Having fun in the Waikiki Resort area of Honolulu doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Of course there are many wonderful experiences: world class restaurants, sunset dinner cruises and luaus such as the weekly event at the Royal Hawaiian. However, it's sometimes nice to leave the credit cards in the hotel safe while you enjoy some of Waikiki’s less expensive entertainment alternatives.
On Saturday and Sunday nights, a 30-foot movie screen is set up on Queen’s Beach, right across from the Honolulu Zoo. The evening, known as Sunset on the Beach, starts with various island bands playing Hawaiian music and dancers doing the hula. After the musical entertainment, the movie starts. Tables and chairs are set up to view the movie or you can bring blankets and sit on the Kapiolani Park lawn or the beach. Bring a picnic lunch or buy food and drink from one of the local vendors who have booths set up for the evening. The best thing about Sunset on the Beach, besides being outdoors in Waikiki at sunset, is that the movie is free.
Sunset on the Beach
Queen’s Beach
Kapiolani Park
Waikiki
sunsetonthebeach.net
Diamond Head Crater, known as Leahi to the ancient Hawaiians, is the iconic symbol of Waikiki. The British, thinking they had discovered diamonds on the crater, are responsible for the more familiar name. There is a drive-through tunnel on the northern part of the crater that leads inside to a parking lot and a huge grassy area. At one time, the crater was used as a military base.
It is possible to climb to the top of Diamond Head on a moderately easy trail that takes you through underground tunnels and past abandoned military bunkers and lookouts. You will need a flashlight, water, comfortable shoes and a camera. There are 175 steps to conquer, but once at the rim of the crater, some 760 feet above Waikiki, you will have all of Oahu and the Pacific Ocean literally at your feet. Best of all, it’s free.
Diamond Head Crater Park
Diamond Head Road
Honolulu, HI 96816
808-587-0300
visit-oahu.com
Located on the western end of Waikiki Beach, the Hilton Hawaiian Village presents a Friday night fireworks show called Rockin’ Hawaiian Rainbow Revue. You have the option of purchasing a ticket for a seat around the hotel’s Super Pool (includes one mai tai or punch drink per person) or finding a spot on the sands of Waikiki Beach and watching the free fireworks. You can’t see the performers from the beach, but you can hear the music.
Hilton Hawaiian Village
2005 Kalia Road
Honolulu HI 96815
808-949-4321
hiltonhawaiianvillage.com
Have a picnic. Visit one of the many (almost one on every block) ABC Stores and stock up on cold drinks, sandwiches and snacks and head to Waikiki Beach to claim your own bit of sand. Try surfing, take a swim or just relax.
If you have small children, head for Kuhio Beach (near the Duke Kahanamoku statue). There is an artificial breakwater that creates a shallow splash pool protected from the surf. This part of Waikiki Beach is less crowded, has restrooms, picnic tables and food vendors.
Kuhio Beach is also the site of the Kuhio Beach Park Hula Show at Waikiki Beach. The free show starts just before sunset and operates Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. The show features authentic Hawaiian music, hula dancers and an authentic torch lighting ceremony. Bring a beach mat or a towel; seating is on the lawn or on the sand.
Waikiki Beach Hula Show at Kuhio Beach Park
Corner of Kalakaua Street and Ulunui Avenue
Waikiki Beach, Honolulu HI
govisithawaii.com
