Waikiki Beach Is the Most Popular Beach in Hawaii, but Is It Worth It?

As a resident of Oahu, I’m very familiar with Waikiki Beach—the crown jewel of Hawaii’s coastline. It’s undeniably the most famous beach in the state, drawing millions of visitors annually with its iconic stretch of golden sands, beautiful waters, and vibrant atmosphere.

But amidst its popularity, is Waikiki Beach truly worth the hype? The short answer is yes, absolutely! Waikiki has the best of both worlds: a stunning natural landscape and a beautiful urban setting. It’s an ideal destination for relaxation and adventure, with many activities to suit all preferences. 

However, as with any popular tourist destination, there are some important things to keep in mind before visiting. We will discuss these in a separate article here if you are interested.

Why We Love Waikiki Beach

I feel like Waikiki Beach is one of those places where you either love or hate it, depending on your personal preferences. But for many of us, it’s hard not to fall in love with this tropical paradise. 

Here are the main reasons why Waikiki Beach made our list of the top things to do on Oahu:

1. It’s Very Convenient

Whether you love or hate Waikiki Beach, you have to admit that it’s incredibly convenient. This is the main reason why we love it so much. It’s located in the heart of Honolulu, making it easily accessible.  

Accommodation is easily found within walking distance of the beach, and plenty of shops, restaurants, and other amenities are nearby. You don’t have to travel far to experience everything Waikiki offers.

If you are traveling with kids, Waikiki Beach is also the best beach on Oahu for families. It makes everything so much easier if you don’t have to travel long distances to find what you need.

Most people traveling to Oahu will stay in Waikiki anyway, so it’s nice that everything you need is within reach.

2. It Has Great Amenities

If you know anything about the beaches of Hawaii, you know that not all of them are created equal. For example, our favorite beach on Oahu is Lanikai Beach in Kailua, but it has zero amenities and no lifeguard on duty. This is such a bummer because it’s a stunning beach.

Waikiki Beach, on the other hand, has a wide range of amenities to make your visit comfortable and enjoyable. Plenty of restrooms, showers, and changing facilities are available for public use. 

You can also find beach rental stands for chairs, umbrellas, and water sports equipment.

3. It’s Simply Beautiful

Even if you don’t like Waikiki Beach, you can’t deny that its natural beauty is simply breathtaking. It has beautiful, clear waters and perfect golden sand, and the iconic Diamond Head crater in the background only adds to the stunning scenery.

4. It’s a Perfect Blend of Nature and City Life

One of Waikiki Beach’s most unique aspects is its perfect blend of nature and city life. On the one hand, you have the stunning backdrop of the Diamond Head crater and the beautiful blue ocean. 

And on the other hand, there is a bustling city with high-rise buildings, restaurants, and shops. This contrast creates a unique and vibrant atmosphere that is hard to find anywhere else.

5. The Perfect Place to Learn How to Surf

Like many others, we chose to learn how to surf on Waikiki Beach because it’s the perfect place for beginners. Compared to beaches on the north shore of Oahu, Waikiki has much calmer waters and smaller waves, making it ideal for beginners.

6. Waikiki Has a Variety of Beaches

Waikiki isn’t just a singular beach experience; it’s a mosaic of various beach sections, each with its character and charm.  

For example, we usually go to Grays Beach to escape the crowds, but we go to the beach by the Royal Hawaiian Hotel for a lively atmosphere.

If we have family or friends visiting with kids, we usually go to the Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon.

We have a separate article on Waikiki Beaches, so be sure to check it out for a more detailed breakdown.

7. The Sunsets Here Are Spectacular

One of our favorite places on Oahu to watch the sunset is Waikiki Beach. You can catch the sunset from the beach or go for a sunset dinner cruise. 

Either way, you’re in for a treat! We never take Hawaii sunsets for granted because they are vibrant and beautiful.

8. Friday Night Fireworks

Not many beaches in the world have a fireworks show every week, but Waikiki Beach does. Every Friday at 7:45 pm, the Hilton Hawaiian Village puts on a spectacular fireworks display. It’s the perfect way to end a day at the beach and start your weekend.

9. A Foodie’s Paradise

Waikiki Beach is a foodie’s paradise with an endless selection of restaurants. You can find everything from fresh seafood to traditional Hawaiian dishes, international cuisine, and more. 

You can also find affordable eats and fine dining in this area. With the ocean just steps away, you can enjoy a meal at one of the top restaurants in Waikiki with a stunning view.

10. A Shopper’s Haven

If you love shopping, then Waikiki Beach is the place for you. The main strip of Kalakaua Avenue is lined with high-end designer stores, local boutiques, and souvenir shops. You can find everything from luxury brands to unique Hawaiian gifts and souvenirs.

We love that we can leave the beach and head straight to the shops for some retail therapy.