Uncover Waikīkī’s rich history and stunning views with a self-guided audio tour. Explore at your own pace and immerse in Hawaiian culture.
Uncover Waikīkī’s rich history and stunning views with a self-guided audio tour. Explore at your own pace and immerse in Hawaiian culture.
- Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon - Nestled by palm trees next to the Hilton Hawaiian Village, this sparkling manmade lagoon pays tribute to Hawaiʻi’s most iconic waterman. Originally part of Waikīkī’s mid-century transformation, it remains a serene spot to watch paddleboarders and observe the evolution of modern Waikīkī.
- Fort DeRussy Beach Park - Once…
- Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon - Nestled by palm trees next to the Hilton Hawaiian Village, this sparkling manmade lagoon pays tribute to Hawaiʻi’s most iconic waterman. Originally part of Waikīkī’s mid-century transformation, it remains a serene spot to watch paddleboarders and observe the evolution of modern Waikīkī.
- Fort DeRussy Beach Park - Once a coastal military base, Fort DeRussy has evolved into one of Waikīkī’s most tranquil open areas. Expansive lawns, shady palms, and gentle waves now occupy the grounds where artillery once stood—a testament to the shoreline’s shift from defense to leisure.
- US Army Museum of Hawaii - Housed in a former World War I coastal fortification, the U.S. Army Museum of Hawaiʻi narrates the islands’ military history from ancient warriors to contemporary times. Within Battery Randolph, exhibits display artifacts from Pearl Harbor, Japanese American regiments, and Hawaiʻi’s enduring connection to the Pacific. Originally built for defense, this concrete fortress now preserves history and honors those who served. Admission is free, and the museum is open Tuesday through Saturday. The latest details are available on their website.
- Waikiki Beach Walk - Combining shopping, art, and culture, Waikīkī Beach Walk transforms two city blocks into a lively open-air promenade. Developed in the 2000s by Outrigger Resorts, its design respects Hawaiian traditions through native landscaping, public art, and performances that link modern Waikīkī to its rich cultural heritage.
- The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki - Known as the “Pink Palace of the Pacific,” the Royal Hawaiian has symbolized Waikīkī glamour since 1927. Built on land once associated with Hawaiian royalty, its coral-pink exterior and Moorish-inspired arches have welcomed Hollywood stars, world leaders, and generations of travelers—embodying both Hawaiʻi’s charm and its evolving narrative.
- International Market Place - Centered around a centuries-old banyan tree, the International Market Place merges modern design with Waikīkī’s diverse past. Once a bustling bazaar created by tiki pioneer Donn Beach, today’s open-air mall honors its origins with architecture that curves around the historic tree—connecting Hawaiʻi’s mid-century allure to its contemporary style.
- Princess Kaiulani Statue - Situated near the site of her former residence, this bronze statue commemorates Princess Victoria Kaʻiulani—the cherished heir to Hawaiʻi’s throne. Poised and dignified, she symbolizes courage and hope during the turbulent years surrounding the Hawaiian monarchy’s overthrow, her outstretched hand a lasting gesture toward the future she never witnessed.
- Lucoral Museum - Nestled amid Waikīkī’s hustle, the Lucoral Museum is a hidden treasure dedicated to coral, pearls, and stones shaped by the Pacific. Founded by Flora and Joseph Lu in the 1970s, this family-operated space blends art, science, and culture—inviting visitors to explore Hawaiʻi’s natural beauty through interactive exhibits and dazzling displays. Free of charge, open Monday through Friday.
- Waikiki Surf Alley - Situated between hotels and the beach, this narrow passage buzzes with Waikīkī’s surf culture. Adorned with brightly colored boards and resonating with ocean sounds, it’s where generations of Beach Boys have upheld the legacy of Duke Kahanamoku—sustaining Hawaiʻi’s spirit of aloha, one wave at a time.
- Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikiki Beach - Opened in 1901 as Waikīkī’s first beachfront hotel, the Moana Surfrider—“The First Lady of Waikīkī”—combines timeless elegance with island history. Its grand verandas and iconic banyan tree have welcomed queens, aviators, and travelers for over a century, standing as a graceful witness to Hawaiʻi’s changing tides.
- Kapaemahu - The Stones of Life - Located within a small enclosure near Kūhiō Beach, the Kapaemahu Stones honor four legendary healers from Tahiti whose spiritual energy, or mana, is believed to reside here. Revered for centuries and nearly forgotten in modern times, these sacred stones now stand restored as a powerful reminder of Hawaiʻi’s enduring cultural heritage.
- Statue of Duke Kahanamoku - Facing the waves he once surfed, this bronze statue honors Duke Kahanamoku—Olympic champion, surfing pioneer, and beloved ambassador of aloha. Born in Honolulu in 1890, Duke shared Hawaiʻi’s ocean culture with the world, blending grace, humility, and pride in a legacy that continues to define Waikīkī today.

- Unlimited access with flexible usage
- Audio guide and digital route map
- App and tour download
- Unlimited access with flexible usage
- Audio guide and digital route map
- App and tour download
- Smartphone (bring your own)
- Smartphone (bring your own)
Embark on a self-guided walking tour to delve into the fascinating history and stunning oceanfront vistas of Waikīkī. Stroll by the serene waters of Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon and traverse the renowned Kalākaua Avenue, revealing the intriguing tales of Hawaiian royalty, soldiers, and surfers who have influenced this celebrated coastline. Encounter cultural…
Embark on a self-guided walking tour to delve into the fascinating history and stunning oceanfront vistas of Waikīkī. Stroll by the serene waters of Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon and traverse the renowned Kalākaua Avenue, revealing the intriguing tales of Hawaiian royalty, soldiers, and surfers who have influenced this celebrated coastline. Encounter cultural landmarks such as the Kapaemahu Stones and gain insights into Waikīkī’s architectural transformation at your leisure with GPS-activated audio that animates each location. Relish the liberty to pause and absorb the sounds and sights of Honolulu without the limitations of a conventional tour.
- Self-guided tour offers a flexible pace and schedule
- Uncover historical landmarks and listen to their stories through GPS audio
- Experience both the historical and modern aspects of Waikīkī
- Delight in picturesque oceanfront views
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.