Aloha, living in Waikiki has many advantages and I want to share the things that I love most about the lifestyle here. So here are the ten reasons that I love living in Waikiki. And other people love it too!
1. Close proximity to Waikiki Beach with numerous options for ocean fun. The beautiful warm turquoise water is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, surfing, SUP, riding outrigger canoes, or sailing on one of the many Catamarans that go out from the beach numerous times a day. There are also many dive shops in Waikiki that you can schedule a diving adventure with.
Turtle seen while snorkeling.
Diving the Sea Tiger off Waikiki
2. Amazing weather and views.
Waikiki Beach
3. It’s great to be able to park at home and walk to all the many things Waikiki has to offer.
4. Great restaurants right in the neighborhood. Everything from casual grab and go options to high-end, 5-star restaurants. Some of my personal favorites are Maguro Spot for poke salad, Hy’s Steak House for the lobster bisque and traditional Hawaiian Kiawe wood grilled steak. I love Tiki’s for the Prime Rib, Calamari Katsu and Mama’s Thai Chicken Salad. Duke’s has a delicious Breakfast Buffet and amazing Island fish. Doraku Sushi is a favorite spot as well as Ruth’s Chris and Herringbone. Also Marugame Udon is amazing for the fresh made Udon. There are also many, many other places to experience.
Russel with the stawberries flambe at Ruth’s Chris
5. Diamond Head hike is close by. It’s great for exercise, and you can’t beat the fabulous views. Also the Waikiki Aquarium and the Honolulu Zoo are great to visit.
View from the top of Diamond Head
6. Concerts at the Waikiki Shell are wonderful. Nothing like an outdoor concert, under the stars, just steps away from the beach and a short walk from home in Waikiki. Great acoustics and decent views from any seat. Also nice to take a blanket and sit on the lawn or dance in the grass to the music with friends.
Concert at Waikiki Shell
7. So many options for shopping in Waikiki. There are 7 shopping centers – Luxury Row, T Galleria, Waikiki Beach Walk, Waikiki Shopping Plaza, Royal Hawaiian Center, International Market Place, and Pualeilani Atrium Shops. As well as the new Waikiki Market which is a grocery store and more. There is even a Ross and Nordstrom Rack as well as many other little shops lining the streets. Also not to miss are the Farmer’s Markets. Monday and Wednesday from 4-8 at the Hyatt Regency, Thursday from 4-8 at the International Market Place and although not in Waikiki but very close is the KCC Farmer’s Market on Saturday mornings from 7:30-11.
8. Music and dancing. Live music and dancing can be found at numerous places in Waikiki. Many of the restaurants and bars have live music in the evenings. My favorites include Tiki’s, Moana Surfrider Beach Bar, Duke’s, Rumfire, Hideout, Maui Brew, Cuckoo Coconut, Arnold’s, Tommy Bahama’s, House Without a Key, and Lewer’s Lounge for great Jazz. For live music and dancing there is Kelley O’Neil’s, Irish Rose, Shorefire, Tapa’s Bar and my absolute favorite, Duke’s on Sunday with Henry Kapono and his band from 4:00-6:00 pm. I also don’t want to forget to mention the great live shows at Blue Note Waikiki.
Henry Kapono at Duke’s on Sunday
9. There are many opportunities in Waikiki to experience Hawaiian culture. The Royal Hawaiian Center has shows on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Friday and Saturdays from 5:30-6:30 at the Royal Grove. They also offer free cultural classes. On Fridays from 12:00-1:00 pm there is a Lei making class offered to the first 24 guests, on Mondays from 11:00-12:00 pm ‘Ukulele lessons are offered to the first 12 guests, on Tuesday from 11:00-12:00 pm Hula lessons, on Wednesdays 11:00-12:00 pm Lauhala Weaving Lessons offered to the first 24 guests and on Thursdays at 11:00 am they offer Keiki Hula Lessons for children 5-10 years of age. At International Market Place you can enjoy O Na Sunset Stories and Hula show on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays at 7:00 pm (Mar-Aug) and 6:30 pm (Sep-Feb). There is also the Kuhio Beach Hula Show on Tuesdays and Saturdays at the Hula Mound on Waikiki Beach from 6:30-7:30 pm (Feb-Oct) & 6-7 pm (Nov-Jan). Waikiki Beach Walk has the Ku Haaheo Music Concert in the Plaza on Tuesdays from 4:30-6 pm. There are also numerous festivals and parades to be enjoyed on Kalakaua Avenue throughout the year.
10. It’s great to be able to walk to the beach in the evening to catch a breathtaking sunset and every Friday night you can experience the fireworks show going off at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Depending on the time of year it can start at 7:45 or 8:00 pm.
Waikiki sunset
Friday Night Fireworks at the Hilton Hawaiian Village
In conclusion I hope you enjoyed my blog and get a chance to check out Waikiki and possibly want to see some of the great properties for sale so you can enjoy the Waikiki lifestyle yourself.
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