10 recommended sightseeing spots in Waikiki! The latest information you need to know for your trip to Hawaii

Waikiki Recommended Spots MAP

[Accommodation] Enjoy hotel life at a luxury oceanfront resort | Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort

Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort has completed renovation of all rooms and is located on the oceanfront right in front of Waikiki Beach. The newly renovated rooms are decorated with art that evokes Hawaiian culture, and the interior is the ultimate in Hawaiian modernity. In addition, triple rooms with three beds have been added, perfect for families or girls' trips.

The hotel has shops and restaurants, and the poolside Kani Ka Pila Grill & Bar hosts live performances by Hawaii's top artists every day. In addition, Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman's, a restaurant run by Peter Merriman, one of Hawaii's leading chefs, has also opened.

In addition, there are plenty of Hawaiian cultural activities available to guests at this luxury resort, allowing you to experience Hawaii in both body and mind.

Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort

[Accommodation] Located in the heart of Waikiki, it's easy to get anywhere! Stay in a modern Hawaiian setting with stylish rooms | Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel

The hotel is about 5 minutes from the beach, next to the International Market Place, and directly in front of the Royal Hawaiian Center shopping mall, making it ideal for accessing Waikiki's tourist attractions.

The renovated guest rooms feature modern and stylish interiors inspired by the Hawaiian ocean, and are equipped with the latest amenities to suit modern lifestyles and with mobile device usage in mind.

The sophisticated lobby area is filled with facilities for you to enjoy your stay at the hotel, including a gift shop, a restaurant from a Maui brewery, and a stylish cafe with delicious food. Despite being located in the heart of Waikiki, about 80% of the guest rooms have ocean views, which is a nice plus.

Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel

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[Gourmet] Open early in the morning! Enjoy an elegant breakfast at a first-class hotel bakery | Halekulani Bakery

The bakery shop of the prestigious Hawaiian hotel "Halekulani Hotel", which was closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, has reopened after much anticipation. Located on the first floor of the sister hotel of Halekulani, "Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani", the shop offers a wide selection of freshly baked handmade pastries and cakes every morning.

You can also purchase drinks such as their original blend coffee, making this a convenient breakfast and snack spot that is open early in the morning, and is one of the few in the area.

The most popular items are the kouign amann and croissants. The croissant flavors change weekly, and the menu is always made with a variety of ingredients, so you'll discover something new every time you visit.

The original toffee, caramel, and macadamia nuts sold in the store have a long shelf life and are perfect as souvenirs.

Halekulani Bakery

[Gourmet] What you should order at this famous seaside restaurant is Eggs Benedict | Hau Tree

Hau Tree is a restaurant located in the Kaimana Beach Hotel, which is known for its iconic 200-year-old hau trees. It was previously known as Hau Tree Lanai, but in 2020 the hotel's management changed, and the restaurant changed its name and revamped its interior and menu.

Right in front of you is the tranquil Kaimana Beach, where endangered Hawaiian monk seals often come to play, and the location is perfect with hau trees overhead and the ocean breeze blowing through.

The specialty menu here remains the same even after the renewal: Eggs Benedict. The four types of eggs Benedict can only be ordered at brunch (as of September 2023). At night, the restaurant is lit up with lights hanging from the hau trees, allowing you to enjoy a romantic dinner.

Hau Tree

[Shopping] From food to souvenirs! Convenient supermarket in Waikiki | Waikiki Market

Waikiki's only full-service supermarket opened in January 2023. In addition to fresh produce, it has four deli sections and even serves Hawaii's specialty poke.

The store has a Made in Hawaii section, where you can find works by local artists and local brands, making it the perfect place to look for souvenirs. The selection is tasteful and would make a great gift for Hawaii connoisseurs.

The store also houses the restaurant "Olili Waikiki," which serves modern Hawaiian cuisine and drinks, so you can enjoy not only shopping but also dining. Pico Kitchen + Bar, located on the first floor below the supermarket, is also a sister store, making this a convenient, one-stop complex.

Waikiki Market

[Shopping] A strong ally in the weak yen! Great deals at duty-free stores | DFS Waikiki

If you want to enjoy great deals while overseas, you should check out duty-free shops. DFS Waikiki, which had been closed for a long time due to the COVID-19 pandemic, has finally reopened, bringing back even more vitality to Waikiki. The renovated first floor is packed with brand items, cosmetics, apparel, and miscellaneous goods.

In the food and gift corner, which features made-in-Hawaii foods and local brand items, you can carefully choose a variety of souvenirs, from gifts to give to others to treat yourself.

There are many limited edition items, including popular items from the DFS Hawaii Collection and collaborations with famous Hawaiian brands. In addition, the Waikiki branch of the cafe "Bean About Town" in the Kaimuki area is located at the back of the first floor, and offers coffee as well as sweets such as canelés.

DFS Waikiki

[Nature] It's actually a general term for small beaches!? Hawaii's most popular beach | Waikiki Beach

When you think of Hawaii, you think of "Waikiki Beach." In fact, Waikiki Beach is a general term for the small beaches that face the town of Waikiki. In terms of area, it is said to extend from the area where the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort is located to the area around the edge of Kapiolani Park, around the Outrigger Canoe Club Beach.

Waikiki Beach is easily accessible by foot from the major hotels in Waikiki, and is the first beach you should head to when you visit Hawaii. There are companies on the beach that offer rental services for surfboards, bodyboards, parasols, and more, so you can spend the whole day in comfort.

We also recommend visiting at sunset. The dramatic change in color of the evening sky and the orange-hued ocean create a mystical beauty. During the cooler hours, it's nice to take a leisurely barefoot stroll along the beach.

Waikiki Beach

[Nature] Worth the climb! A famous tourist spot in Hawaii with a spectacular view | Diamond Head

Diamond Head is a Hawaiian landmark formed by a volcanic eruption with a crater-like center. It can be accessed from Waikiki by bus or on foot.

Since COVID-19, the admission rules have changed and you need to make a reservation online in advance. Parking and admission tickets can be reserved and purchased on the official website from 30 days before the desired date. The hiking trail to Diamond Head is just over 1 km long, so even beginners can feel at ease. It was also used as a military base, so there are facilities that give a glimpse of what it was like back then.

At the top, there is a small observation deck, and the view of Waikiki cityscape and the beach from there is spectacular! Every Saturday morning, the "KCC Farmers Market" is held nearby, so why not stop by after your trek?

Diamond Head

[Experience] Relax while watching the ocean at a top-class spa where Japanese is spoken | Na Hoola Spa

If you want to heal your body and mind in Hawaii, the Japanese-speaking Na Hoola Spa (reservations required) can help. In addition to body and facial treatments, they also offer a new and unique scrub menu using pineapple, hibiscus, and other ingredients. They also have luxurious treatment rooms with ocean views.

The relaxation lounge is a must-visit before and after your treatment. The view of the beach outside the large windows is so beautiful you'll want to lose track of time just gazing at it. There is also a dry sauna and meditation room, allowing you to spend some utmost relaxation time.

The sugar scrub used in the treatment, as well as original bath salts, can all be purchased at the spa's boutique, so you can continue to take care of your skin with spa-quality skincare even after you return home!

Na Ho'ola Spa

[Experience] Improve your English skills in a short period of time by learning in a fun way and putting it into practice | Hawaii Palm English School

Why not try studying English while you travel and improve your language skills? You can immediately use and practice the English you learn while traveling, so your learning speed should increase.

At Hawaii Palms English School, you can take English lessons from the first day, and the lesson content will be arranged according to your wishes, so you can study English thoroughly even during a short stay.

In addition to lessons, there are plenty of optional activities available, so you can kill two birds with one stone by learning English while sightseeing in Hawaii with your instructor.

The kids' program, held four times a year, is popular for its international experiences, with participation from children from all over the world. By adding a mini English study abroad program to your travel plans, you can broaden your horizons and enjoy a deeper Hawaii experience.

Hawaii Palms English School

In this article, we have focused on introducing new spots in the ever-evolving Waikiki. Why not check out this article for the latest information before your trip and rediscover the charm of Waikiki? You'll be able to have an even deeper Hawaiian trip!

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