Waikiki. Even just mentioning Hawaii’s legendary tourist destination probably conjures up one of two images: either a dreamy Hawaiian paradise with swaying palm trees and turquoise water, OR a crowded, commercialized stretch of beach lined with ABC Stores and chain restaurants where you’re constantly being handed coupons for luau shows.

And honestly? Both of those images are kind of accurate.

Here’s the thing about Waikiki…it IS a tourist trap. Like, objectively, technically, by definition…yes. It is. BUT (and this is a big but)…it’s also kind of great. 

I’ve done Waikiki every which way. Budget hotels, splurge hotels, quick stopovers, week-long stays. I’ve eaten at the tourist traps (sometimes on purpose, sometimes not) and found the hidden gems tucked behind them. I’ve watched the sunset from the beach with a shave ice in hand and I’ve sat in traffic on Kalakaua Avenue wondering what exactly I was doing with my life.

And I’ll be totally honest with you…I have a love/hate relationship with Waikiki. The beach and area itself is BEAUTIFUL and it definitely has its attractions, but a lot of people (usually ones who don’t do their research before their trip) end up disappointed because it’s not what they expected Hawaii to be like. 

But that won’t be you after you read this post!

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Why You Might Like Waikiki

Here’s why many people like staying in Waikiki:

First things first, Waikiki Beach is seriously STUNNING. The view down Waikiki with Diamond Head in the background is probably the most iconic view in Hawaii and it’s one that many people grow up imagining. The water is calm, warm, clear, and blue. The sand is soft and white. Palm trees are swaying. There are views for days. You get the picture. 

Some of the most legendary hotels in Hawaii are on Waikiki Beach. It’s Hawaii’s oldest resort area so there’s a lot of history. The Moana Surfrider (built in 1901) was Hawaii’s first hotel and it’s still a major draw today. And the Royal Hawaiian, nicknamed the “Pink Palace of the Pacific” and made famous by Hollywood in the 1960s is everything you associate “old Hawaii” with. 

You can find cheap hotels. A lot of them. Just like any major city, the more hotel rooms there are, the more competitive prices are.

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You can get around the area without a car. Shuttles/Taxis/Ubers are a dime a dozen from the Honolulu airport to Waikiki and most visitors tend to stay in Waikiki/Honolulu and not venture out to the rest of the island much (or only on excursions). Oahu also has a decent bus system and there are frequent tourist oriented trolleys that have good coverage of Waikiki and certain places in Honolulu. Since parking at hotels can run you up to $40/day, not absolutely having to have a car (at least every day) is attractive. 

Waikiki is pretty densely populated with attractions. There are tons of museums, historic and cultural sites, the zoo, aquarium, etc. as well as companies that pick up for excursions like snorkeling, ziplining, luaus, ATV tours, etc. making it a central station for activities and entertainment on Oahu.

There’s a LOT of shopping. From luxury designer brands at the Ala Moana to major chain stores at the Royal Hawaiian Center, to cheap souvenir outlets everywhere, Waikiki is a shopper’s paradise.

There are a ton of restaurants. You’ll find major chains (Cheesecake Factory, Hard Rock Café, etc.) and pricey resort restaurants as well as local joints (as you venture away from Waikiki into Honolulu). Honolulu is also something of a foodie’s paradise (especially if you love Asian cuisines) if you’re willing to venture off the beaten path. 

Why You Might NOT Like Waikiki

Now, a few reasons you may not like Waikiki:

It’s very crowded. Like…very, very crowded. There are over a million people that live on Oahu PLUS droves of tourists and they all seem to concentrate in Waikiki and Honolulu. It is not an undiscovered Hawaiian paradise. 

Even the nice beachfront resorts are crowded. Also, for the price I don’t generally find the nicest places in Waikiki to be as nice as comparable resorts in other parts of Hawaii. 

There’s soooo much traffic! You’d expect traffic in the city, but even if you have a car and you’re willing to get out and explore the rest of the island, there just always seems to be traffic everywhere. And I guess you really shouldn’t be surprised with over a million people on a small island.

There’s so much to see on the island besides Waikiki (the truly beautiful parts!) and getting around by bus isn’t too convenient. Which means you’ll most likely want to rent a car (at least part of the time) and most resorts charge about $40/day for you to park it (but if you can find a resort anywhere in Hawaii that doesn’t charge for parking let me know ; ) 

You may come home feeling like you’ve had more of a city vacation instead of a beach vacation. Most people expect Hawaii to feel like an island getaway. And it certainly can. But that’s not at all the vibe in Waikiki. It’s tall buildings, endless shopping, traffic, people everywhere, and all of the trappings of a tourist destination (timeshare pitches, cheap souvenir shops, etc.). 

BUT if you’re okay with a more crowded, city vacation on one of the world’s most iconic beaches, then a Waikiki vacation can be really fun!

I’ve made it my job for the last 10 years to explore Maui.

And after hundreds of beach days, rainforest hikes, snorkeling trips, and reconnaissance missions to find the best hotels… and mai tais… I put everything I know into one place.

This is my Maui Digital Map — hundreds of my favorite spots. Beaches, snorkeling spots, hikes, farm tours, scenic drives, places to eat.

Yes, I share hidden spots I don’t talk about so much on social media…but also—tourist doesn’t have to be a dirty word. Popular places are popular for a reason.

So I break down what’s worth it, what’s not, where to spend your money, where to save it, and how to avoid crowds at some of Maui’s most popular (and best) places so you actually enjoy your time.

I’m also sharing all of my travel guides on when to go, where to stay, detailed hotel reviews…
plus dozens of itinerary options based on where you’re staying and what you love to do.

It’s everything you need to see the best of Maui and actually relax. A Vacation in a box…all YOU need to do is pack your suitcase. 

Get access to my Maui digital map and itineraries here.