Prepare a Budget

Planning a trip to an expensive destination such as Hawaii; is doable on a budget. There is so much to see and do, start saving well in advance. Waikiki Beach is a hot tourist destination and can be very expensive if you don’t plan your budget.

Airfare and hotel will take up about 3/4 of your funds. I try to reserve a hotel that includes breakfast. Eating two meals a day instead of 3, will leave more for tours etc.

If you are planning to shop a lot or buy souvenirs you will need to add $800-1000 to your trip budget. This the amount I budget for spending money. I always have enough to shop and pay for tourist activities.

Airfare will cost between $400-800 from a west coast destination. Aug- Nov and Jan-Mar are considered non peak times to travel. Try to schedule your trip during these months to score the best deals on fares.

Skyscanner, Google Flights, Travel Pirates and Cheaptickets are where I find the best travel deals. Fly out on Tues or Wednesday and also purchase on these days to net the best savings.

Where to Stay

The Aqua Oasis is a lovely boutique hotel on Lewers Street. We’ve stayed 3 times and LOVED our stay every time. These accommodations offer classy comfort and an open air lobby. The hotel is conveniently located to enjoy the best of Waikiki.

The Aqua Oasis is located in the center of Waikiki’s stylish shopping district and is only two blocks from the beach. Spacious rooms and suites offer sweeping views of Honolulu and a private deck.

Relax and enjoy your breakfast outdoors with the gentle Hawaiian breeze and birds chirping overhead. Breakfast is included in the room price and offers more than a typical continental breakfast.

Where to Eat & Drink

The options for dining in Waikiki Beach are endless. Your favorite ethnic dish, coffee concoctions and shave ice delights are on every corner. All the food chains of America you are used to are also available.

Island Vintage Company

If you’ve ever wanted to drink coffee in a tree house setting, this shop is for you. Island Vintage Coffee is my favorite coffee shop in Hawaii. It’s a short walk from the Aqua Oasis hotel. I bought my coffee here every morning. It was delightful to sit out on the patio high above the strip surrounded by palm trees.

McDonalds

What eat at Mickey D’s in Hawaii ?!? YES, my favorite breakfast was at McD’s. The menu was so different than the restaurants on the mainland. Portuguese sausage with rice and scrambled eggs was the best!

Dukes

The best part about eating at Dukes is the killer view and fancy cocktails. I really enjoyed the food too, but the drinks were the best. Dukes is very popular with locals and tourists both. Be sure to make a reservation, or you won’t get in.

While eating here you can enjoy contemporary Hawaiian music played on the ukulele. The menu offers an assortment of fresh fish, salads, sandwiches and even a breakfast buffet. The atmosphere offers a fabulous beach vibe.

Shave Ice Stands

Nothing tastes as fabulous as a Hawaiian shave ice. Several stands are located along the Waikiki Strip. If your favorite flavor isn’t offered, I’d be surprised. My favorite is pina colada mixed with blue raspberry.

Where to Swim

The first time I swam on a Hawaiian beach was at Queen’s Surf on the far east side of the strip. That proved to be a big mistake. The water was full of big rocks on the bottom, definitely not feet friendly.

The best place to swim is the middle of the Waikiki Strip. The trail located along side of Cheesecake Factory is where to access this beach. This area is called Royal Hawaiian beach, located near the Royal Hawaiian Hotel.

Where to Shop

Boutiques

The side streets are full of small boutiques and souvenir shops. I loved shopping on Lewers street, near our hotel. My favorite boutique was Pineapple County a located on Lewers. The styles are very unique and chic. I purchased 3 dresses which were perfect for day and night outings.

Ala Moana Center

The Ala Moana center is beautiful and offers the best in shopping on Oahu. The huge mall is located just one mile from Waikiki Beach. It’s a beautiful open air shopping area. Many of your favorite fashion brand chains are housed here along with luxury retailers.

Ala Moana is the largest open air center in the world and the 9th largest mall in the United States. The buses run regularly and are easy to access. I don’t recommend walking as the sun gets very hot beating down on your head!

Waikiki Strip

All the major retailers you know and love from home are located on the Waikiki strip. The shopping on this palm tree lined street will keep you entertained for days. I always plan to spend 2 days shopping on the strip.

International Market Place Mall

I’m sad to say they got rid of the original International Market Place, a small open air market. I remember purchasing gifts and food here made by the locals. Now it has turned into another mall of concrete. There is still a farmer’s market on the property. If you want to support the locals while shopping this would be a great place to start.

Where to Explore

Diamond Head

Diamond Head will be part of your view almost anywhere you roam on Waikiki Beach. Hiking it though is the ultimate experience. Hiking Diamond Head will be the highlight of your girls trip to Waikiki Beach. Be prepared to be in total awe; the views from up top are so breathtaking.

A hike up this majestic mountain is not an easy climb but so worth it. The views from the top are unbelievable. The stunning imagery is forever etched in my memory. Be sure to lather up with sunscreen as the sun is so very intense on the way up.

Experience a Luau

A Hawaiian Luau is the best way to experience the Polynesian culture. Luaus offer a diverse festivities and feature rich Hawaiian history combined with superb entertainment. My only regret is I did not attend a Luau on former trips to Oahu.

Including a Luau in your girls trip to Waikiki Beach will be a highlight of your trip. We made lei wristbands, did some basket weaving and indulged in the delicious spread of Hawaiian food. The show put on by the dancers was amazing. Be careful about sitting near the front, they may grab you up front to dance!

Duke Kahanamoku Statue

On Kuhio Beach on the Waikiki Strip you will find the statue of Duke. His iconic statue welcomes you to the beach with outstretched hands. Duke Kahanamoku is a Hawaiian hero and one of the world’s greatest watermen. He was a master of surfing, swimming and outrigger canoe paddling.

Don’t miss these spots that are located outside of Waikiki Beach

Hanauma Bay State Park, Pearl Harbor, Aloha Stadium Flea Market and Dole Pineapple Plantation . Also a visit to the North Shore is a must, you will love it! The best way to see some of these iconic stops, a Circle Island Tour is a no hassle way to do just that!