Flanking a prime stretch of powdery white sand and turquoise waters, this Honolulu neighborhood has long served as the main hub for Oahu’s tourism scene. There are all sorts of things to do in Waikiki, from learning to surf or bodyboard to checking out the shopping on Kalakaua Avenue. Waikiki is also a fabulous base for exploring other destinations on the island, including the Dole Plantation near Oahu’s North Shore and the ships and museums at Pearl Harbor National Memorial.
While you can always expect crowds in Waikiki, you might find the neighborhood a tad less bustling if you visit during the April–May or September–October shoulder seasons. The summer vacation months (June–August) draw in big crowds from the mainland. If you do come in June, don’t miss the King Kamehameha Celebration Floral Parade. Things tend to die down a bit in the fall before swelling again during the holiday season, between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day.
Waikiki is pretty walkable, so if you just plan on splitting your time between your accommodation and the neighborhood’s beaches and shops, you probably won’t find much need for a rental car. The Waikiki Trolley is another great option, offering hop-on hop-off services on routes designed with visitors in mind. Buses connect Waikiki with the airport, though many travelers prefer the convenience of a taxi or a private transfer.
If you want to try authentic Hawaiian food at reasonable prices, head over to Rainbow Drive-In just outside of Waikiki, across from the Ala Wai Golf Course. This local institution has been serving up hearty burgers and Hawaiian fare for over half a century, including the famed "Loco Moco," a mashup of rice, hamburger patties, gravy, and eggs paired with macaroni salad.
