You’re ready to book that next vacay. So why Waikiki? A famed island destination that pairs adventure and leisure with a touch of pineapple in the most blissfully tropical setting gives so many reasons to vacation. After a few minutes in the plumeria-scented paradise, you’ll feel the delightful travel paradoxes that make this such a special place. The Hawaiian island of Oahu is often considered the epicenter, or “Gathering Place,” of the entire state. Oahu’s centrally located neighborhood of Waikiki is known the world over as a top travel spot desired for its mild and ideal climate and embracing Polynesian culture. Most people know of Waikiki’s reputation for its world-famous surfing beach along swoon-worthy Pacific blue waves. This jaw-dropping stretch of sand and sea is sharply contrasted by the high-reaching buildings and the dramatic Diamond Head backdrop. From small coastal town simplicity to high-spirited urban vibes, water sport adventures to volcanic wonders, your vacation will truly include the best of both worlds. These captivating contrasts are the most magical reasons why Waikiki is your next hoʻomaha destination! So wear your puka shell necklace, sip your Mai Tai and dive into Waikiki! Insider Tip: Getting around Oahu is so easy! Buy a day pass for the trolley system, rent a Biki bike or take a rental car to visit all the top places on your itinerary. Where to Stay in Waikiki Club Wyndham Royal Garden at Waikiki European garden grounds with a zen feel in Waikiki! Plan your vacation with peace of mind at Club Wyndham Royal Garden at Waikiki. The lush plant-lined trails throughout the property will have you grounded with nature for your stay. Step into the refined decor with elegant polished dark wood furnishings and chandeliers. You’ll stay in luxury with your choice of a chic studio or presidential suite. Accommodations for your group of up to four guests include dining space and a kitchenette just right for making morning coffee or preparing a snack of mouthwatering local fruit. Many suites offer private lanais, or balconies, presenting a soothing place to appreciate a Pacific sunset over the Ala Wai canal. Around the resort, fire up the grill at the picnic and BBQ area and challenge the family to a game of foosball in the game room. You’ll love a tranquil soak in the refreshing outdoor pool or some steamy time in the sauna. With laundry facilities and WiFi throughout, you’ll feel right at home. The best amenity of the resort is its proximity to Waikiki Beach as well as the downtown area. Being located near the beach means that snorkeling, surf lessons and sunbathing are easy ways to spend leisure time. Jaunts to the city are filled with sightseeing, souvenir shopping and a meal of your favorite international cuisine. Insider Tip: Valet parking on-site is available for a fee. Shell Vacations Club Waikiki Marina Resort at the Ilikai It’s Waikiki vacationing with the best of Oahu, all within reach! At Shell Vacations Club Waikiki Marina Resort at the Ilikai, the location is one of the most memorable things about your stay. Ideally positioned on the stunning white sand of world-famous Waikiki Beach, you’ll have access to all things beach! Catch a morning surf lesson, rent a paddle board or people-watch from your spot on the sand. Your resort home comes complete with conveniences and old Hawaii allure. The outdoor pools are refreshing and the sun deck overlooks the Ala Kai Yacht Harbor. Pick up some strong Kona espresso from the coffee shop and choose a bright floral muumuu from the gift shop. Guests appreciate the free WiFi, air-conditioning and valet parking (for a fee). Studio suites comfortably sleep up to four with a spacious floor plan including a dining area. Cook an easy, inexpensive meal in the full kitchen and kick back in the sitting area of the balcony taking in the sprawling city view. The on-site concierge can assist with your plans for the day, sharing information about booking a tour of the USS Arizona, choosing a quest at the Waikiki Diving Center, shopping at boutiques or making a group dinner reservation downtown. For a special resort treat, catch the daily torch lighting ceremony and dance along to the ukulele melodies of live Hawaiian entertainment. Friday night fireworks light up the sky over Waikiki Beach bringing an unbelievable end to a night at your resort in paradise. Insider Tip: Resort suite housekeeping services are available at an additional fee. Bell services are provided by a third party company for a fee upon request. Things to Do in Waikiki Diamond Head Lookout, aka Mount Le’ahi Considered to be Hawaii’s most recognized landmark, Diamond Head Lookout is an extinct volcanic crater. Volcano eruptions about 300,000 years ago are thought to have formed this tuff cone from ash, cinders and lava. The sparkling calcite crystals look like diamonds from a distance, giving the landmark its name. Historically, the crater housed Fort Ruger, Hawaii’s first military reserve. Since then, tourists make Diamond Head a must-see spot on their Oahu travels. Non-residents are required to make a reservation to enter the State Monument and park at its base. Wear your best hiking shoes for the vigorously steep 0.8 mile trail up 560 feet to the summit. You’ll catch your breath while gazing upon the Waikiki shoreline and the endless ocean waves. A keen eye might spy a humpback whale spouting in the distance. It’s easy to see why the Hawaiian people considered Diamond Head a luakini heiau, or sacred ceremonial site. The majesty of the view evokes an unmatched peacefulness. Insider Tip: Plan your visit early to enjoy smaller crowds and cooler temperatures. Those taking the challenging hike should allow 1.5 to 2 hours for the trek. Pearl Harbor Historic Sites A poignant reminder of one of the darkest days in American history, the historic area at Pearl Harbor will top your list of memories in Oahu. The primary site for visitors is the solemn USS Arizona Memorial, the most-visited spot in Hawaii. The memorial was constructed above the underwater resting place of the military personnel who perished during the 1941 Attack on Pearl Harbor. Guests can take a meaningful audio tour or visit the virtual reality center to learn the details of this historic event and honor the souls lost that day. Also in the Pearl Harbor area, tour the Battleship Missouri Memorial, a powerhouse ship with a military career of 50 years, covering three wars. As the final U.S. battleship built and decommissioned, it was the site of Japanese surrender, ending WWII. Here you can walk the steps of the sailors who operated the mighty vessel. From command operations to the dining hall to the gun turrets, experience the workings of the ship and imagine how the soldiers lived. Round out your visit by checking out the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum and the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum. The fascinating aircraft and battlefield feature actual bullet holes from the historic attack. A tour of the USS Bowfin showcases exhibits and information about the U.S. Navy’s Submarine Force. Insider Tip: With so many engaging exhibits to explore, guests visiting all four sites at Pearl Harbor should plan for a minimum of 6 hours. Iolani Palace - State Monument Step into the life of Hawaiian royalty! As the only official royal residence in the United States, Iolani Palace rolls out the red carpet to visitors looking to soak in the aristocratic life of the past. The Palace was built in 1882 by King Kalakaua to serve as the stately residence of Hawaiian monarchs. Enter through iron gates adorned by the Coat of Arms of the Hawaiian Kingdom and make your way through the manicured site. The grounds were thought to be on an ancient heiau (place of worship) and showcase the original location of the Royal Mausoleum. In the Palace, you’ll be able to picture the everyday lives of the royal families as you admire the portraits in the Blue Room, the Bohemian crystal and Paris porcelain of the State Dining Room and the crimson and gold textiles of the Throne Room. The expanse of the Grand Hall celebrates bygone formal balls and social events while the original telephone of the King’s Office speaks to the Palace technology that was ahead of its time. The Palace was registered as a National Historic Landmark and has undergone restorations that revitalized its regal dignity. Popular tour options for guests include a Guided Tour with a Palace Docent and a Self-Led Audio Tour. It’s easy to see why the Iolani Palace is a representation of great Hawaiian pride and a foundation on which the culture is built. Insider Tip: Guests are asked to dress respectfully to honor the sacred site. Shirts and footwear are required and shoe coverings provided will be worn around the Palace. Bathing suits and beachwear should be left at the resort. Dine at Mahina & Sun’s For a fresh take on Hawaiian dining, spend the evening at Mahina & Sun’s. Widely recommended for its modern look and unparalleled location, it’s more than a restaurant, it’s a whole welcoming feel. In the dining room, start off with appetizers of A’u Crudo (Blue Marlin), Avocado Tacos or He’e (octopus) prepared with garbanzo hummus. You’ll want to order them all! If you still have room, narrow down your entree options between Seared Ahi with Chili Pepper Aioli, steamed Mahina Veggie Platter or the Signature Coconut Pork Shoulder. All delectable dishes hold up to even the most discerning foodie standards. The ambiance can’t be beat in the glowing blue lighting of the poolside seating at this Honolulu eatery. Order from the Lanai Menu which serves up twists on favorites from the Kalua Pork Tacos and the Taro Burger with Fries to Pepperoni Pizza and Mochiko Chicken Sando. The bites are even tastier under the Oahu sky. The Mahina Lounge welcomes talented local musicians and DJs nightly. Sip on the fittingly named rosemary-infused Moon Dance and the tequila-based cinnamony Here Comes the Sun while tapping to the beat of live music. Between the buckets of beer and a trio of martinis, remember to share the Uala Cheesecake or Gelato for dessert. You’ll be back for more ’ono grinds (delicious food) and the feeling of “Wish You Were Here.” Insider Tip: Mahina is the Hawaiian word for moon. Note that Mahina & Sun’s is a cashless restaurant. Shop at Ala Moana Center Shop-a-holics, prepare to go crazy! Ala Moana Center is a giant among shopping malls. As the world’s largest open-air shopping center, visitors can spend an entire day strolling the grounds in the fresh Hawaiian ocean breeze. With over 350 shops and new ones always opening, you will find everything under the Oahu sun to bring home. Luxury name brand clothing stores boast the coveted labels. The array of jewelers showcase precious gems and exquisite timepieces for that special keepsake. Well-known companies and local Hawaiian shops display housewares, health and beauty products and electronics. Fuel up between stores with over 160 dining options on-site from sit-down restaurants to fast food cafes serving breakfast through dinner with plenty of snacks in between. More than a mall, Ala Moana Center brings entertainment like the Daily Hula Show and monthly scheduled events including festivals, choirs and band performances. It’s convenient to visit the shops as the center is within walking distance or a quick trolley ride from many resorts. Insider Tip: Ask about discounts for military personnel, students and teachers. Be sure to bring your valid ID. More Ways to Explore Waikiki Nu’uanu Pali Lookout Duke’s Waikiki Waikiki Dive Center Honolulu Zoo: A popular family outing, the Honolulu Zoo presents wild local and exotic creatures in a lush tropical habitat. Check out notable animals like the Sumatran Tiger, the Poison Dart Frog and the King Vulture. From conservation efforts to animal enrichment, your group will love learning about the Komodo Dragon, Grant’s Zebra and the Orangutan. Arrange a morning safari, take a twilight tour or wander the habitats at your own pace. Waikiki Dive Center: Happiness is a beautiful dive! Beginning to experienced SCUBA divers get access to the prime shipwreck sites and reef dive spots for an up-close view of honu (sea turtles), manta rays, Murray eels and hammerhead sharks in their native sea world. Rest assured that the multi-lingual staff follows strict safety protocol on certified vessels for an incredible underwater adventure. Nu’uanu Pali Lookout: A scenic drive up the pali (cliff) will find you at the one of the most picturesque lookouts of the island. Take panoramic photos from this infamous site of the 1795 Battle of Nu’uanu, where Kamehameha I secured his position of ruling a united Oahu. From a thousand feet above the Windward Coast, feel the strength of the howling winds which are thought to be symbolic of the soldiers’ lives lost off the sheer cliff during battle, according to Hawaiian legend. Waikiki Aquarium: The wonder of the marine world comes to life! You’ll discover the unusual characteristics of seahorses and seadragons and watch how the Hawaiian day octopus propels itself through the ocean. The diversity of the in-house coral community and reef life is enchanting to see. From the Hawaiian monk seal and giant clams to the zebra sharks and collection of jellyfish, you’ll want to learn more about ocean life. Waikiki Beach: As one of the most famous beaches in the world, Waikiki is an iconic scene of several beach sections and essential part of your Hawaiian vacation. Bring the kids to the calming waters of Kahanamoku Beach and Kuhio Beach. At the main area of Waikiki Beach, go paddle boarding, try surf lessons and take a selfie with the Duke Kahanamoku Statue. Nearby, splash in the man made lagoon named for Kahanamoku, the golf-medal winning swimmer who was a pioneer of modern-day surfing. North Shore Shark Adventures: Yes, you can swim with the sharks and live to tell about it! A pivotal part Hawaiian folklore, mano, or sharks, are revered as powerful and mysterious figures. Grab your mask and snorkel to board the boat that takes your group to the site. Inside a steel cage lowered into the water, you’re guaranteed to have a natural shark experience. Galapagos, Sandbar, Tiger and Hammerhead sharks swim in the area and can come within inches! Whale Watching: Catch a bucket list moment of Oahu whale watching! Vacation between the months of December and April and book a tour to witness the spectacular koholā, or hump-back whales, while they play and visit the ocean surface during breeding season. Duke’s Waikiki: This tasty surf restaurant gets its name and vibe from hometown gold-medalist swimmer and surfing godfather, Duke Kahanamoku. Casual waterfront Hawaiian-style dining begins with a breakfast buffet. Signature Bloody Mary drinks with Banana and Bacon French Toast and live music can start the day off right. Select from a comfort lunch menu of Macadamia Nut Hummus and Poke Tacos or dinner choices including Roasted Tristan Lobster and Duke’s Cheeseburger paired with a Coconut Mojito. Ask about Kimo’s Original Hula Pie and you won’t be sorry! International Marketplace: Shop in this open-air pet-friendly center in the middle of Waikiki featuring great deals with local retailers and luxury brands. Excellent dining options of a wide variety of international cuisine along with featured activities and events make for an entire day’s experience. From floral leis to entrancing waves, the memories you gather in Waikiki will stay with you all your days. You’ll cherish all your new favorite family photos in paradise and romantic island pics a hui hou (until we meet again)!
