we even arrived.
Visiting Pearl Harbor itself was incredibly moving. This is where the attack on December 7, 1941, took place, and seeing the USS Arizona Memorial in person was something we won’t forget. After watching a short documentary that gave us goosebumps, we took a boat out to the memorial and stood above the sunken battleship, reading the names of those who lost their lives.
We upgraded to the Deluxe tour, which included time aboard the USS Missouri. Walking the decks of the “Mighty Mo,” where World War II officially ended, was fascinating and definitely added another powerful layer to the experience, so we’re glad that we did it.
All in all, this tour is so much more than just another sightseeing stop. It’s a meaningful and eye-opening way to understand Oahu beyond the beaches and its place in world history.
Read 4,600+ 5-star reviews and book this epic Pearl Harbor tour here!
Early Evening – Surf Alley and a beach treat
Since it’s your last night in paradise, it feels only right to head back to the beach! It’s the perfect way to wind down after a busy day and soak up those final moments in beautiful Waikiki.
Make your way down the famous Waikiki Surf Alley, which is lined with colorful surfboards and leads straight to the sand. And if you fancy a snack, head to Banan, a tiny ice cream stand that makes soft-serve using frozen bananas. I was hungry, so I grabbed the strawberry guava flavor topped with fresh fruit, then walked 30 seconds to the beach and ate it while watching the sunset! Honestly, it was the perfect way to spend our last evening in Waikiki.
Dinner – Japanese Food
Hawaii gets a huge number of Japanese visitors, which means you’ll find some of the best Japanese food outside of Japan right here in Waikiki! It’s such a fun option for your last night, and we found it to be the perfect way to round off our trip.
One of our favorite foodie discoveries in Waikiki was what’s often referred to as the Japanese Food Court. We stumbled upon it completely by accident on our last trip and knew we had to come back again! It’s tucked away in the basement of a shopping center and filled with incredible Japanese restaurants all in one place. We had the best ramen here, but there are also options for sushi, steak, dumplings, seafood, and more, so just wander around and see what takes your fancy.
Alternatively, we also love Gyu-Kaku. It’s a casual Japanese BBQ joint in Waikiki. It’s fun and relaxed, and you get to cook the food right at your table! The menu is filled with tasty combos, from marinated short ribs to garlic shrimp and sizzling veggies. Plus, it’s right in Waikiki, so you can wander around and browse a final few souvenir shops before heading back to your hotel.
Related Read: Have more time in Waikiki? Lucky you! Our list of the best things to do in Waikiki has even more ideas to plan the perfect vacay!
Where to Stay in Waikiki
Now that you’re set to explore the best Waikiki has to offer, it’s time to find a great place to stay. Waikiki is super popular, so choosing a hotel from the hundreds of choices can feel overwhelming. Luckily, we have standout picks for all budgets – including our favorite beachfront hotel where we stayed for our last trip!
All the hotels below are in Central Waikiki for that classic Hawaiian vacation vibe and put you close to the beach and the best restaurants and shopping. Our biggest tip is to book early – Waikiki is popular for a reason, and you don’t want to miss out on your top choice!
The Royal Hawaiian – $$$
If you’ve ever dreamed of staying in that famous pink hotel on Waikiki Beach, this is the one. The Royal Hawaiian is an icon, a Luxury Collection resort with its own stretch of sand and that “old Hawaii” glamour. Rooms are bright and tropical, with garden or ocean views, and the hotel’s location on Waikiki Beach makes it easy to enjoy Diamond Head views and live entertainment.
With a full-service spa, two gorgeous outdoor pools, and cultural activities, it’s a proper treat-yourself stay. Luxury like this doesn’t come cheap, but it’s definitely money well spent! Rooms here start from around $500 USD per night. Check staying here off your bucket list by booking here!
OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beach Resort – $$ (Where we stayed!)
The OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beach Resort is our favorite pick in Waikiki — we loved every minute of our stay! Located directly on Waikiki Beach, it’s steps from the sand and is home to the legendary Duke’s restaurant. We loved listening to the ocean from our balcony and watching the water turn golden at sunset. Plus, it was so easy for beach days since we went from our room to having our feet in the sand in two minutes!
Rooms come with air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, fridges, and coffee makers, so you’re set up for relaxed beach days and easy mornings. We also love the little extras like free water bottles and a beach bag, and daily cultural activities (think lei-making and ukulele lessons). It’s a brilliant all-rounder in Waikiki with rooms starting around $350 USD per night. See if there’s a room available for your trip here!
Hotel Renew – $
Hotel Renew is a budget-friendly gem just one block from Waikiki Beach. This modern boutique hotel is known for its calming vibe and thoughtful touches, like beach towels and gear for guests to borrow. The bright, clean rooms are simple but comfortable, with plush beds and a 50-inch flat-screen TV for cozy nights in. Some rooms even have a partial ocean view or a balcony—perfect for sipping a morning coffee before hitting the sand.
Rates at Hotel Renew typically start at around $150–$250 USD per night, making it a great option for budget travelers who still want comfort and a prime Waikiki location. Check availability and book Hotel Renew online in advance!
Related Read: Still need more options? Our list of the best Waikiki hotels is a great overview with our top picks and pros and cons of the different areas you can stay in.
Renting a Car in the USA
The United States is a vast country with diverse landscapes, from bustling cities to scenic national parks. While public transportation exists in major cities, renting a car is often the best way to explore the country’s wide-open spaces and hidden gems.
We always book with Discover Cars and can’t recommend them enough. It’s super easy to compare prices, check company ratings, find the right vehicle for your needs, and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want a full breakdown, check out our Discover Cars review here.
Tips for Renting a Car in the USA
- Drive on the right: In the U.S., vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road, and the driver’s seat is on the left. If this is different than your home country, take some time to adjust before hitting busy streets!
- Know the local rules: Speed limits, road signs, and driving laws can differ between states. For example, turning right on red is generally allowed after a complete stop, unless a sign indicates otherwise. Always check the specific rules for the states you’ll be driving in.
- Add full insurance: We always recommend full coverage rental insurance, especially in the U.S., where long distances, varying road conditions, and unpredictable weather can lead to unexpected situations. Discover Cars makes it easy (and affordable!) to add this peace of mind when you book.
- Choose the right car: Consider the nature of your trip. For city driving, a compact car is convenient, while for road trips or national park visits, an SUV might be more comfortable. With Discover Cars, it’s easy to filter by vehicle type, transmission, fuel efficiency, and more to find the perfect fit.
What You Need to Rent a Car in the USA
- A valid driver’s license from your home country.
- An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your license is not in English or uses a non-Roman alphabet. Some rental companies may require it, so it’s best to check in advance.
- A credit card in the driver’s name is typically required for the security deposit.
- Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with a young driver surcharge applicable for those under 25. Some companies may have higher age requirements, so make sure you double-check.
Ready to hit the road? Book your car with Discover Cars here and discover the freedom of exploring the USA on your own terms!
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Thanks for reading!
With Waikiki in your sights, I hope this itinerary has given you lots of ideas for your time on Oahu. We could easily spend weeks just in Waikiki and not see everything, so there’s plenty left to do when you come back again – because we know that you’re going to want to! From sunsets on Waikiki Beach to wow-worthy adventures like snorkeling, boat rides, and helicopter flights, no matter how long you have here, you’re sure to make some amazing memories.
If this blog has been helpful, there’s more where that came from! Our entire Hawaii page has dedicated itineraries for all the islands (in case island-hopping is in your future), along with hotel recommendations and our favorite activities. So hang loose and make planning your Hawaiian getaway easy!
How to Spend ONE Day on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii: Day Trip Itinerary