The Real Magic Is Happening Out on 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. Deluxe Snorkel & Cruise by Living Ocean Tours
The #1 thing to do in Waikiki is what people fly across the world to do… and would feel they missed if they didn’t.
Snorkeling—especially with marine life—is what people imagine before they even book the flight. It’s what they picture when they think Hawaii. Warm water. Clear visibility. And coastal wildlife you don’t see anywhere else in everyday life.
You’re not adding snorkeling to a trip. For a lot of people… this is the trip.
Here’s where Living Ocean Tours comes in.
Their Deluxe Snorkel & Cruise runs for 2.5 hours and starts at $79 per person, departing from Kewalo Basin. The route follows the Waikiki coastline toward Diamond Head, and along the way, the crew points out turtles, dolphins, and—during winter months—humpback whales.
You’ll anchor at Rainbow Reef, a quieter snorkeling spot away from the heavier tour traffic. You’ll get around 90 minutes in the water, which gives you enough time to settle in and actually explore the reef. Expect to see colorful coral, tropical fish, and Hawaiian green sea turtles moving through the area.
Back on the boat, there’s a waterslide, trampoline, and floating lily pad. Some people stay in the water the whole time. Others climb out, relax, and go again. The boat itself—Lokahi—has a stabilizer system, so it stays calm even when the ocean isn’t perfectly still. There’s also a restroom and a cash bar, which may sound small… until you’re out on the ocean for a few hours.
Why does Living Ocean Tours rank #1? They have a perfect 5-star rating—and it comes down to one thing: what people imagined before the trip is what they experienced… but it exceeded their expectations.
2. Luau Dinner with Hawaiian Show by Queens Waikiki Luau
If you’re like me, food sits right at the top of the list when you travel.
This is where you add a luau to the day: a Hawaiian dinner paired with a live Polynesian show.
Queens Waikiki Luau runs for 2.5 hours in the heart of Waikiki at the International Market Place, starting at $119 per person.
The evening will be structured around a Hawaiian feast, with fresh, farm-to-table dishes served before the show begins. You’ll move from dinner into a live performance that covers traditional Polynesian dances from across the Pacific, building toward a fire knife finale that closes the night.
You’ll be able to choose between three seating sections. The front section ($159) is the most popular and includes three drinks. The middle section ($139) includes two. The back section ($119) includes one. All options include cultural activities, a shell lei, and the full dinner and show—so the main difference comes down to how close you’ll be seated.
After a full day in the water, this gives you something completely different—food, music, and a live performance that carries the evening.
3. Waikiki Sunset Cruise by Living Ocean Tours
A sunset cruise is great to do mid-trip with a group of friends or family. But if you’re traveling as a couple, it also works as a way to close out a trip—one last evening on the water before you leave.
So why are sunset cruises in Waikiki so popular?
Waikiki Beach can become heavily crowded, but being on the water means unobstructed 360-degree views of the horizon, the glowing Honolulu skyline, and the iconic silhouette of Diamond Head.
That said, the Waikiki Sunset Cruise is a 90-minute coastal cruise to Diamond Head and back, starting at $49 per person, departing from Kewalo Basin. You’ll be on a spacious double-decker boat, which gives you different vantage points depending on where you want to stand or sit. You can bring your own drinks or use the onboard cash bar, and snacks and refreshments are included. The route keeps you along the coastline, so you’ll have clear views of the horizon during sunset and the Waikiki skyline as it lights up on the return.
4. ʻAuana by Cirque du Soleil
‘Auana is Cirque du Soleil’s first resident production in Hawaii—created specifically around the islands’ stories, music, and culture.
That’s what puts it on this list.
The themes, the music, the movement—it all pulls from what the islands represent, then translates that into something visual and physical. Acrobatics, hula, live music, and staging come together in a way that keeps your attention the entire time because there’s always something happening.
And that’s exactly why it matters to see a show like this while you’re there.
Anyone can book a tour. But this is one of the few things you can’t replicate anywhere else—not in Las Vegas, not on another island, not on a different trip. It exists there, tied to Hawaii.
5. Friday Night Fireworks by Living Ocean Tours
If you see the sky lighting up on a Friday night, it’s not for a specific holiday—it’s the Hilton Hawaiian Village Friday Night Fireworks.
The fireworks in Waikiki are a beloved weekly tradition that has been running for over 35 years.
Why do they do it? The tradition started in 1988 to celebrate the completion of the resort’s $100 million “Return to Paradise” renovation.
It was originally intended to be a temporary celebration, but it became so popular with both locals and tourists that the hotel decided to keep it going as a permanent thank-you to the community and a way to kick off the weekend (often called “Aloha Friday”).
Over the decades, it has evolved into a centerpiece of Waikiki’s culture. Local restaurants, boat captains, and tour operators all sync their schedules to the show because it draws thousands of people to the shoreline.
If you want to avoid the massive crowds on the sand, this is actually the #1 reason people book the Friday Night Fireworks Cruise. Seeing the reflection of the bursts on the water (without someone’s beach umbrella in your way) is pretty spectacular.
What to do in Oahu Island 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.
