Long Weekend Waikiki Guide

  • Walkable Adventures Near Ilikai Marina

    Leave the car behind and embrace the island pace. One of the best parts of staying here is how much you can do just by stepping outside your door.

    From calm morning swims to sunset strolls and easy, low-key adventures, here are some of our favorite walkable activities nearby.

    Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon & Kahanamoku Beach (10-minute walk)

    Welcome to our “pool.”

    The lagoon is calm, swimmable, and perfect for an easy beach day. Right across the way, Kahanamoku Beach gives you that classic Waikiki ocean view.

    Make it a moment:

    • Pack a picnic (we’ve got insulated bags & ice packs for you)
    • Float, swim, or just relax
    • Stay for the Friday night fireworks

    Ala Moana Regional Park (12-minute walk)

    This is another option for a relaxed beach day without the crowds of central Waikiki.

    Calm waters, plenty of space, and a laid-back local feel make it perfect for a slow morning or an easy afternoon.

    What to do here:

    For something a little different:

    Ala Moana Center

    Just a short walk away, Ala Moana Center is so much more than just the world’s largest open-air shopping center. It’s an easy spot to grab a bite, cool off, and wander for a bit.

    It’s a great place to:

    • Catch a free 20-minute hula show. It takes place at 5:00 PM daily at Centerstage.
    • Take an Art Walk. Enjoy Ala Moana’s unique, museum-quality public artwork.
    • Watch other cultural performances. Check the website event page for more details.

    Fort DeRussy Beach Park

    A stroll to Fort DeRussy Beach Park is the best, easiest evening activity. 

    An easy walk from the condo brings you to a stretch of beach and boardwalk that feels quieter than the main Waikiki strip.

    Why we love it:

    • Unobstructed ocean views
    • Soft sand & easy walking paths
    • A simple, peaceful way to end the day

    You can grab a drink, wander slowly, and watch the sun go down. 

    Hawaii WOW Gondola Cruises

    Ride a Venetian-style gondola through the Ala Wai Canal. This unique gondola experience is great for all ages.

    Hawaii WOW Gondola Cruises launch from the Ala Wai Harbor, just right outside of the Ilikai Marina, so it’s incredibly easy to fit into your day.

    Surf Lessons Near the Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon

    If you’ve ever wanted to try surfing, this is one of the easiest places to start. Check out these highly rated instructors:

    Both are beginner-friendly and within walking distance.

    Scuba Diving with Aloha Scuba Diving Company

    The Aloha Scuba Diving Company has an office inside the Ilikai Hotel & Luxury Suites, and many dives depart right from the Ala Wai Harbor—super convenient if you want to try something more adventurous.

    Waikiki Trolley

    If you want to explore a little farther without driving, hopping on a Waikiki Trolley is an excellent option. The nearest stops are just next door:

    It’s relaxed, affordable, and a fun way to see more of Waikiki.

    You really don’t need a car to enjoy Waikiki—especially here.

    Between the beach, lagoon, sunsets, and a handful of easy things to do, everything you need for a relaxed, memorable stay is right nearby

  • Favorite Waikiki Eats & Drinks

    One of the best parts of any trip is discovering great food. Here are some of our favorite places to eat and drink on Oahu, along with a few guest favorites. These are the spots we keep coming back to. We hope they become part of your stay!

    Within the Building

    Paradise Poke Hawaii at The Ilikai Hotel

    1777 Ala Moana Blvd Ste 212, Honolulu, HI 96815

    http://www.paradisepokenuuanu.com

    Dave’s Ice Cream At The Ilikai Hotel

    1777 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96815

    http://www.daveshawaiianicecream.com

    The Chart House

    Food, drinks, & live music.

    1765 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96815

    charthousewaikiki.com

    Harbor Pub & Pizza

    Family owned pub & eatery.

    1765 Ala Moana Blvd STE 1, Honolulu, HI 96815

    harborpubhawaii.us

     

    Short Walk (10-15 Minutes)

    GOOFY Cafe & Dine

    Casual Hawaiian cuisine.

    1831 Ala Moana Blvd #201, Honolulu, HI 96815

    http://www.goofy-honolulu.com

    Rock ‘n Rolls

    Casual Vietnamese cuisine.

    Discovery Bay Center, 1778 Ala Moana Blvd #209, Honolulu, HI 96815

    rock-rolls.com

    Namaste Indian & Nepalese Cuisine

    1778 Ala Moana Blvd STE 213
    Honolulu, HI 96815
     

    namasterestauranthi.com

    Aloha Food Truck

    Hawaiian lunch plates & fun drinks.

    75J6+J2, Honolulu, HI 96815

    Parked near Hilton Lagoon.

    Koa Oasis Booze Shack

    Because sometimes all you need is the beach and a drink in hand.

    2131 Kālia Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815

    https://www.halekoa.com/dining-drinks/koa-oasis

    Worth the Drive

    Musubi Cafe IYASUME

    Musubis, rice balls, & easy eats to go. Fun musubi-themed gift items.

    2427 Kūhiō Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815

    iyasumehawaii.com

    Maguro Spot

    Poke heaven.

    2441 Kūhiō Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815

    https://fooddiscoveryapp.com/honolulu/maguro-spot

    K Street Food

    Korean food trucks.

    138 Uluniu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815

    http://www.kfoodus.com

    YogurStory

    Breakfast/brunch spot. Ube pancakes!

    745 Ke’eaumoku St #100, Honolulu, HI 96814

    http://www.yogurstoryhawaii.com

    Leonard’s Bakery

    MALASADAS (Portugese donuts)!

    933 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816

    http://www.leonardshawaii.com

    Island Vintage Shave Ice

    Two locations, both are yummy. They also make coffee!

    2201 Kalākaua Ave Kiosk B-1, Honolulu, HI 96815

    2552 Kalākaua Avenue Unit K100D & K100E, Honolulu, HI 96815

    http://www.islandvintage.com

    Fujiya Hawaii

    Longtime bakery providing Japanese sweets & snacks, including mochi, tea cookies & deep-fried tofu.

    930 Hauʻoli St, Honolulu, HI 96826

    https://www.fujiyahawaii.com/

    Rainbow Drive-In

    Hawaiian plate lunches.

    3308 Kanaina Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815

    https://www.rainbowdrivein.com/menu-kapahulu

    Tonkatsu Tamafuji

    Lively & crowded, known for house-special breaded pork entrees & other Japanese plates.

    449 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815

    https://tamafuji-us.com/menu-en.html

    Ted’s Bakery

    Come here for the PIES! They also do other baked goods, hot sandwiches & plate lunches.

    Tip: Foodland does sell some of Ted’s pies & slices if you can’t make it to the restaurant

    59-024 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712

    https://www.tedsbakery.com/

    Go-To Local Favorite

    Zippy's

    This local-favorite Hawaiian diner chain is a go-to for a reason. With multiple locations and hours from early morning to late evening (check each location), it’s an easy, reliable option when you’re in a pinch.

    http://www.zippys.com