Beach destinations have always been a favorite of mine, and some of my fondest childhood memories are of vacationing in California and Hawaii with my parents. Those experiences left a lasting impression, and I’ve always dreamed of recreating them with my own family. One place that has especially stayed with me is Waikiki Beach in Hawaii. I was captivated by the stunning ocean views, the vibrant energy of the city, and the incredible dining and shopping experiences just steps from the shore.

In 2022, I had the opportunity to return to Waikiki for the first time since high school when I ran The Hapalua—Hawaii’s Half Marathon. That trip was packed with adventure, but unfortunately, I got sick towards the end and felt like there was still so much left to explore. Determined to experience more, we took another trip a few months ago, this time adding a few nights in Maui. Each visit only deepens my love for the islands, and every time I leave, I’m already dreaming about our next adventure.

Where to Fly Into

Waikiki is a district within the city of Honolulu. When visiting Waikiki, you’ll fly into Honolulu International Airport. If you’re staying at one of the hotels along Waikiki Beach, expect a drive of about 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic.

We usually rent a car since we like to explore different parts of the island, and having our own vehicle makes getting around much more convenient. However, some visitors opt for public transportation, which can be a budget-friendly way to reach other areas. If you plan to stay primarily in Waikiki, catching an Uber from the airport is a quick and hassle-free option.

Where to Stay

Waikiki offers a wide range of fantastic hotel options, so where you stay will largely depend on your budget and preferences. We chose the Sheraton Waikiki for both of our visits and couldn’t have been happier with our decision. The hotel offers direct beach access, a large pool with a waterslide, several on-site bars and restaurants, and—best of all—immediate access to Waikiki’s bustling shopping district.

After researching options like the Moana Surfrider and The Royal Hawaiian, we found that the Sheraton offered more spacious rooms at a better price point. One key feature we always look for is a balcony, and the Sheraton delivered. For me, there’s nothing better than starting the day with a cup of coffee or unwinding with a cocktail on the balcony, listening to the sound of the waves.

During our first visit, we stayed in a two-bedroom suite, and on our second trip, we opted for connecting ocean-view rooms. Both setups provided a comfortable stay with stunning views of the Pacific.

Beyond the hotel, there are several great shopping areas nearby, including the International Market Place. It has changed significantly since my childhood visits, but simply wandering through the area and exploring the shops can keep you entertained for hours.

When I ran the Hapalua Half Marathon, the starting line was on Kalakaua Avenue, right by the Duke Kahanamoku statue. Staying at the Sheraton made race day incredibly convenient—I could simply walk to the start line in the morning. The expo and packet pickup were held at the Hawaii Convention Center, which was about a 20-minute walk from our hotel. Instead of driving, we enjoyed the stroll and even stopped at a public park along the way, capturing some great photos of our boys.

Things to Do

The activities listed below are just the ones my family and I had the chance to experience, but O‘ahu offers countless other incredible options to explore. We found that most activities and dining tended to be on the pricier side, so I highly recommend planning ahead by researching costs and budgeting accordingly.

Diamond Head

During our first trip, my Half Marathon route included running up and around Diamond Head, which was especially challenging since it came toward the end of the course. Because I ran at the beginning of our trip, I had little desire to return for a hike—so we decided to skip it. However, on our second visit, we made sure to check it off our list, and it did not disappoint! I barely remembered the details from when I was a kid, so experiencing it again felt almost entirely new.

Reservations are required, so be sure to book your entry (and parking, if needed) in advance online. Most importantly, wear appropriate hiking gear and don’t forget sunscreen. I saw quite a few people in flip-flops, jeans, and other uncomfortable clothing—not the best choice for this hike. While Diamond Head isn’t the most strenuous trail I’ve done, it does feature steep inclines, uneven terrain, rocky paths, and staircases. If you visit during peak hours, the crowds can make certain sections trickier to navigate.

We opted for the Diamond Head Summit Trail, a 1.6-mile round-trip hike that takes about 1.5 to 2 hours in total. Reaching the summit is absolutely worth it—the 360-degree panoramic views of O‘ahu are nothing short of breathtaking. I can’t recommend this hike enough to anyone visiting the area!

Polynesian Cultural Center

 We really enjoyed our time at the Polynesian Cultural Center. The drive from Waikiki took us a little over an hour in our rental car, but if you don’t have your own vehicle, there are transportation add-ons available. You can choose a round-trip shuttle from Waikiki with designated pickup and drop-off times or even upgrade to a sightseeing tour along the way.

We opted for the Gateway Buffet Package, which included a luau-style buffet (different from the Aliʻi Lūʻau Buffet, which features live entertainment) and tickets to the “HĀ: Breath of Life” show. We debated upgrading our seats for a better view, but once we arrived, I was glad we didn’t—our seats in the Silver Section still offered a great view of the stage. If you book at least 10 days in advance, you can also save 10% on tickets.

The buffet itself was decent, but the real highlight for us was exploring the six island villages and taking the canoe tour. Each village features interactive activities, cultural demonstrations, and performances, offering a deeper look into the traditions of different Polynesian cultures. There are also several on-site shops where you can browse for souvenirs.

Overall, the Polynesian Cultural Center is an enriching, immersive experience that’s well worth the visit!

North Shore & Sunset Beach

We love spending a day exploring North Shore, and in the future, we’re considering staying there instead of Waikiki to experience more of its laid-back charm. If you’re in the area, Matsumoto Shave Ice is an absolute must! I have such fond childhood memories of visiting, and it was so special to bring my kids there, too. There’s almost always a line, but it moves quickly—and trust me, it’s worth the wait. Another local favorite is Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck, which can also get quite busy, so plan accordingly.

To wrap up the day, Sunset Beach is the perfect spot to unwind. If you visit during the winter months, you’ll likely witness some massive waves, as this area is famous for its legendary surf. However, the real highlight is in the name- the breathtaking sunsets are truly unforgettable. We usually park in the public lot, find a cozy spot in the sand, and simply soak in the view. You could even bring some light snacks or a picnic dinner. From our experience, the currents here can be quite strong, so we let our boys swim close to shore to stay safe.

Helicopter Tour

Travis and Gabe took a doors-off helicopter tour with Magnum Helicopters, and it was undoubtedly one of the biggest highlights of their trip. They opted for first-class seats, which guaranteed them a front-row view for the ultimate experience. The 50-minute tour provided them with unobstructed, panoramic views of O‘ahu’s most breathtaking landmarks.

Getting to the Magnum Helicopters location took about 25 minutes from the Sheraton Waikiki. Since Magnum does not offer transportation services, you’ll need to arrange your own ride. Before your flight, the company provides a list of requirements to ensure a smooth check-in process.

Once there, they offered jackets to borrow for the windy ride and cell phone lanyards for purchase, in case you wanted to capture your own photos. Travis and Gabe took some incredible shots throughout the tour, and my husband was even able to purchase their offered photos before leaving.

‘Aha ‘Aina Luau

There are many different Luau options around the island but on our last trip, we opted for the ‘Aha ‘Aina Luau at the Royal Hawaiian. There were a few reasons behind this decision: convenience, availability, and most importantly, after experiencing a buffet-style luau on our first trip, I wanted something a bit more unique. I was eager to enjoy a plated meal served at the table, accompanied by traditional Hawaiian entertainment.

The check-in was incredibly convenient, located just next door to the Sheraton Waikiki, which made everything so much easier for us. We arrived a bit early and waited in line to check in, but once the event opened, the staff escorted us to our seats. Even though we chose the “standard” seat option, we were pleasantly surprised to find that we had an excellent view of the stage, relatively close to the front.

The food was fantastic! Well-prepared, flavorful, and satisfying, and the show was captivating, showcasing the culture and traditions of Hawaii. The performances, from hula dancers to fire twirlers, created an unforgettable experience.

If you’re looking for a luau that combines authenticity, a great atmosphere, and a fantastic meal on the beach, I highly recommend the ‘Aha ‘Aina Luau. It offers a memorable experience that balances tradition with modern touches.

Dole Plantation

One place I was eager to take my kids, after cherishing my own childhood memories, was the Dole Plantation. Located in Wahiawa, it’s about a 40- to 50-minute drive from Waikiki, depending on traffic. While it appears they now have options to book your tickets in advance, we have never done this. Even with the crowds that the attraction draws, we didn’t have issues buying on site.

They have a Pineapple Express Train Tour, a Plantation Garden Tour and the Pineapple Garden Maze. We really enjoyed each of these and you will easily spend hours exploring the property. We didn’t dine at the Plantation Grill while on site, we couldn’t pass up the Dole Pineapple Whip, which never disappoints!

Waikiki Aquarium

While we haven’t had the chance to visit the Honolulu Zoo yet, we did explore the Waikiki Aquarium during our last trip. Though it’s a small facility, we were pleasantly surprised by the impressive exhibits and diverse marine life on display. The experience was both informative and engaging, with knowledgeable staff members stationed throughout to provide insights and answer our boys’ questions.

One disappointment was that the monk seal was not on-site during our visit. He had been temporarily transferred to California to assist with a research program. Still, we thoroughly enjoyed our time there and would definitely recommend a visit if you have a free morning or afternoon to explore. It was an affordable activity and we did not purchase tickets in advance.

Other Island Activities

O‘ahu offers an abundance of water activities that are perfect for any visit. Over the years, we’ve enjoyed surfing lessonsand parasailing, among other exciting experiences. If you’re staying at a hotel with a tour desk, I highly recommend stopping by to chat about the available options. We tend to go with the flow and book activities based on what’s available during our stay, which has always worked out wonderfully. Every activity we’ve participated in has been memorable and fun!

As for Pearl Harbor, I visited it when I was younger, but I haven’t returned on my recent trips. My husband had done it before as well, though I still highly recommend it to anyone visiting the island. It’s an incredibly moving and powerful experience that shouldn’t be missed.

Where to Eat

Waikiki Beach offers so many incredible food options, but here are a few of our personal favorites. We frequently visited the Hula Grill for breakfast as it is right on the water with most tables offering fantastic views. Their dinner menu is great too and if you’re in the mood for dessert the Hula Pie is a must try! It was walking distance from our hotel, and you can make reservations as an added convenience.

Another favorite is Maui Brewing Company, which has a relaxed atmosphere and outdoor balcony seating. The food and beer options are fantastic, and you can easily order directly from the QR codes on the tables. It’s the perfect spot for a laid-back meal or drink.

For a lively atmosphere, Tikis Grill & Bar never disappoints. The delicious food, tiki cocktails, and fun vibe make it a favorite. Plus, we’ve picked up a few souvenir tiki cups that we’ve added to our collection. We dined at STRIPSTEAK for dinner one evening as well. We found it to be a pretty standard steakhouse experience, but the Tuna Crudo Rolls were so delicious, they’ll be etched in my memory for years!

For another great meal, Lulu’s Waikiki offers open-air seating with a relaxed atmosphere, delicious food, and memorable cocktails. As you might have noticed, I’m a big fan of outdoor dining when the weather’s nice and the views are great!

Some other island delicacies are the Musubi options, some delicious Udon restaurants and of course, shaved ice. While we aren’t big on Musubi, I tried a few options, and it didn’t really stand out for me. If you are looking for shaved ice, I recommend skipping the more common Island Vintage Shaved Ice stands/shops and heading to Lahaina Shaved Ice. It’s tucked away on a side street but was still within walking distance from our hotel. It is a small stand with each shaved ice made to order, so expect to wait if there’s a line but know it is totally worth it!

Final Thoughts

If you ever get the chance to visit Hawaii, don’t hesitate! There is something truly magical about the islands that captures your heart and stays with you long after you’ve left. Of all the incredible destinations in Hawaii, Waikiki will always hold a special place in my heart.

I’m already daydreaming about our next trip back- the things we’ll do, the new spots we’ll explore, and the familiar places we’ll revisit. Each time we return, I discover something new and exciting about this stunning destination. We’ve only scratched the surface of what O‘ahu has to offer, and I can’t wait to dive deeper into its culture and beauty on our next visit.

Our short time in Maui was equally unforgettable, offering a whole new experience of lush landscapes, breathtaking sunsets, and activities. The island’s laid-back vibe, combined with its natural beauty, left us longing for more. We’re already thinking of an extended trip to Maui, knowing there’s so much more to explore and experience.

No matter where our next trip to Hawaii takes us, I know we’ll continue to create memories that will last a lifetime!