Soak Up the Sun on Waikiki Beach
No visit to Honolulu would be complete without a stroll along the city’s most iconic stretch of sand: world-famous Waikiki Beach! Beloved by sun seekers and surfing enthusiasts alike, this two-mile strip along Oʻahu’s south shore is actually comprised of several smaller, interconnected beaches: Waikiki Beach, Kahanamoku Beach, Kuhio Beach, and Queen’s Surf Beach, meaning you can easily enjoy all of them in a single day (and hit your 10,000 steps to boot).
Soak up the sun as you take in the area’s striking turquoise waters, powdery white sands, and postcard-worthy views of the Honolulu skyline and Lēʻahi, also known as Diamond Head. Or challenge yourself to find your sea legs with a board rental and beginner surfing lesson — you’ll find plenty of options to choose from, and Waikiki’s gentle, rolling waves are ideal for mastering the basics of the sport.
Visit a Monument to a Surfing Legend
As you step onto the sands of Kahanamoku Beach, be sure to snap a picture with one of Honolulu’s most photographed landmarks: sculptor Jan Gordon Fisher’s towering bronze statue of Duke Paoa Kahanamoku. The namesake of this westernmost section of Waikiki Beach, Kahanamoku was a founding member of the Waikiki Beach Boys and is considered the father of modern surfing.
A legendary surfer, outrigger canoe paddler, and five-time Olympic medallist in swimming, he was born on August 24, 1890, to a family of Hawaiian nobles and spent much of his early years on the water developing his athletic talents. He would go on to compete in the 1912, 1920, and 1924 Olympic Games, following up his athletic career with a stint as a leading man in a number of Hollywood movies. Kahanamoku is largely credited with popularizing the sport of surfing outside of Hawaii, and his statue has become an essential place of pilgrimage for devotees of the sport. (Note that although the statue’s open arms are often adorned with leis, visitors are discouraged from placing them there, as the acidity of the flowers can damage the bronze material.)
Venture Beneath the Waves
Continue your stroll along Waikiki’s miles of golden sand to the easternmost section at Kaimana Beach, where another must-visit attraction awaits you: the award-winning Waikiki Aquarium! This designated Coastal Ecosystem Learning Center is located next to a living coral reef and has won several prestigious awards for its incredible exhibits and pioneering aquaculture methods.
Founded in 1904, it’s the second-oldest public aquarium in the United States, home to more than 3,500 organisms representing over 490 species of marine plants and animals. Here, you can marvel at the awe-inspiring diversity of Hawaii’s marine life, from giant clams and monk seals to butterflyfish, mano (sharks), and an incredible living reef exhibit — the perfect place to enjoy an under-the-sea adventure without ever leaving dry land!
Shop Until You Drop at Ala Moana Shopping Center
When you stay at Prince Waikiki, Honolulu’s favorite destination for retail therapy is never more than a short stroll away. Ten minutes from our hotel in the nearby Ala Moana neighborhood, you’ll find an impressive selection of top retailers and delicious dining options in an expansive open-air shopping center — the largest of its kind in the world.
The Ala Moana Center is home to over 350 shops and restaurants, including top brands, luxury retailers, and multiple high-end department stores. Shop everything from Aēsop, Burberry, and Cartier to Anthropologie, Uniqlo, and Zara in this uniquely Hawaiian mall, then fuel up for even more island fun in their incredible food court, with more than 160 dining options to choose from. The best part? The Ala Moana Shopping Center is dog-friendly, so you can sniff out that perfect memento from your Honolulu getaway with Fido in tow.
Explore Arts and Culture at HoMA
A speedy 25-minute stroll from the Ala Moana Shopping Center, the nearby Honolulu Museum of Art (also known as HoMA) is an absolute must-visit local attraction — especially since guests of Prince Waikiki enjoy complimentary admission for two included with your stay. Here, you can marvel at an impressive collection of over 55,000 pieces of contemporary art and historic artifacts spanning 5,000 years.
Stroll their expertly curated galleries, where you’ll be treated to works by fine art masters like Claude Monet, Francis Bacon, Georgia O’Keeffe, Diego Rivera, Alice Neel, and Vincent van Gogh. Be sure to stop in at their dedicated Art of Hawaiʻi and the Pacific installation, where you can immerse yourself in the incredible culture and history of our islands, as explored through sculpture, painting, weaving, feather work, and beyond.
Savor Oceanview Dining and Poolside Drinks
When you stay at Prince Waikiki, you don’t have to walk far to enjoy the unique flavors of Hawaii’s land and sea — in fact, you don’t even have to leave the hotel! From perfectly brewed Kona coffee to island-inspired eats with a side of ocean views, you’ll find an incredible array of dining options to choose from right downstairs.
Lounge poolside while enjoying live DJ sets, casual eats, and creative cocktails at Hinana Bar. Savor sea-to-table flavor from Executive Chef Noboru Nagumo at the acclaimed Katsumidori Sushi Tokyo, where the finest, freshest ingredients from Japan and Hawaii come together in an inspired fusion dining experience. Or make the most of golden hour with cocktails, izakaya savory bites, elevating dining, and breathtaking Oʻahu sunsets at 100 Sails Restaurant & Bar — Prince Waikiki’s answer to whatever you’ve been craving.
Explore Honolulu at a Slower Pace
When it comes to a walkable Hawaiian vacation, there’s no better place to stay than Prince Waikiki, where you’re only ever a short stroll from iconic beaches, world-class museums, decadent dining, luxury shopping, and so much more. So pack your Fitbit and best walking shoes, browse our latest packages and promotions, and start planning the ultimate Honolulu getaway at Prince Waikiki!
