Waikiki Map: Hotels, Beaches, Restaurants & Drinks

Where to stay

Best beachfront hotels in Waikiki

Waikiki's beachfront hotels run along a single golden mile, from the family-sized Hilton Hawaiian Village at the calm western end to the historic Pink Palace and the century-old Moana Surfrider in the center. If being able to walk from your lobby straight onto the sand matters most, these are the names to know. Use the map above to see exactly where each one sits relative to the beach and to Kalakaua Avenue.

Beachfront resort

Hilton Hawaiian Village

The biggest resort in Waikiki, on its own calm stretch of Kahanamoku Beach with a protected lagoon and Friday-night fireworks. Best for a self-contained resort day.

Historic luxury

The Royal Hawaiian

The Pink Palace of the Pacific, open since 1927 and the most recognizable building on the beach. Central location, classic Mai Tais at sunset.

Historic luxury

Moana Surfrider

The First Lady of Waikiki, opened in 1901. The colonial porch and the giant banyan courtyard right on Kuhio Beach are the heart of old Waikiki.

Classic luxury

Halekulani

The quiet gold standard. Understated luxury, the orchid mosaic pool, and House Without a Key for live music and hula at sunset.

For the full rundown, see our guide to the best hotels in Waikiki.

Where to eat and drink

Food and drinks on Kalakaua

Kalakaua Avenue and the blocks just off it pack in some of the best coffee, acai bowls, and beach bars on Oahu. Mornings belong to Kona Coffee Purveyors and Island Vintage Coffee. Afternoons and sunsets belong to the open-air bars: Mai Tai cocktails at the Royal Hawaiian, live Hawaiian music and hula at House Without a Key, rooftop views from Sky Waikiki, and toes-in-the-sand drinks at Duke's Barefoot Bar. Tap any pin on the map for live hours and ratings before you walk over.

Beachfront classic

Duke's Waikiki

The quintessential beachfront restaurant and bar on the sand, named for Duke Kahanamoku. Big plates, strong Mai Tais, live music, and the Hula Pie.

Coffee

Kona Coffee Purveyors

If you visit one coffee shop in Waikiki, make it this one: 100% Kona beans done properly, with b.patisserie pastries, inside the International Marketplace.

Featured

House Without a Key

Halekulani's open-air oceanfront lounge with nightly live Hawaiian music and hula. One of the best sunset spots in Waikiki, guest or not.

More ideas: best coffee in Waikiki and the best food trucks near Waikiki.

Things to do

Things to do in Waikiki

The best of Waikiki happens on and around the water. The classic itinerary: hike Diamond Head at sunrise, take a beginner surf lesson off the main beach, snorkel or sail on a catamaran that pushes off near Queen's Surf, and end the day on a sunset cruise or at a luau. Diamond Head is the marquee outing, and out-of-state visitors must reserve an entry slot in advance. The activity pins on the map link straight to bookable options.

Lead activity

Diamond Head Summit

The iconic crater hike just east of Waikiki: about 0.8 miles each way to a summit lookout over the south shore. Roughly 1.5 hours round trip. Reserve entry ahead.

On the water

Surf and catamaran

First-timer surf and stand-up paddle lessons launch right off Waikiki Beach. Catamaran sails and snorkel trips push off from the Queen's Surf end.

Sunset

Sunset sail and luau

Cap the day with a sunset cruise off Waikiki or an evening luau for the full Hawaii experience. Book ahead in high season.

Sand and surf

Waikiki's beaches

Waikiki is really a string of connected beaches, each with its own character. The main Waikiki Beach is the long, gentle crescent with Diamond Head framing the view. Kuhio Beach, protected by a low seawall, is the calmest spot for families and weaker swimmers. Queen's Surf and Sans Souci (Kaimana) at the Diamond Head end are mellower and more local, while Fort DeRussy Beach and Gray's Beach toward the Hilton offer more room on the sand. Beaches show on the map at all times as reference, no matter which filter you have selected.

The classic

Waikiki Beach

The famous golden crescent. Calm, shallow water and small rolling waves make it the spot for a first surf lesson. Come before 10am for room on the sand.

Best for families

Kuhio Beach

Protected by a seawall into two calm, pool-like swimming areas. Lifeguards, showers, shade, and the nightly torch-lighting and hula by the Duke statue.

Local favorite

Sans Souci (Kaimana)

A small, calm cove at the far Diamond Head end by the Waikiki Aquarium. Clear water, a protected channel, and a fraction of the main-beach crowd.

See the island-wide picture in our guide to the best beaches on Oahu.

Good to know

Waikiki map FAQ

Which Waikiki hotels are right on the beach?

The true beachfront hotels are the Hilton Hawaiian Village, The Royal Hawaiian, Moana Surfrider, Halekulani, and the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort. Each one opens onto the sand. Others like Halepuna, the Surfjack, and Laylow sit a short walk inland. The map above marks each hotel with a beachfront badge where it applies.

How do I get to Diamond Head from Waikiki?

Diamond Head is about a 10 to 15 minute drive east of central Waikiki. You can drive and park inside the crater (parking is limited), take a rideshare, ride TheBus, or book a guided hike that includes shuttle transfers and your entry reservation. Out-of-state visitors must reserve an entry slot in advance, and sunrise slots go first.

Which Waikiki beach is best for families with young kids?

Kuhio Beach. A low seawall creates two calm, pool-like swimming areas with lifeguards, showers, and shade nearby. Sans Souci (Kaimana) at the Diamond Head end is another calm, less crowded option that locals love.

Where is the best sunset spot in Waikiki?

For drinks with the view, House Without a Key at the Halekulani has live Hawaiian music and hula at sunset, and you do not need to be a guest. For an open beach, the Queen's Surf and Sans Souci end faces the right direction and is less crowded. On the water, a sunset catamaran sail is hard to beat.

Do I need a car to get around Waikiki?

No. Waikiki itself is very walkable: the hotels, beaches, restaurants, and bars on this map are all within a few blocks of each other. A car helps for day trips around the island. For the scenic loop, see our Oahu drive map.

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