Enjoying nightlife in Waikiki Beach of Hawaii and High-end Hotels

Duke Kahanamoku Beach is the most westerly of the Waikiki Beaches. It is situated in front of the Hilton Lagoon (below), not far from the Aliwai Yacht Harbor.

There is a pier located at one end of the beach and a break-water at the other.

The Duke Kahanamoku Beach is generally the least busy of the six Waikiki beaches. It was named after the Olympic athlete who became known as the father of surfing.

The Fort de Russy Beach is located directly in front of Fort de Russy Park. It is a much quieter than the Waikiki Beaches to the east.

Fort de Russy Beach is a great place for families as the park has plenty of shade trees and a children's play area.

Gray's Beach is a narrow sandy beach located near the Halekulani Hotel.

Because of the population density in the surrounding area, Gray's Beach is often congested but is a great place to visit for people-watching. Central Waikiki Beach is the epicenter of tourism in Waikiki. Because of its central location, people flock to the beach from hotels around Waikiki.

Unless you enjoy large beach crowds, this is one beach to avoid!

Kuhio Beach is the sheltered beach located beneath Kuhio Beach Park. It is a safe beach for young children and adults that don't swim or are bothered by ocean waves.

The beach is sheltered by the Waikiki Pier (also called the "Kapahulu Groin") and a sea wall. Visitors can enjoy a great view of the beach from the end of the pier. Waikiki Beach is the resort capital of Hawaii. A wide range of hotels and condos are available in Waikiki.

The most expensive hotels and resorts are located on the Waikiki beachfront. Less expensive accommodation can be found just two or three blocks away.

High-rise hotels line the shore in Waikiki, a vibrant neighborhood known for its popular surf beach. Designer fashion stores line Kalakaua Avenue and nearby streets, and the area buzzes after dark with waterside cocktail bars, fine dining and Kuhio Beach hula shows. Honolulu Zoo is home to Komodo dragons and wandering peacocks, while parrotfish and urchins inhabit Waikiki Aquarium’s reef exhibit.

Waikiki Beach is famous for Duke Kahanamoku, the father of modern surfing, learned and taught people how to surf on the Waikiki break. Waikiki Beach attracts visitors with its white-sand beaches, celebrities, the Moana Surfrider Hotel, the proximity to Oahu attractions, and Diamond Head backdrop.

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WAIKIKI BEACH

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Waikiki Beach

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South Shore Beaches

For those who love the beach, look no further than Waikiki. With its long stretch of white sand and turquoise blue water, everyone enjoys this paradise for swimming, surfing, snorkeling, and more. From Hilton Hawaiian Village on the west side to Kapi'olani Park on the east, Waikiki boasts a beautiful tropical climate with tons of activities and events for all ages. 

Find more high-rises, high-end restaurants, and resorts pepper along this popular destination's borders.

History of Waikiki:

The Present Meets the Past

Waikiki, which means spouting waters in Hawaiian, holds a beautiful history of great water activities in Hawaiian culture. For instance, in the 1800s, the Hawaiian royals created Waikiki as their playground, where they enjoyed surfing on longboards. Today, the longboard tradition continues, as the water here provides the best conditions. Eventually, the royals initiated several launching of smaller hotels in the 1800s. By 1901, they launched their first large hotel, the Moana Surfrider. Historic hotels dating back to the early 20th century include the beautiful Royal Hawaiian Hotel. Today, the area boasts every kind of accommodation to cater to the tourists drawn to Waikiki Beach every year.

Directions to Waikiki Beach

When visitors come to Waikiki Beach, most come to stay for easy access by foot to this beach area. However, consider taking the public bus or rideshare services if you're coming from another Oahu site. Parking here is such a hassle.

Beach Facilities

Beach Showers –All beach sections have different shower options.

Bathroom facilities – You can find public bathrooms at Fort DuRussy, Kuhio, Queens & San Souci Beach. For other beaches, head to local establishments for bathrooms.

LifeGuard Stations – All beaches except Outrigger Canoe Club Beach & Grey's have them onsite. Watch out for body surfers and surfers, as they may not see you. Inexperienced swimmers watch out for all waves, which can become dangerous when met aboard.

Restaurants and food stalls: Many beachfront hotels and small shops have different options.

Barbeque Grills & Tables – Head to Fort DuRussy , San Souci and Kapiolani Park.

Parking – Find street parking in front of Queen's Beach, San Souci, and Outrigger Beaches. You can find a parking garage at Fort DuRussy Beach Park.

Enjoying Waikiki's 8 Best Beaches

Waikiki offers plenty of variety regarding its beaches, and this shore is divided into several sections. The beaches we have selected are some of the most popular in Hawaii and Waikiki. Whether you're looking for an easy day trip from Honolulu or want to spend your whole vacation there, here is a list of 8 must-visit beaches on Oahu:

1. Duke Kahanamoku Beach

Duke Kahanamoku Beach holds an excellent reputation for its fantastic water sports. Every day, people flock to this famous beach. Just as it can accommodate sunbathers, people galvanize here for kite surfing, swimming, windsurfing, and paddleboarding. Additionally, you can access surfing lessons, rental kayaks and paddleboards, sailing classes, scuba diving, snorkeling tours—the list goes on and on! The calm waters also make it one of the best swimming beaches in Waikiki, with lifeguards on duty daily. Additionally, visitors can access the beach's artificial lagoon for swimming with its boardwalk.

2. Prince Kuhio Beach

The best part about visiting Kuhio Beach is that it's safe for children and easy to explore. You can play in two waters: thrashing ocean waters or the enclosed swimming area known as the "The Ponds." "The Ponds" consist of two back-to-back concrete walls that stretch about 40 yards into the ocean. Such an enclosure provides a calm saltwater pool that is great for leisurely swimming, especially for children.

3. Royal Hawaiian Beach

What are some of the incredible views you can enjoy while relaxing on Royal Hawaiian Beach? As you look over Diamond Head, pause to reflect on its beauty. Then wade into the Beach's warm, blue waters. Additionally, savor the pink Royal Hawaiian Hotel with its mission-style bell towers.

If you're lucky enough to visit this breathtaking Beach, take advantage of all the great activities it offers. There's something for everyone here, from swimming and sunbathing to kayaking and paddleboarding. The nearby beach activity center offers canoe rides, surfing lessons, and more! Plus, with views like this, who could resist? Aloha!

4. Gray's Beach

Gray's Beach is a small beach on the east side of the Halekulani Hotel. It is located just west of Diamond Head; this Beach can be inundated with water at high tide. Hence, we warn against swimming during certain times of the day. Moreso, Honolulu's local government recently replenished much of Waikiki's sand, but Gray's section still lacks enough sand.

5. Fort DeRussy Beach Park

Fort DeRussy Beach Park offers space for you and your family to explore and spread. Besides the beachside, enjoy this Park's vast grassy section for picnicking, playing volleyball or tennis, playgrounds for children, grilling, or relaxing. Other features include free access to the military museum, which greatly values by any history buff. On the beachside of Fort DeRussy, discover the beauty of another Waikiki beach without any crowds. The water is clear, blue, and usually calm- perfect for paddle boarding. Head to nearby rental stores to rent equipment or take lessons in surfing or paddleboarding!

6. San Souci Beach

Kaimana Beach-also known as San Souci Beach- has a mild, gentle wave pattern. The calm waters make for great swimming, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. Kids especially enjoy playing in the shallow portions of this beautiful Beach. The walls of the War Memorial Natatorium partially enclose these shallow waters, which makes this Beach so kid-friendly. Head to (south of) the War Memorial Natatorium to reach this beach.

7. Queen Kapiolani Beach

Queen's Beach starts right at Kapahulu Avenue, at the pier. Queen's Beach runs parallel to Kuhio Beach Park. This area may draw more folks during weekends, but fewer crowds gather here on weekdays, especially compared to other beaches. Waves here are quite gentle, so they're usually suitable for kids too! If you're looking to spend your time in the water, this is a perfect spot. Not only can visitors rent boards and play along the Waikiki Wall, which offers views of oceanic action and a gorgeous skyline, but they should also try boogie boarding! Queen's Beach launched its first outdoor 1000-foot movie screen in entertainment! They hold special movie screenings known as "Sunset On The Beach." Before every screening, the community puts up stalls dedicated to music, comedy, food, and other types of entertainment. Hopefully, during your visit, you will get a chance to witness this display.

8. Outrigger Canoe Club Beach

The last stretch of Waikiki Beach is a private paradise where you can enjoy beautiful Hawaiian sunsets. To access it, one must walk across the eastern end of San Souci beach, which has stairs to take them over onto Outrigger Club beach. For easier access, walk through the Lotus at Diamond Head Hotel parking lot and find the small alleyway next to the Colony Surf Hotel that will lead you down onto Outrigger Club Beach. Wearing reef shoes during low tide will make accessing this Beach safer and more accessible.

Discover 4,117 Waikiki hotels and places to stay, with room rates, reviews, and availability. Most hotels are fully refundable.

Royal Grove Waikiki

Hilton Garden Inn Waikiki Beach

Ohia Waikiki Studio Suites

Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort

Hotel room prices vary depending on many factors but you’ll likely find the best hotel deals in Honolulu Waikiki Beach if you stay on a Thursday. The opposite is true for Sunday, which is usually the most expensive day.

Waikiki Beach is located in Waikiki. It's in a welcoming neighbourhood well known for its regional tours and restaurants. If you want to find things to see and do in the area, you might like to visit Waikiki Beach Walk and Ala Moana Center.

Things to see and do near Waikiki Beach

What to see near Waikiki Beach

Honolulu Harbor

Pearl Harbor

Kuhio Beach Park

Sans Souci Beach

Queen Kapiʻolani Regional Park

Things to do near Waikiki Beach

Waikiki Beach Walk

Ala Moana Center

International Market Place

Honolulu Zoo

Kahala Mall