You’re in a new place. You’re curious. Most trips to Waikiki last 5–7 days. Time is limited. How do you know something is popular?
You look at what people do more than once.
When visitors come back to Honolulu and choose the same activity again—and then again the next year—that tells you more than any ad ever will.
What Draws People to Hawaii—and Specifically to Waikiki—Is the Water
The ocean here isn’t gray or cold. It’s blue—sometimes electric. On many days, you can see straight through it.
Ask visitors why they came and you’ll hear the same thing over and over: “The water looks unreal.” “It’s so warm.” “You can actually see your feet.”
Whether it’s whale watching during migration season, snorkeling over reef systems, or boarding a sunset cruise as the sky turns orange, most activities here orbit one thing—the Pacific.
That said, the #1 thing people do once they’re out in the ocean… you can probably guess. And if you only have five days in Waikiki, do these things—and preferably in this order.
1. Snorkeling
Watch the beaches at 9:00 a.m. Masks on. Fins in hand. You don’t have to persuade anyone that snorkeling is the #1 thing people do in Hawaii.
People cross oceans for green sea turtles, for humpback whales breaching offshore, for reefs so vibrant they look filtered. And the water? Warm. It’s the same shoreline that attracted billionaire Oprah Winfrey to buy property here.
But if you want the best way to experience it, Living Ocean Tours sits at the top with a 5.0/5 rating. Yes—5/5. That’s the ceiling. You can’t go higher. Reviews repeatedly highlight the attached waterslide and the trampoline. Guests specifically describe lining up to use them.
One review states they rode the slide 40 times in a single trip. Yet, the recurring theme in hundreds of comments is the crew. Words like “professional crew,” “felt safe,” “they truly care.” Of course, snorkeling is the attraction. But the crew is the reason the rating stays perfect.
Beyond snorkeling, Living Ocean runs sunset sails, whale-watching cruises, and the Waikiki Friday fireworks cruise.
2. Visit Pearl Harbor National Memorial
After snorkeling, the next activity that ranks at the top in Hawaii is a visit to Pearl Harbor National Memorial. Some lists place it #2. Others #3. Either way, it draws massive numbers—roughly 1.5 to 2 million visitors each year. That makes it one of the most visited historic sites in the United States.
Why do people carve out half a day of their vacation for it?
Because history happened here. On December 7, 1941, Japanese aircraft attacked the U.S. Pacific Fleet, killing more than 2,400 Americans and injuring over 1,000. Standing at the USS Arizona Memorial, you are directly above the battleship where 1,177 sailors remain entombed. Visitors frequently describe their experience as “moving” and “humbling.”
The site includes museums, exhibits, and access to historic ships like the USS Missouri, where World War II officially ended in 1945. That’s why millions go—it’s a national landmark with global recognition.
3. Relax on Waikiki Beach
If snorkeling sits at #1 and Pearl Harbor competes for #2, then spending time on Waikiki Beach easily ranks third—and for many visitors, it feels like number one. Beaches consistently rank as the primary reason travelers choose Hawaii in the first place.
You’ve seen movies of Hawaiian beaches, right? The shoreline slopes gradually, which means the water stays shallow far enough out for relaxed swimming. Likewise, the water stays warm year-round, often hovering in the mid-to-high 70s°F. For travelers coming from colder climates, that warmth is a novelty. “It’s like a swimming pool,” people say.
Yes, book the tours. They’re worth it. But carve out a day with no fixed schedule for the beach. Bring your friends. Bring your family. Once you spend a full day in warm, transparent water, you begin to see why so many people don’t just check Hawaii off a list but make a habit of coming back—sometimes every year, sometimes every few months.
4. Hike Diamond Head
If you’ve seen a postcard of Honolulu, chances are it featured Diamond Head State Monument. That crater silhouette behind Waikiki? That’s it. And hiking to the summit isn’t optional if you want the full picture—it’s essential.
The trail is 1.6 miles round trip with about 560 feet of elevation gain. Most people complete it in 60–90 minutes. If you’re reasonably fit, you’ll handle it fine. If you’re traveling with kids, children around 6 and older usually manage well, though you’ll need to help younger ones on stairs and steeper sections. Strollers won’t work here.
If you’re a non-Hawaii resident, you must book a timed reservation online and pay the State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources directly. The fee is $5 per person and $10 per vehicle for parking. Morning time slots regularly sell out. When you see “Almost at 100% capacity” days in advance, you realize you’re not the only one planning around this view.
5. Luau Dinner with Hawaiian Show
You can hike. You can snorkel. But if you leave without experiencing traditional Polynesian dance, music, and storytelling, you’ve missed a core part of the islands.
My favorite is Queens Waikiki Luau. It runs 2.5 hours—5:00pm to 7:30pm—and it’s open to all ages. They offer three seating tiers. The front section is $159 and includes three Mai Tais or soft drinks. The middle section is $139 with two drinks. And the back Section is $119 with one drink. Every guest receives a shell lei, participates in cultural activities like learning hula, and enjoys a fresh farm-to-table luau dinner feast.
The show features traditional dances from multiple Polynesian islands, ending with the fire knife dance—the moment people describe as “the highlight.” It’s centrally located at the International Market Place, so it’s easy to find.
If you want one evening that blends history, flavor, and performance into a single event, this is where you book.
Things to Do in Honolulu Waikiki FAQs
What are the top things to do in Honolulu Waikiki for first-time visitors?
For first-timers, the top things to do in Waikiki usually include walking Waikiki Beach, hiking Diamond Head, taking a snorkeling cruise, and exploring local shops and restaurants along Kalakaua Avenue.
Are there free things to do in Honolulu Waikiki?
Yes. Some of the best things to do in Honolulu Waikiki cost nothing at all. You can relax on Waikiki Beach, watch the sunset over the Pacific, hike Diamond Head (small entry fee for non-residents), or explore Kuhio Beach and its evening hula shows.
What are the best evening activities in Waikiki?
Popular evening things to do in Waikiki include sunset catamaran cruises, beachfront dining, live music along the strip, and the Friday night fireworks display.
Do you need a car for things to do in Waikiki?
Not necessarily. Many things to do in Waikiki are within walking distance of major hotels. For activities outside the immediate area—like North Shore tours or Pearl Harbor—shuttles are widely available.
What outdoor activities are popular in Waikiki?
Outdoor things to do in Honolulu Waikiki include surfing lessons, snorkeling tours, stand-up paddleboarding, hiking Diamond Head, and boat cruises along the coastline.
