Waikiki Beach Walk in Honolulu

What are the highlights of the Waikiki Beach Walk?

Although primarily a retail hub, Waikiki Beach Walk is more than just a spot to shop. The ritzy 2-storey mall has 6 casual eateries and 6 upmarket restaurants, attracting scores of hungry diners on any given day. There’s plenty of variety to tempt the palette, too, with cuisines ranging from local Hawaiian fare to international flavours like Japanese and Italian.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House is a fancy joint that sizzles arguably the most succulent beef in Honolulu. For a traditional feast, you can’t miss out on the more casual Poké Bar.

On Tuesday evenings, dancers portray ancient Hawaiian customs through a free hula. Enjoy live music during the monthly Na Mele Sunday Showcase, which has local bands banging out tropical tunes at the Waikiki Beach Walk's outdoor stage. The mall hosts regular belly dancing, hula hoop fitness, and yoga classes.

Large annual events such as the Honolulu Festival in March, SPAM Jam Waikiki in May, and the Aloha Festival in September breathe even more life into the vibrant locale.

Where to shop at Waikiki Beach Walk?

You can easily max out your credit card at Waikiki Beach Walk. With 40+ stores ranging from chic boutiques to speciality shops and high-end designer digs, there’s something to tempt you in this charming open-air strip.

If it’s a memorable memento you’re after, drop into the Hawaiian Quilt Collection and check out its vibrant blankets, pillowcases, and bags. The Ukulele Store sells the ultimate Hawaiian souvenir for the budding musician. As the largest tiny guitar outlet in Hawaii, the haunt stocks cute string instruments for beginners and veterans alike – you’ll be strumming Aloha’ Oe on the beach in no time.

Fashionistas can shop for threads at Blue Ginger, Coco Mango, or Noa Noa, while bohemians can browse and buy eclectic artwork at Under the Koa Tree or the Park West Fine Art Museum.

You’ll also find an ABC Convenience Store (great for last-minute booze runs), a First Hawaii Bank for currency exchange, and a slew of glitzy jewellery stores.

Good to know about Waikiki Beach Walk

The Waikiki Beach Walk spans both sides of Lewers Street between Kalia Road and Kalakaua Avenue. The mall gets its name from Beach Walk Road, which straddles the western edge.

Getting there from Waikiki Beach should only take you around 5 minutes on foot, either via Kalakaua Avenue or the Sheraton Boardwalk.

If you’re driving, the mall offers free validated parking (with proof of purchase from any restaurant or store) between 10 am and 3 pm. You can use the parking lots at Embassy Suites on Beach Walk Road or Wyndham Vacation Destinations on Lewers Street to claim the deal.