Unlike big cities, the calm island atmosphere makes Hawaii a destination where people can simply relax and enjoy the day at a leisurely pace. If a long drive along the North Shore or a hike up the stairs at Koko Head feels a little out of reach, keep in mind that there are plenty of fun things to do right in Waikiki. This way, you can still have a fulfilling day in a bustling Oahu locale with the convenience of staying close to your hotel or within the main Honolulu area.
With a full list of restaurants, shops, activities, and events, Waikiki Beach Walk alone offers more than enough entertainment as well as free WIFI in the common areas to keep you connected all day long. Here’s how you can spend a day at our shopping center.
Wake Up Bright & Early with Coffee & a Surf Lesson
Everyone loves the smell of freshly roasted coffee first thing in the morning, especially when you know it’s been brewed with care by the expert baristas at
Big Wave Dave Surf & Coffee. The cafe also serves delicious, healthy fare, such as avocado toast, breakfast sandwiches and more.
Of course, a visit to Big Wave Dave wouldn’t be complete without signing up for a surf lesson. You’ll certainly be in capable hands as founder Dave Carvalho has been a legendary Waikiki Beach Boy (a group of highly skilled watermen) with over 40 years of experience surfing and his instructors are equally trained in both ocean knowledge and Hawaiian culture. So along with teaching the essentials of wave riding, Big Wave Dave surf lessons also provide important insight into how surfing and the ocean are deeply tied to local culture.
To book a surf lesson, visit
https://bigwavedave.com.
Grab a Poke Bowl for Lunch
After an active morning in the water, nothing hits the spot quite like a poke bowl for lunch. Located on the first floor of Waikiki Beach Walk,
Poke Bar offers an array of proteins, sides, and toppings to help you build a perfect poke bowl with all your favorites. Go the traditional route with ahi, onions, limu (seaweed), and furikake (Japanese seasoning) or spice things up with salmon, creamy avocado, and edamame (soybeans).
For more information, check out
https://www.ilovepokebar.com.
Attend an Art Seminar
Hawaii has its fair share of fine art to offer, and you don’t have to travel very far to find it. Stop by the
Park West Fine Art Museum & Gallery to view an impressive collection of masterpieces by the greats, including Picasso, Rembrandt, Peter Max, and more.
Park West recently started offering art seminars from Sunday through Thursday at 1:00 p.m. each day. The experience comes with a complimentary cocktail (21+), a free unframed artwork, and a $500 gallery credit for all attendees. If the timing isn’t right and you can’t make one of the art seminars, don’t worry. Admission to the museum and gallery is always free!
To learn more, visit
https://www.parkwestgallery.com/hawaii.
Snack on a Refreshing Acai Bowl
Acai bowls are a pretty sweet way to cool down, so it’s no surprise that they are a popular treat in Hawaii. Topped with a variety of fresh fruits and honey, an acai bowl from
Beachwalk Cafe makes an awesome mid-afternoon snack that you won’t feel too guilty indulging in.
Sign Up for a Free Class
Depending on the day that you’re in Waikiki, we likely have a free class or event going on. From hula lessons and Hawaiian music performances to feather flower-making classes and farmers markets, there’s always something exciting happening at the shopping center.
Please note that select activities have a capacity limit, so it’s best to call ahead and secure your spot. To see our schedule of free weekly events in Waikiki, click
here.
Go on a Shopping Spree
At Waikiki Beach Walk, you’ll discover an eclectic blend of unique brands and local boutiques to satisfy all your shopping needs. Whether it’s
Soha Living’s coastal decor to give the home a touch of island inspiration or a tropical matching set for him from
PULLIN, you’re bound to find a great gift for anyone (including yourself)!
Why not dress the whole family in specially designed batik prints from
Blue Ginger or pick out a keepsake that will always remind you of paradise from
Na Hoku, Hawaii’s oldest and finest jewelry manufacturer? How about gifting locally sourced Hawaiian honey products from
Oahu Honey Co. as a way to directly support the island’s sustainability and agriculture? The options are nearly endless.
To see our complete store list, click
here.
Treat Yourself to Contemporary Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine
Both locals and visitors will agree that you can’t go wrong with
Roy’s Waikiki. Established by James Beard Award winner and Hawaii Food and Wine Festival co-founder, Roy Yamaguchi, Roy’s Waikiki offers a 5-star menu that highlights the distinctive flavors of the Pacific using local ingredients and European cooking techniques, creating a regional cuisine that embodies the melting pot Hawaii has come to represent.
If you’ve got a different craving, there are other restaurants worth trying as well, including one of Hawaii’s top steakhouses. Click
here to view all our dining options.
End the Night at Cafe Glace
For those with a serious sweet tooth, we recommend
Cafe Glace, which serves 32 different flavors of artisan gelato and sorbet daily. The dessert shop can also whip up a warm crepe (like Nutella Strawberry Banana) or a milkshake of your choosing. In need of a quick pick-me-up to get you back to the hotel? Cafe Glace serves coffee as well if that’s your preferred nightcap.