Destination guide

Beach yourself – welcome to winsome, wonderful Waikiki

Pack your trunks, throw the surfboard in the overhead bin and say aloha to Waikiki. Located on Oahu's south shore, Waikiki's a cosmopolitan, vacation-ready section of Honolulu, known for its sprawling resorts, modern high-rises and sandy beaches, as well as loads of shops, dining and nightlife. Honolulu's the state capital, and you can't take 2 steps without running into some kind of world-class arts and culture institution. It's a major destination for surfers, sightseers and nature lovers, and you'll find plenty of Waikiki vacation rentals offering crucial perks like beach access, outdoor showers or ocean views.

Things to do

Plant yourself – Waikiki's arts, culture and more

After you've conquered Waikiki's waves, mountains and beaches (OK, the beaches didn't put up much of a fight), you'll find plenty of stellar sights around town. The tropical plants of the Foster Botanical Garden are always a hit – but watch your hands around the Mikinalo, Hawaii's only native carnivorous plant. Animal lovers will find plenty to enjoy at the Honolulu Zoo, a 17-hectare wildlife park packed with animals from all over the world. Or you can dive into US military history with a guided tour of Pearl Harbor, the famous naval base chock-full of landmarks and exhibits.

Activities

Surf wax America – Waikiki's serious swells

If you're looking for epic surfing, look no further – you'll be hanging ten and shredding the gnar in no time. Although the north shore's known for its legendary winter swells and annual surfing contests, you can find plenty of worthwhile waves here, too. Or achieve nirvana on one of Waikiki's sandy beaches, where you can enjoy sunbathing, swimming volleyball and more. Outdoorsy types can trek nearby Diamond Head, an extinct volcano with rainforest hiking trails and killer views. And you can always find something going on in happening Honolulu, with live music, theatre and other entertainment every night of the week.

Weather

Getting warmer – Waikiki's tropical climate

Waikiki has a tropical climate, with distinct wet and dry seasons and plenty of warm, humid weather all year round. Like the rest of Honolulu, Waikiki lies in Oahu's rain shadow, so the summers are relatively dry, and highs generally average around 32 degrees in June, July and August. Winters are wetter and on the cooler side, with average highs around 27 degrees in January. A major destination all throughout the year, you'll find that prices on Waikiki vacation rentals tend to stay about the same from season to season.

Natural highlights

City by the sea – waterfront scenery in Waikiki

Along the Pacific Ocean on Oahu's south shore, Waikiki is a polished urban area within the metropolitan city of Honolulu. The skyline's dotted with sleek high-rise buildings and sprawling luxury resorts, and there are a number of broad, commercial thoroughfares lined with everything from casual eateries to upscale designer shops. Along the water, you'll find plenty of sandy beaches, while the island's interior offers mountains, rainforest, waterfalls and an extinct volcano. Beachfront Waikiki vacation rentals are popular, and you can also find accommodations with private lanais, surfboard storage or mountain views.

How to get there

Transport to and around Waikiki

The nearest airport is in Honolulu, HI (HNL-Daniel K. Inouye Intl.), located 6.7 mi (10.8 km) from the city centre. If you can't find a flight that works for your travel itinerary, you could book a flight to Kapolei, HI (JRF-Kalaeloa), which is 15.5 mi (25 km) away.

Where to stay near Waikiki?

Our 2019 accommodation listings offer a large selection of 2,489 holiday rentals near Waikiki. From 1,970 Condos/Apartments to 28 Houses, find unique holiday homes for you to enjoy a memorable stay with your family and friends. The best place to stay near Waikiki for a long holiday or a weekend break is on HomeAway.

What is the best area to stay when travelling to Waikiki?

Whether you are travelling solo or with family and friends, here are the areas with the largest selection of holiday rentals for a long holiday or just a weekend break in Waikiki:

  • Diamond Head - Kapahulu - St. Louis: 1,851 holiday homes
  • Ala Moana: 1,042 holiday homes
  • Lanikai: 86 holiday homes
  • Kuliouou - Kalani Iki: 2,813 holiday homes
  • Hawaii Kai: 3,245 holiday homes

For other neighbourhoods, please use our search bar to access the selection of holiday homes available.

What are the most popular points of interest and landmarks to stay near when travelling to Waikiki?

HomeAway offers a large selection of holiday homes near great places in Waikiki. From HomeAway travellers, the most popular points of interest to stay near are:

  • St. Augustine by-the-sea Catholic Church: 3,341 holiday rentals
  • Fort DeRussy: 3,893 holiday rentals
  • Ala Wai Yacht Harbor: 3,980 holiday rentals
  • King's Guard Museum: 3,335 holiday rentals
  • International Market Place: 3,359 holiday rentals

But there are many other points of interest around Waikiki listed on HomeAway where you can find your place to stay. Please use our search bar to access the selection of holiday rentals available near the point of interest of your choice.

Can I rent Condos/Apartments in Waikiki?

Yes, of course. HomeAway offers 1,970 Condos/Apartments in Waikiki. Our other popular types of Waikiki holiday rentals include:

  • Houses: 28 holiday houses
  • Villas: 32 holiday houses
  • Studios: 484 holiday houses

But you can also enjoy a great stay in one of our other holiday rentals including Hotels and more.

Can I find a holiday accommodation with pool in Waikiki?

Yes, you can select your preferred holiday accommodation with pool among our 1,782 holiday homes with pool available in Waikiki. Please use our search bar to access the selection of holiday rentals available.

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