Waikiki Forum — Your Questions About Waikiki Answered

238

Questions

13

Categories

96815

Waikiki ZIP

365

Days of Sun

✈ Getting There & Around

48 threads

94
votes
Do I need a rental car in Waikiki?
HotMost Asked
47
replies
82
votes
What is the cheapest way to get from Honolulu Airport to Waikiki?
Popular
38
replies
71
votes
How much does an Uber/Lyft cost from HNL airport to Waikiki?
Tip
24
replies
68
votes
Where can I park for free or cheap in Waikiki?
HotLocal Tip
52
replies
55
votes
How much does hotel parking cost per night in Waikiki?
19
replies
53
votes
Can I take TheBus from the airport to Waikiki with luggage?
Tip
31
replies
49
votes
Is the Waikiki Trolley worth it? What about the free Pink Line?
22
replies
45
votes
How do I get from Waikiki to the North Shore without a car?
18
replies
42
votes
How do I get to Pearl Harbor from Waikiki?
Popular
26
replies
40
votes
What is a HOLO card and do I need one for the bus?
New
14
replies
38
votes
How walkable is Waikiki? Can I get everywhere on foot?
21
replies
35
votes
Are the Biki bikeshare bikes worth using?
11
replies
33
votes
Is there a ferry between Hawaiian islands?
9
replies
30
votes
How long does the drive from the airport take with traffic?
15
replies
28
votes
Is Turo a good option for car rental in Hawaii?
13
replies
25
votes
Should I rent a car for just one day for day trips?
17
replies
22
votes
Is the Skyline rail finished? Does it go to Waikiki?
New
8
replies
20
votes
Is parking at Royal Hawaiian Center free with validation?
Tip
7
replies
59
votes
How do I get to Hanauma Bay from Waikiki without a car?
Popular
30
replies
56
votes
How much does it cost to fly between Hawaiian islands?
Popular
28
replies
42
votes
Do I need an international driver's license to rent a car in Hawaii?
18
replies
41
votes
Can I rent a scooter or moped in Waikiki? Do I need a license?
Tip
20
replies
53
votes
Can I visit another island as a day trip from Waikiki?
Popular
27
replies
48
votes
Complete guide to public transportation on Oahu — TheBus, Skyline, Trolley
Tip
25
replies

🌊 Beaches & Ocean

41 threads

97
votes
Which is the best beach in Waikiki?
HotMost Asked
56
replies
85
votes
When are jellyfish at Waikiki Beach? (Box jellyfish calendar)
Hot
34
replies
72
votes
Is Waikiki Beach safe for swimming? What about kids?
Popular
29
replies
65
votes
Where can I see sea turtles at Waikiki Beach?
Popular
25
replies
58
votes
Is the snorkeling good at Waikiki? Where is the best spot?
22
replies
55
votes
Where is the least crowded part of Waikiki Beach?
Local Tip
31
replies
50
votes
Do I need reef shoes at Waikiki Beach?
Tip
18
replies
48
votes
Is the sand at Waikiki natural or imported?
14
replies
45
votes
Is Hanauma Bay worth the trip? Do I need reservations?
Popular
33
replies
42
votes
What is Sans Souci (Kaimana) Beach and why do locals prefer it?
Local Tip
20
replies
38
votes
Are there sharks at Waikiki Beach?
16
replies
35
votes
How much do beach chair and umbrella rentals cost?
10
replies
33
votes
Are there public showers and restrooms on Waikiki Beach?
8
replies
30
votes
Is alcohol allowed on Waikiki Beach?
12
replies
28
votes
Is Ala Moana Beach Park better than Waikiki Beach?
Local Tip
19
replies
25
votes
Where is the best spot to watch sunset on the beach?
15
replies
22
votes
Where do I store valuables while swimming? Are there lockers?
Tip
11
replies
74
votes
What is the best time of day to see sea turtles at Waikiki Beach?
Popular
38
replies
71
votes
What are the best snorkeling spots near Waikiki?
Popular
35
replies
63
votes
Is the water at Waikiki Beach clean? What about the Ala Wai Canal?
Popular
36
replies
66
votes
What is the best beach for kids near Waikiki?
Popular
33
replies
78
votes
Waikiki jellyfish calendar 2026 — which days to avoid?
Hot
41
replies
46
votes
Is Waikiki Beach shrinking? What's happening with beach erosion?
New
25
replies
42
votes
Can I see a Hawaiian monk seal in Waikiki?
Tip
20
replies
61
votes
Where is the best place to watch the sunset on Oahu?
Popular
30
replies
56
votes
Is Kailua Beach better than Waikiki Beach?
Local Tip
32
replies

🏨 Hotels & Accommodation

32 threads

89
votes
What is the best area to stay in Waikiki?
HotMost Asked
62
replies
76
votes
What are resort fees and how can I avoid them?
Hot
45
replies
64
votes
What are the cheapest hotels in Waikiki?
Popular
37
replies
58
votes
Is it worth paying extra for an ocean view room?
28
replies
52
votes
Is Airbnb legal in Waikiki? Short-term rental laws explained
New
33
replies
48
votes
Is the Hilton Hawaiian Village too big? Is it worth it?
25
replies
45
votes
Ocean side vs. mountain side of Kalakaua — what's the difference?
20
replies
42
votes
Should I stay in a hotel or condo in Waikiki?
24
replies
40
votes
Which hotels are directly on the beach vs. across the street?
Tip
16
replies
38
votes
Is the Royal Hawaiian (Pink Palace) worth the splurge?
22
replies
35
votes
Which Waikiki hotels have the best pools?
18
replies
30
votes
Are there any hostels in Waikiki?
11
replies
28
votes
What is the cheapest time of year to book a Waikiki hotel?
14
replies
83
votes
How can I avoid paying resort fees at Waikiki hotels?
HotTip
51
replies
52
votes
Can I get early check-in or late checkout at Waikiki hotels?
Tip
27
replies
49
votes
Are Waikiki hotels noisy? Which ones are quieter?
Tip
27
replies
55
votes
What is the most romantic hotel in Waikiki for couples?
Popular
30
replies

🍴 Food & Dining

45 threads

96
votes
What are the best cheap eats in Waikiki?
HotMost Asked
68
replies
88
votes
Where is the best poke in Waikiki?
Hot
54
replies
75
votes
What are the best happy hours in Waikiki?
PopularLocal Tip
42
replies
70
votes
What local foods should I try in Waikiki?
Popular
38
replies
62
votes
Is Marukame Udon worth the long line?
35
replies
58
votes
Where can I get the best shave ice near Waikiki?
27
replies
55
votes
Is Duke's Waikiki worth the wait?
30
replies
50
votes
Where is the nearest grocery store to Waikiki?
Tip
18
replies
48
votes
What are the best brunch spots in Waikiki?
23
replies
45
votes
How much should I budget for food per day in Waikiki?
21
replies
42
votes
What is spam musubi and where do I get it?
15
replies
40
votes
What is the best luau on Oahu?
Popular
28
replies
38
votes
Where are the best food trucks near Waikiki?
Local Tip
19
replies
35
votes
Which restaurants have the best sunset/ocean views?
22
replies
33
votes
Where can I get malasadas? Is Leonard's worth the trip?
16
replies
30
votes
Is there a farmers market near Waikiki?
12
replies
25
votes
Should I eat in Chinatown for better and cheaper food?
Local Tip
17
replies
47
votes
Where are the best coffee shops in Waikiki?
Local Tip
24
replies
39
votes
Where can I find good vegan or vegetarian food in Waikiki?
Tip
21
replies
61
votes
Where is the best place to have dinner while watching the sunset in Waikiki?
Popular
33
replies
51
votes
What is a plate lunch? What does a typical one include?
Popular
26
replies
82
votes
What's the best poke bowl in Waikiki? A local's ranking
HotLocal Tip
55
replies
40
votes
What is poi and does it actually taste good?
22
replies
54
votes
Where is the best acai bowl in Waikiki?
Popular
29
replies
49
votes
What is Hawaiian shave ice? Is it just a snow cone?
Popular
23
replies
79
votes
Where is the best breakfast in Waikiki?
HotPopular
45
replies
35
votes
Does Uber Eats and DoorDash work well in Waikiki?
16
replies

🛍 Shopping & Souvenirs

24 threads

60
votes
What are the best souvenirs to bring back from Waikiki?
Popular
32
replies
52
votes
What are ABC Stores and why are they everywhere?
18
replies
48
votes
Where can I buy authentic Hawaiian souvenirs (not made in China)?
Local Tip
24
replies
42
votes
Is the DFS Duty Free Galleria worth visiting?
15
replies
38
votes
Is the International Market Place worth visiting?
13
replies
35
votes
Where can I buy real 100% Kona coffee (not 10% blend)?
Tip
20
replies
30
votes
Can I bring food souvenirs back to the mainland?
11
replies
25
votes
Is Ala Moana Center walking distance from Waikiki?
9
replies
35
votes
Are there good tattoo shops in Waikiki? Traditional Hawaiian tattoos?
17
replies
47
votes
Where can I buy a quality aloha shirt in Waikiki that isn't cheap tourist junk?
Local Tip
24
replies

🏄 Activities & Attractions

47 threads

95
votes
Do I need a reservation for Diamond Head? How hard is it?
HotMost Asked
48
replies
80
votes
Is Pearl Harbor worth visiting? Do I need to book in advance?
Hot
42
replies
72
votes
Where can I take beginner surfing lessons in Waikiki?
Popular
35
replies
65
votes
What are the must-do activities in Waikiki for first-timers?
Popular
44
replies
58
votes
What are the best sunset cruises from Waikiki?
26
replies
55
votes
How many days do I need in Waikiki/Oahu?
Popular
38
replies
50
votes
When is whale watching season? Can I see whales from shore?
19
replies
48
votes
Is the Koko Head stairs hike worth it? How hard is it?
23
replies
45
votes
What happened to the Haiku Stairs (Stairway to Heaven)?
New
30
replies
42
votes
Is the Polynesian Cultural Center worth the trip?
25
replies
40
votes
Are helicopter tours of Oahu worth the money?
17
replies
38
votes
Is the Dole Plantation worth the drive?
21
replies
35
votes
What are the best hikes near Waikiki besides Diamond Head?
24
replies
30
votes
Is the Honolulu Zoo or Waikiki Aquarium worth visiting?
13
replies
28
votes
Are the catamaran snorkel cruises from Waikiki worth it?
16
replies
25
votes
What are the best day trips from Waikiki?
28
replies
22
votes
Is a circle island tour worth it or should I explore on my own?
20
replies
53
votes
What is there to do on a rainy day in Waikiki?
Tip
28
replies
58
votes
What are the best Instagram photo spots in Waikiki?
Popular
31
replies
77
votes
What is the best time to hike Diamond Head? Morning or afternoon?
Hot
40
replies
60
votes
The Stairway to Heaven (Haiku Stairs) is closed — what are the alternatives?
New
35
replies
69
votes
Are luaus worth it? Which one is the best on Oahu?
Popular
38
replies
37
votes
Where are the best places to run or jog in Waikiki?
Tip
18
replies
43
votes
Is it worth renting a surfboard in Waikiki if I already know how to surf?
Tip
21
replies
60
votes
When is the best time for whale watching from Waikiki?
Popular
31
replies
34
votes
Are the glass bottom boat tours in Waikiki worth it?
17
replies
64
votes
How far is Pearl Harbor from Waikiki and how long to spend there?
Popular
33
replies
44
votes
Should I get a lei greeting at Honolulu Airport? Is it worth it?
Tip
21
replies

🍸 Nightlife & Entertainment

23 threads

72
votes
What are the best bars in Waikiki?
HotMost Asked
40
replies
65
votes
Where can I get the best mai tai in Waikiki?
Popular
33
replies
55
votes
When are the Hilton Hawaiian Village Friday fireworks?
Popular
18
replies
50
votes
What is the Kuhio Beach Torch Lighting & Hula Show?
14
replies
45
votes
Is there free live music in Waikiki? Where?
22
replies
42
votes
What time do bars close in Waikiki?
11
replies
38
votes
What are the best rooftop bars in Waikiki?
Tip
16
replies
32
votes
What are the best clubs and nightlife spots in Waikiki?
24
replies
28
votes
Where can I see a free hula show?
10
replies
22
votes
What is the Waikiki Spam Jam festival?
8
replies
34
votes
Where can I watch the Super Bowl (or NFL games) in Waikiki?
16
replies
65
votes
Where is the best place to watch the Hilton Friday fireworks?
Popular
32
replies
58
votes
What is New Year's Eve like in Waikiki? Fireworks?
Popular
30
replies
51
votes
What makes a Hawaiian mai tai different? Where's the best one?
Popular
27
replies

💰 Money & Budget

19 threads

88
votes
How much should I budget per day in Waikiki?
HotMost Asked
52
replies
72
votes
What are the best free things to do in Waikiki?
Hot
44
replies
60
votes
What is the tipping culture in Hawaii? How much should I tip?
Popular
30
replies
55
votes
Is the Go Oahu / Go City card worth it?
25
replies
48
votes
What are the hidden costs of a Waikiki vacation?
Tip
22
replies
42
votes
Is it cheaper to buy groceries and cook vs. eat out?
18
replies
35
votes
Are there military discounts at Waikiki hotels and restaurants?
14
replies
30
votes
How much should I budget for a week in Waikiki?
20
replies
41
votes
How much should I tip housekeeping at a Waikiki hotel?
Tip
19
replies
40
votes
How much should I tip my tour guide in Hawaii?
Tip
18
replies
68
votes
When are the cheapest flights to Hawaii?
Popular
36
replies
36
votes
Where can I withdraw cash without ATM fees in Hawaii?
Tip
15
replies

🛡 Safety & Etiquette

20 threads

82
votes
Is Waikiki safe at night? What about Kuhio Avenue?
HotMost Asked
45
replies
75
votes
What is reef-safe sunscreen and is it required in Hawaii?
Popular
28
replies
65
votes
Is it true you can't touch sea turtles? What's the fine?
20
replies
58
votes
Should I worry about car break-ins in Waikiki?
Tip
32
replies
52
votes
Is it okay to take lava rocks home? (Pele's curse)
24
replies
48
votes
What Hawaiian cultural customs should tourists know?
Popular
26
replies
42
votes
How do I keep my stuff safe at the beach?
18
replies
38
votes
Is Waikiki safe for solo female travelers?
22
replies
32
votes
What does "aloha spirit" mean and how should I behave?
15
replies
28
votes
Are plastic bags and non-reef-safe sunscreen banned?
New
10
replies
67
votes
Is it safe to swim at Waikiki Beach at night?
Popular
42
replies
64
votes
Can you drink alcohol on the beach in Waikiki? What are the rules?
Popular
33
replies
32
votes
I lost something on Waikiki Beach — how do I find it?
15
replies
37
votes
Can I fly a drone in Waikiki? What are the rules?
18
replies

☀ Weather, Packing & Practical Info

33 threads

90
votes
What is the best time of year to visit Waikiki?
HotMost Asked
55
replies
68
votes
What should I pack for Waikiki?
Popular
30
replies
55
votes
Does it rain a lot in Waikiki? What is the rainy season?
22
replies
50
votes
What time zone is Hawaii in? Does it observe daylight saving?
12
replies
48
votes
Do I need a passport to go to Hawaii? (It's a US state!)
18
replies
45
votes
Does my cell phone work in Hawaii? Are there extra charges?
14
replies
42
votes
What foods can I bring to Hawaii? What's prohibited?
Tip
16
replies
38
votes
Is the tap water safe to drink in Waikiki?
8
replies
35
votes
Are there mosquitoes in Waikiki?
11
replies
32
votes
Where is the nearest pharmacy or urgent care in Waikiki?
9
replies
30
votes
What is the cheapest airline to fly to Honolulu?
20
replies
28
votes
Is Waikiki wheelchair accessible?
7
replies
45
votes
Can I bring snacks and food on Hawaiian Airlines flights?
Tip
22
replies
38
votes
Can you see other Hawaiian islands from Waikiki?
15
replies
33
votes
Where can I do laundry in Waikiki?
14
replies
72
votes
How strong is the sun in Hawaii? Do I really need that much sunscreen?
Popular
39
replies
31
votes
What kind of electrical outlets does Hawaii use? Do I need an adapter?
10
replies
57
votes
What is the difference between Honolulu and Waikiki?
Popular
22
replies
36
votes
Is the WiFi good in Waikiki hotels? Do I need a portable hotspot?
16
replies
43
votes
What should I wear to a nice dinner in Waikiki? Is there a dress code?
Tip
20
replies
50
votes
How bad is the jet lag flying to Hawaii? Tips to adjust?
Tip
26
replies
44
votes
Does Hawaii get hurricanes? When is hurricane season?
19
replies
39
votes
How much water should I drink per day in Hawaii? Dehydration tips
Tip
18
replies

🦄 Local Tips & Insider Knowledge

25 threads

92
votes
What are the biggest tourist traps in Waikiki?
HotLocal Tip
58
replies
78
votes
What do locals wish tourists knew about Waikiki?
HotLocal Tip
65
replies
68
votes
Where do locals eat near Waikiki?
Local Tip
42
replies
60
votes
What are the hidden gems near Waikiki?
Local Tip
35
replies
55
votes
Common mistakes first-time Waikiki visitors make
Popular
40
replies
50
votes
Is Waikiki "too touristy"? Is it worth leaving to see the real Hawaii?
48
replies
45
votes
Is the North Shore worth a day trip from Waikiki?
28
replies
42
votes
How long does it take to drive around the whole island?
16
replies
38
votes
What would you skip in Waikiki?
Local Tip
34
replies
55
votes
How do you pronounce Hawaiian words and street names?
Popular
29
replies
48
votes
Tips for Japanese tourists visiting Waikiki — what's different from Japan?
Tip
25
replies
44
votes
Is there a lot of construction in Waikiki right now?
New
28
replies
73
votes
What surprised you most about Waikiki as a first-time visitor?
Popular
48
replies
58
votes
How can I avoid the crowds in Waikiki?
Tip
33
replies
52
votes
What do mauka and makai mean? How do locals give directions?
Popular
22
replies
63
votes
What Hawaiian words or phrases should I know before visiting?
Popular
34
replies

👪 Trip Planning by Scenario

16 threads

75
votes
Is Waikiki good for families with young children?
Popular
38
replies
68
votes
Waikiki vs. Maui — which is better for a first Hawaii trip?
HotMost Asked
55
replies
60
votes
Is Waikiki romantic enough for a honeymoon?
30
replies
55
votes
Is Waikiki good for solo travelers?
24
replies
50
votes
Should I split my trip between Waikiki and another island?
32
replies
45
votes
Waikiki vs. Ko Olina — which is better?
22
replies
42
votes
What is the Hale Koa Hotel? Can civilians stay there?
15
replies
38
votes
Is Waikiki easy to navigate for seniors?
12
replies
35
votes
How many days should I spend in Waikiki vs. rest of Oahu?
26
replies
62
votes
Should I stay in Waikiki or the North Shore?
Popular
34
replies
44
votes
Is Waikiki stroller-friendly? Tips for visiting with a baby or toddler?
Tip
26
replies
43
votes
Can I have a wedding on Waikiki Beach? Do I need a permit?
22
replies
46
votes
Is Waikiki a good vacation destination for elderly parents?
Tip
24
replies
38
votes
Can I bring my dog to Waikiki? Are there pet-friendly hotels?
19
replies
56
votes
What is Waikiki like during Christmas and the holidays?
Popular
29
replies
62
votes
Oahu or Big Island — which should I visit first?
Popular
36
replies

💬 Community Discussions

11 threads

203
votes
What do locals actually recommend vs. tourist traps in Waikiki?
HotLocal Tip
124
replies
178
votes
What's actually good to eat in Waikiki that won't cost $50 per person?
HotMost Asked
156
replies
167
votes
Why are groceries SO expensive in Hawaii? Is Costco the only way to survive?
PopularLocal Tip
94
replies
142
votes
How much do we need to make to live comfortably on Oahu?
HotMost Asked
87
replies
95
votes
Should I ship my car to Hawaii or just buy one there?
Popular
78
replies
91
votes
Is it true you can't do Airbnb in Waikiki anymore? What happened?
New
63
replies
85
votes
What's the homeless situation like in Waikiki? Is it safe to walk around?
Popular
108
replies
73
votes
Someone offered me a $25 surfing lesson on the beach. Legit or scam?
Tip
55
replies
62
votes
How much cash should I bring to Waikiki? Do places take cards?
Tip
45
replies
58
votes
Got stung by a jellyfish at Waikiki! Is there a way to know when they're coming?
Tip
72
replies
52
votes
Can I get a job and live in Waikiki for a few months?
Popular
35
replies