Once a Hawaiian royal retreat, Waikiki revels in its role as a retreat for the masses. This famous strand of sand moves to a rhythm of Hawaiian music at beachfront high-rises and resorts. In this pulsing jungle of modern hotels and malls, you can, surprisingly, still hear whispers of Hawaii’s past, from the chanting of hula troupes at Kuhio Beach to the legacy of Olympic gold medalist Duke Kahanamoku.
Getty Images/Flickr RF
Travel with confidence. Protect your trip and your wallet.
We don’t represent World Nomads, we receive a fee from quotes using this link. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
Planned by local experts and tailored to you, Lonely Planet Journeys handles the logistics so you can just enjoy the trip. Tell us what you want and we'll build your United States (USA) itinerary from scratch, or browse our bookable trips to get inspired.
Discover the best attractions in Waikiki from must-see sights to unexpected hidden gems.








Get a book. Get inspired. Get exploring.



in partnership with getyourguide
Lonely Planet may earn a commission from affiliate links on our site. All recommendations and reviews reflect our own independent opinions.