Honolulu's world-famous beach resort district, home to the iconic Diamond Head crater backdrop and legendary surf culture.

About Waikiki

Waikiki is Hawaii's most famous neighborhood, a 2-mile crescent of golden sand beach backed by high-rise hotels, restaurants, and shops, all framed by the dramatic profile of Diamond Head crater. Once a retreat for Hawaiian royalty, Waikiki today is the state's tourism epicenter, hosting over 70,000 visitors on any given day.

Kalakaua Avenue is the main strip, lined with luxury brands (Louis Vuitton, Chanel), the Royal Hawaiian Center, and the International Marketplace. The Royal Hawaiian Hotel ("The Pink Palace") and the Moana Surfrider (Hawaii's first hotel, 1901) add historic elegance. Duke Kahanamoku Beach and the Duke statue honor the father of modern surfing.

Beyond the beach, Waikiki offers access to Diamond Head State Monument (a moderate hike with panoramic crater-rim views), the Honolulu Zoo, Waikiki Aquarium, and Kapiolani Park. The neighborhood transitions into the upscale Kahala district to the east. Despite its tourist density, spectacular sunsets over the Pacific keep the magic alive.

Nearby Landmarks

Waikiki Beach Diamond Head Royal Hawaiian Hotel Kalakaua Avenue Kapiolani Park

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost $35-45
Time 20-30 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost $25-35
Time 20-30 minutes

Step-by-Step Directions

Exit the terminal and take a taxi, Uber, or the SpeediShuttle from the ground transportation area. The drive to Waikiki takes 20-40 min via H-1 freeway. For the bus, take Route 20 from the airport to Waikiki (40-60 min, $3).

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi $35-45 20-30 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare $25-35 20-30 minutes Budget-conscious, app users

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Taxis and rideshares (Uber/Lyft) are available 24/7 at HNL. A nighttime ride to Waikiki costs $30-45. TheBus Route 20 runs until about 11:30 PM. SpeediShuttle operates shared-ride vans. Waikiki's Kalakaua Avenue is lively until midnight, with some bars open until 2 AM.

Luggage Tips

The airport has free luggage carts. Taxis and rideshares handle beach-vacation luggage easily. TheBus technically prohibits bags that don't fit on your lap, making it impractical with suitcases. Roberts Hawaii and SpeediShuttle provide luggage-friendly shared van services.

Accessibility

HNL airport is fully ADA compliant. Taxis and accessible rideshares are available. TheBus has wheelchair ramps on all vehicles. Waikiki's beachfront sidewalk is paved and accessible. Beach wheelchair programs are available from the City and County of Honolulu (free, first-come basis at several beach locations).