Waikiki Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience Waikiki. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Oahu's Ultimate Tour: Dole, Turtle Snorkel, Pali Lookout & More

• Oahu Circle Island Tour with Turtle Snorkeling—Small-Groups

• Oahu Circle Island Tour with Waimea Waterfall

• Hidden Gems of Oahu Circle Island Tour with Byodo In Temple

• Waikiki: Turtle Canyon Snorkel Adventure on Oahu

It is free to visit Waikiki—it’s an area in Honolulu. However, many travelers choose to explore Waikiki on tours, whether to try water-based activities like snorkeling or sailing or see the sights on land. Guided snorkeling trips that visit Turtle Canyon to spot its namesake residents start around US$80, sunset boat trips begin around US$70, and catamaran cruises are from US$50.

Yes, Waikiki is worth visiting—the area is a gateway to pristine beaches, fun nightlife, shopping, and dining. It is also a launch point for a wide variety of tours, from snorkeling to sailing. Consider a tour to maximize your time in Waikiki, whether you plan to explore its sights on land, such as the Duke Kahanamoku Statue or Kapiʻolani Regional Park, or spot its abundant marine life from the water.   

Per one customer who booked the Waikiki Turtle Snorkel and Sail on Hawea Catamaran, "Amazing experience, got the full package. Pretty up close whale sightings, so many fish and sea turtle sightings. As well as dolphins swimming with the boat. Recommend to anyone who loves the ocean and its inhabitants!"

No, the Pink Line of the Waikiki Trolley is not free. If you want to ride the trolley, you’ll need to buy a ticket online or through a licensed dealer. A variety of ticket types are available, including single-line, 1-day tickets and all-line passes for 1, 4, and 7 days.

You should give yourself at least three days to visit Waikiki, though many people stay a week or longer. With more days in town, you’ll have time to visit other spots within driving distance, including Pearl Harbor, the Dole Plantation, and the beaches of Oahu’s North Shore.

Yes, it is easy to get around Waikiki without a car. The area is walkable, and there are plenty of public transportation options, including hop-on hop-off trolleys. Taxis and rideshares abound, and travelers who wish to explore further afield also can book private and group tours.

The best time of year in Waikiki depends on what kind of weather you like. Summer weather is the driest and tends to be slightly warmer, and these months typically attract more visitors. Winter has cooler weather with a bit more rainfall, and crowds ease up after the New Year.

The busiest months in Waikiki correspond with US holidays. The summer vacation season runs from June–August and draws plenty of vacationers, while December gets holiday travelers. You also can expect crowds around Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve. Early fall and spring tend to be calmer, but Waikiki is generally busy year-round.

The fastest—but most expensive—way to get from Waikiki to Pearl Harbor is to take a taxi, which will whisk you between the two spots in about 25 minutes. The bus is cheaper but can take more than an hour. Tours provide an alternative, and many include tickets and hotel pickup.

There are tons of fun things to do when you're done visiting Waikiki. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in Oahu:

• Pearl Harbor National Memorial

• Oahu North Shore

• Halona Blowhole

• Diamond Head

• Dole Plantation

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in Oahu.