10 Things to Do in Waikiki
There is always plenty to do in Waikiki. The two mile long by
half mile wide slice of prime oceanfront real estate is home to
dozens of major hotels, hundreds of restaurants and plenty of
clubs, coffee shops and entertainment venues. You can always
find plenty of fun to fill your vacation and most of it is just
within a short walk. Here are 10 to get you started.
1. Take in a Luau
Image: Royal Hawaiian Luau
Image Caption: Polynesian dancers at the ocean front Aha’aina
Luau on the Ocean Lawn of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Waikiki.
Image Credit: The Royal Hawaiian
You can find Luaus at various sites around Oahu but many people
don’t know you can also take in a luau right in Waikiki. While
attending a luau in Waikiki may not give you the same sense of
adventure you get traveling to one of the secluded pockets of
paradise that are home to several of the island’s most popular
Polynesian extravaganzas, you don’t need to endure the long bus
ride either. There are cultural activities, Mai Tais, plenty of
delicious Hawaiian luau food and of course, spectacular dancing
and twirling fire knives. The Starlight Luau at the Hilton
Hawaiian Village and the oceanfront Royal Hawaiian Hotel Luau
are both first rate experiences right in Waikiki.
2. See the Magic of Polynesia Show
Image: Magic of Polynesia
Image Caption: John Hirokawa is a master at making you believe
the impossible is real at the Magic of Polynesia show.
Image Credit: Roberts Hawaii/ Magic of Polynesia
The 700 seat purpose-built theater that is home to John
Hirokawa’s Magic of Polynesia show includes state-of-the-art
lighting, sound and special effects. The fast paced spectacular
showcases Hirokawa’s Merlin Award winning illusions against a
backdrop of erupting volcanoes, ancient Hawaiian hula and
flaming fire-knife dancing. Many of Hirokawa’s illusions have
Polynesian themes and there is plenty of island flair and good
natured humor thrown into the mix.
3. Try a Local Style Plate Lunch
Image: Rainbow Drive In
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Image Caption: Featured on the Food Network and a favorite stop
for President Barrack Obama, the Rainbow Drive-In is a local
icon.
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons/ Eugene Kim
There are hundreds of lunch trucks and hole-in-the-wall
restaurants serving what locals refer to as “ono grindz”,
meaning tasty food. The Rainbow Drive-In is located just a few
steps from Waikiki along Kapahulu Avenue. For a taste of what
the locals, including President Barrack Obama, consider comfort
food, try the mixed plate. It might not help your waistline but
you will fit right in with a big plate of rice, fish, gravy and
throw on some extra salad. Picnic tables are available under the
awning or order to go and head for the beach.
4. Enjoy a Show at the Waikiki Shell
Image: Waikiki Shell
Image Caption: For 22 years the FM100 Birthday Bash was an
annual event that has recently been replaced by the reggae
themed Mayjah Rayjah music festival.
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons/ Michael Whalen
The iconic seashell shaped outdoor concert stage is often simply
called “The Shell”. With Diamond Head as the backdrop, this
famous stage has hosted such notable artists as Jimi Hendrix,
Willie Nelson, Frank Sinatra and Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwo'ole, the
soaring falsetto voice behind Somewhere Over the Rainbow/ What a
Wonderful World. In addition to regular concerts, the Shell
hosts several annual events. The two day Mayjah Rayjah music
festival features some of the best contemporary Hawaiian music
performers as well as visiting island and reggae bands.
5. Culture Cruise with Aloha Trikke
Image:
Image Caption: Feel the ocean breeze on an Aloha Trikke tour
around Kapiolani Park and Diamond Head.
Image Credit:
Go on a guided cruise around some of the historic landmarks of
Waikiki on an electric Trikke tour with Aloha Trikke. You’ll
stop by Queen’s beach to visit the huge Banyan tree near the
Honolulu Zoo. You’ll also get a look at the United States’ only
living war memorial, the Waikiki Natatorium. The pool was built
to honor the thousands of Hawaii residents that served in the
First World War. Its unique design had much to do with the new
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found international fame of Hawaii as the home of Olympic
champion swimmer, Duke Kahanamoku. You’ll even get to go past
the Diamond Lookout and get a peek at some of the incredible
mansions and secluded beaches hiding on the other side.
6. Have Brunch at the Bottom of the Sea
Image: Oceanarium Restaurant
Image Caption: Giant stingrays and mermaids entertain while you
enjoy an award winning Brunch at the Oceanarium Restaurant.
Image Credit: Pacific Beach Hotel
The Oceanarium Restaurant at the Pacific Beach Hotel is named
for the 280,000 gallon saltwater fish tank that towers three
stories above the dining room. The Oceanarium tank is home to
nearly 400 fish including a 100 pound grouper that enjoys
stalking unsuspecting diners and tasty looking plates of crab
legs. It’s just a baby though, as adult groupers can grow to
more than 800 pounds. While mermaids are not native to Hawaiian
waters you can regularly spot them in the tank swimming with the
resident stingrays, schools of unicorn fish and brightly colored
yellow tangs.
7. Visit the Gems of Hawaiian Hospitality
Image: Moana Surfrider Hotel
Image Caption: The Royal Hawaiian Hotel and Moana Surfrider both
have a long history of hosting famous guests.
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons/ Gerald Farinas
Before the days of jet travel Hawaii was a destination reserved
for the rich and famous. Traveling to Hawaii took a minimum of 5
days by ship and visitors would often stay for many months.
Accommodations were opulent, dining was elegant and resort life
often included chances to mingle with visiting royalty and other
well-known celebrities of the day. The Moana Surfrider and the
Royal Hawaiian Hotel have both seen their share of the world’s
elite pass through their doors. A simple walk through the
grounds of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel or a few moments rocking in
a chair on the veranda of the Moana Surfrider will give you a
sense of the history and glamor that is still preserved today.
8. Discover the Statues of Waikiki
Image: Duke Kahanamoku Statue
Image Caption: Although the 9 foot bronze statue of legendary
waterman Duke Kahanamoku may be the best known, there are more
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than a dozen statues around Waikiki, many honoring Hawaiian
Royalty.
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons/ Muriel Damiana
Scattered through Waikiki there is an eclectic collection of
statues honoring historic figures of Hawaii, international
celebrities and a few fictional characters as well. You’ll find
them gazing over busy intersections, tucked into quiet shady
spots and standing among peaceful ponds and gurgling fountains.
If you have a few hours, sturdy shoes and map of Waikiki you can
take a stroll through the history of Hawaii. You’ll find statues
honoring Prince Jonah Kuhio, Queen Kapiolani, Princess Kaiulani,
Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, King David Kalakaua, Gandhi and
the father of modern surfing, Duke Kahanamoku.
9. Art on the Zoo Fence
Image: Zoo Fence Art
Image Caption: Since 1953 artists have been displaying and
selling their original work on the fence of the Honolulu Zoo.
Image Credit: Art on the Zoo Fence
For more than 60 years the Honolulu Zoo fence has served as an
outdoor gallery for local artists. Every Saturday and Sunday
from 9am to 4pm the zoo fence artists bring their wares to
display along Monsarrat Avenue opposite the Kapiolani Park
bandstand. Rules for the fence require that artists only display
and sell their own work. All pieces are either signed originals
or clearly marked as prints of the artist’s original work. Many
of the artists bring their works in progress with them and you
can visit and watch them while they create their art. The
artists and the art are an eclectic mix of styles inspired by
aloha and island life.
10. Get Fresh at a Waikiki Farmers Market
Image: Kings Village Farmers Market
Image Caption: Just off Kalakaua Avenue near Kuhio Beach you can
find plenty of fresh local produce and locally made specialties
at the Waikiki Farmers Market.
Image Credit: Mahiku Farmers Market
For fresh local produce and tasty locally made specialties like
baked goods, handmade leis and locally produced honey, why not
drop by the Waikiki farmers market. Every Tuesday and Thursday
the market takes over the ground floor of the Hyatt Waikiki on
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Kalakaua Avenue across from Kuhio Beach from 4-8pm. Then on
Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturday, the market moves
directly behind the Hyatt to the King’s Village shops from 49pm. You can pick up some pineapple, apple banana, papaya and
fresh Manoa lettuce or buy pre-sliced fruit or ready to eat
salads to take away.
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