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Waikīkī, Hawaiʻi
Waikiki · Hawaiʻi, USA
The smiling beaches of the Rainbow State, birthplace of surfing under blue skies
Know before you go
- Don't touch sea turtles (illegal, with heavy fines)
- don't take sand or coral
- keep to marked trails when hiking (cliffs are dangerous).
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Stories & people
Stories & people
History
Kamehameha moved his royal court to Waikīkī
At the end of the 18th century the Hawaiian islands were still divided among different rulers. After conquering Oʻahu at the Battle of Nuʻuanu, Kamehameha I moved his court from the Big Island to Waikīkī in 1804; in 1810 he negotiated with Kaumualiʻi, ruler of Kauaʻi, and peacefully unified all the islands. When he died in 1819, his trusted followers hid his body according to the ancient custom of secret burial, and to this day no one knows where he lies.
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
A resort of the Hawaiian royal family, where modern surfing was born (Duke Kahanamoku is the father of surfing); the silhouette of Diamond Head over Waikiki, hula skirts and the 'Aloha' spirit make it America's only 'tropical state'. The USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor tells of the Second World War, and the songs and dances of the Polynesian Cultural Center show Indigenous pride.
Local customs
- 'Aloha' is both a greeting and a philosophy of life
- usual beach etiquette applies
- be respectful at Indigenous cultural experiences.
Religion & beliefs
- Indigenous polytheism coexists with Christianity
- the Bishop Museum and ʻIolani Palace tell the history of the kingdom
- keep quiet when visiting religious sites.
Etiquette
Etiquette & taboos
Rules that apply here
Driving in the US: what to do when police pull you over
- Signal right and pull over safely to the right
- Roll down your window after stopping, before the officer reaches you
- At night, turn on the interior light
- Keep both hands on the wheel and ask passengers to keep their hands visible too
- Getting out and walking towards the police car
- Suddenly reaching for the glovebox, a pocket or under the seat
Sudden movements may be read as a threat and become dangerous. The wording of the rules varies slightly between states.
Not yet verifiedSource: Texas Department of Public Safety driver handbook
Don’t DON'T
- Don't touch sea turtles (illegal, with heavy fines)
- don't take sand or coral
- keep to marked trails when hiking (cliffs are dangerous).
Locals appreciate DO
- Hawaiians appreciate visitors who say 'Aloha' and 'Mahalo' (thank you) and respect the ocean
- learning to surf and attending a traditional luau feast are most popular.
Plan your visit
Practical info
| Best time | Good all year, best in April–May and September–October (avoiding the busy rainy season of December–March) |
|---|
Travel tips
- Good all year, best in April–May and September–October (avoiding the busy rainy season of December–March). Pearl Harbor is free but needs booking
- surf lessons cost about USD 100
- allow 5–7 days — island-hopping (the Big Island's volcanoes, Maui) goes deeper.
Eat nearby
What to eat nearby
Must-try
- Poke
- Loco Moco
- Kalua pork plate lunch
Poke, loco moco, kalua pork plate lunch, garlic shrimp, shave ice + ramen
| Where to eat | Restaurants along Waikiki Beach's Kalākaua Avenue, the local shops of Kapahulu Avenue, the Ala Moana food court |
|---|---|
| Dining etiquette | No alcohol on the beach (Hawaii's public-beach law), don't feed wild birds, and be respectful at Native Hawaiian cultural events |
| Typical price per person | USD 20–38 ≈ CNY 142–270 |
| Tips | Take view seats for the sea; for an authentic plate lunch, go to Kapahulu; poke freshly made at supermarkets and delis is cheaper. |
Prices are typical rates as of October 2026, not exact quotes; CNY equivalents are approximate where exchange rates fluctuate.
CityMama from "Silicon Valley", USA · CC BY-SA 2.0
Photos
Photos
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Frank Schulenburg · CC BY-SA 4.0
Vavavis · CC BY-SA 4.0
Warren McKenzie · CC BY-SA 4.0
Sources & verification notes
NOAA: guidelines for viewing marine wildlife in Hawaiʻi
Compiled from Hawaii Tourism guides
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