Plan a Spring Break Vacation to Waikiki

Father and Son Paddling on a Surfboard - Waikiki Beach

Waikiki is one of the most popular spring break destinations for people of all ages! The island of Oahu offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and exciting activities that make it an excellent choice for a memorable vacation. From surfing the world-class waves to exploring the vibrant local history and culture, there are plenty of things to do in Waikiki over spring break vacation. 

Explore Waikiki Beach

The golden sand of Waikiki Beach is the perfect place to spend a fun-filled day of swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. With its beautiful views of Diamond Head and world-famous waters, visitors will want to spend as much time as possible here. Wander down the Waikiki Beach Walk to find plenty of companies offering beach gear, equipment rentals for surfing or stand up paddle boarding, as well as surfing lessons.

Ride the waves

Surfing is a well-known pastime in the Hawaiian Islands, and Waikiki Beach is the perfect place to get on a board as a beginner. The clear water and consistent wave breaks make learning to surf in Waikiki a great experience. Check out one of the many vendors along Waikiki Beach offering surfing lessons or check out a local surfing competition in March to get some inspiration. 

Visit Honolulu Zoo

The Honolulu Zoo is one of the top attractions in Waikiki for families over spring break. It has over 1,200 animals from all around the world living on 42 acres of lush jungle and gardens. There are guided tours available that provide an in-depth look at some of the zoo’s residents, as well as a petting zoo area where you can get up close with some of the animals.

Attend a luau

No visit to Oahu would be complete without attending a luau! There are many places offering different variations of this iconic Hawaiian event throughout the island. In the heart of Waikiki, Rock-A-Hula offers traditional luau packages and an entertaining variety show focused on Hawaiian cultural history and musical performances. North of Waikiki, you will find Paradise Cove, a classic luau which is consistently ranked as one of the best in Hawaii. 

Explore Hawaiian culture

There are a variety of ways to learn more about Hawaiian culture during your spring break vacation. Head to Iolani Palace to learn about the Hawaiian monarchy, or pay a visit to Polynesian Cultural Center to experience the traditional cultural heritage of various Pacific Island nations. From March 10-12, check out the Honolulu Festival, a celebration of food, film, dance and crafts of the Hawaiian islands. Families will also love the Keiki Street Festival on March 11, a block party aimed at teaching elementary school-aged children about Hawaiian culture.

Hit the hiking trails

There are many opportunities for hiking in the lush landscape of Oahu. For an adventure close to Waikiki, you can tour Diamond Head Crater, a dormant volcano with stunning views of Honolulu and the Pacific Ocean. For more hiking adventures, hike up Koko Head trail, a popular hike up the extinct volcano which offers stunning views of the island’s shoreline, including Diamond Head and Waikiki. Explore nearby Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve for sweeping views of Koko Head, and a beach known for amazing snorkeling.

Go whale watching

Humpback whales migrate past the Hawaiian islands from December through early May, so your spring break vacation is the perfect time to book a whale watching tour. Whale watching tours depart from Waikiki and other harbors on the south and western side of Oahu. Schedule a whale watching tour with your group and enjoy a magical experience!

Take a tour of Pearl Harbor

Pay your respects to those who gave their lives during WWII with a visit to the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor and learn more about the tragic event that impacted the entire world. The site itself is free to visit, but there are also many guided tours offering an immersive and educational experience for an extra fee.

Visit the Waikiki Aquarium

Get up close and personal with over 3,000 species of fish and marine wildlife at Waikiki Aquarium. This family-friendly aquarium is known for its extensive tropical fish collection, as well as educational exhibits focused on marine conservation and interactive daily feedings.

Explore the Waikiki food scene

From street food stalls to incredible five star restaurants, Waikiki has something for everyone. A great lunch can be found at Barefoot Beach Cafe, a casual oceanfront restaurant at the end of Waikiki Beach. For a sweet treat after your day on Waikiki Beach, head to Banan for delicious ice cream made from bananas. For dinner with a spectacular view, try Orchids or La Mer for fine dining, or opt for Duke’s Waikiki for a more casual dining experience. After dinner, enjoy live music at one of Honolulu’s many bars and nightclubs for an unforgettable evening.

No matter what type of activities you’re looking for during your spring break trip to Waikiki, there’s no shortage of things to do. Novation Realty offers nearly 50 Waikiki Beach condo rentals, with excellent views and a convenient location. Book your vacation rental with Novation today and make some amazing memories this spring break in Waikiki!