Top 9 Things to Do in Waikiki, Honolulu

Waikiki, a neighborhood in Honolulu, has been a vacation spot for hundreds of years. In the 1800s, Hawaiian royalty even spent time there. It is still a favorite among travelers and surfers all over the world. Check out what’s available with our list of the top nine things to do.

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Trail to the top of Diamond Head

Diamond Head is a part of a dormant volcano that stands out in the landscape of Waikiki. It is a US State Monument, to be exact. The hike to the top usually takes about 45 minutes. Even though it’s short, it’s also very steep, going up 560 feet (170 meters) in a short amount of time. But when you get to the top and see the view from the platform, you’ll know that the hike was worth it. From here, people can see a panoramic view of Waikiki and the Pacific Ocean that they will never forget.

The Top Things to Do in Waikiki, Honolulu — Trail to the top of Diamond Head

Waikiki Beach

There’s no question that Waikiki’s beautiful white-sand beach is its most popular tourist spot. Along this 2mi (3.2km) stretch, there are a number of great places to sunbathe, cool off in the gentle surf, or watch a beautiful Hawaiian sunset. With the crater of Diamond Head in the background, the view doesn’t get much better. When you’re done at the beach, you can walk a few steps to get to Waikiki’s nightlife.

USS Arizona Memorial

Pay your respects at the USS Arizona Memorial, a 184-foot-long (56-meter) building that remembers those who died in the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. The 1964 memorial was built on top of the sunken battleship. It has a marble wall with the names of all 1,177 sailors and marines who died. Before taking a boat to the memorial, you can watch a movie about the attack on Pearl Harbor. Every year, millions of people visit the site, as have every US President since Franklin D. Roosevelt and the Japanese Emperors Hirohito and Akihito.

Iolani Palace

The Hawaiian monarchy used to live in the Iolani Palace, which was built in 1882. Thanks to careful work on the restoration, people can now see the beauty of the place. The throne room, which is a beautiful crimson and gold, is where King Kalkaua entertained guests. The private suites are on the second floor. People think that the palace grounds were once a place of worship. The royal tomb and the coronation pavilion, where the Royal Hawaiian Band often plays, are two of the highlights.

Honolulu Zoo

Between Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head is the Honolulu Zoo, which is a great place for animal lovers to go. More than 900 different tropical animals, including some rare ones like komodo dragons, giraffes, and many different kinds of turtles and tortoises, live on 42 acres (17 ha) of land here. In addition to the animals, the lush gardens have a wide range of plants and flowers, many of which are native to Hawaii.

The Royal Hawaiian Center

Take a break from the sun and go to the Royal Hawaiian Center, which is one of the biggest shopping malls in Hawaii. With more than 100 shops and restaurants, you can find almost anything here, from surf shops and ice cream to high-end brands and restaurants. In the middle of the mall is a beautiful garden and a bronze statue of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, who was King Kamehameha’s great-granddaughter. The Royal Hawaiian also has cultural events every day, such as hula dance classes and classes on Hawaiian quilting and weaving.

Shangri La

Shangri La is the beautiful home of Doris Duke, who is the daughter of the man who started the American Tobacco Company and the Duke Energy Company. She became interested in helping people and learning about other cultures by traveling. After seeing the Taj Mahal in India, she fell in love with Islamic art. She spent nearly 60 years collecting Islamic art, which is now on display at Shangri La. Look at the house’s intricate mosaics, tile work, carpeting, and architecture. Outside, the views of the ocean and the well-kept gardens are amazing.

Hawaii’s US Army Museum

The US Army Museum of Hawaii was built to protect the islands from invading forces. It is only a short walk from the beach. It is now the home of a museum that tells the story of Hawaii’s military history, from the ancient times to the Vietnam War. This free museum will be interesting to anyone who likes history or is interested in the military. Plus, you’ll get to see old tanks, helicopters, and other pieces of military gear.

Kalakaua Avenue

This busy street, which is called the heart of Waikiki and is named after King David Kalkaua, is home to some of the best hotels, restaurants, and shops in the area. Hawaiian specialties like Kona coffee, macadamia nuts, and fruit preserves can be bought in a lot of places. You can also visit some of Waikiki’s old hotels, like the elegant Moana Surfrider and the bright pink Royal Hawaiian. You’ll be right in the middle of everything on Kalakaua Avenue.

Topic: The Top Things to Do in Waikiki, Honolulu

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