Spring Break in Waikiki Hawaii: Where to Stay, What to Do 2022
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Note: Please take note of current travel restrictions due to Covid-19, as state mandates change often and may affect your travel plans. In 2020, the state initiated the Safe Travels Hawaii program, which delegates a five-day self-quarantine upon arrival in Hawaii. The self-quarantine can be bypassed with a vaccination passport or negative test taken within 72 hours prior to the final leg of the trip. For the most up-to-date info on travel restrictions and information regarding Covid-19, check the state’s official page.
Heading to Hawaii for Spring Break is guaranteed to be a great time. Waikiki remains a top destination for a springtime vacation due to its world class shopping, dining, nightlife, and outdoor adventures, truly offering something for everyone. Whether you plan to take it easy and relax on the gorgeous white sand beaches, or you are going to kick it into high gear and do everything the island has to offer, Waikiki will be your base!
Start planning your vacation now by checking out these hotel picks, best nightlife choices, and outdoor adventures that you really can’t miss!
Best Hotels in Waikiki
Hilton Hawaiian Village
2005 Kalia Road, Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96815
The Hilton is a landmark hotel of Waikiki, a little world of itself. It offers live entertainment, a beautifully-curated village of shopping options, two pools, dining, and its own lagoon directly in front of the ocean. Technically, you never need to leave the Hilton property to have all of your wants fulfilled during your spring break! The sprawling oceanfront property lies near the Ala Moana Harbor and is known to be family-friendly.
Book your Stay: Hilton Hawaii Village
Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort
2335 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96815-2941
The Outrigger is a popular and lively accommodation choice in the heart of downtown Waikiki and perched conveniently at the foot of the beach. The top-rated amenities will keep you happy and busy with its oceanfront pools, dining, music, and proximity to the rest of Waikiki.
Book Your Stay: Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort
Prince Waikiki
100 Holomoana Street, Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96815-1436
Prince Waikiki is a glamorous hotel option for those looking to stay in style in Waikiki. It is on the edge of the Ala Wai Boat Harbor, so it has gorgeous views of the Pacific and the sailboats that explore it. The luxurious rooftop infinity pool that overlooks the harbor is certainly the hotel’s crown jewel, but the Prince also boasts artful dining and other great amenities.
Book Your Stay: Prince Waikiki
Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach
2490 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96815-3240
A very attractive and modern hotel choice, the Alohilani is beachside and has all the amenities you could wish for in Hawaii. It is complete with a coffee bar staged with a magnificent, huge aquarium, restaurant, lively rooftop bar, and lovely rooftop infinity pool. Its location can’t be beat, as it rests in the heart of Waikiki!
Book Your Stay: Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach
Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa
2365 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96815-5041
An iconic hotel seemingly built on the white crystal sands, Moana Surfrider is recognized as one of the most gorgeous and classiest of accommodations with elegant taste and beautiful architecture. Its courtyard hosts a classic restaurant, beach bar, and frequent live music, all enveloped by a massive, awe-inspiring banyan tree, within feet of the Pacific Ocean.
Book Your Stay: Moana Surfrider
Best Bars in Waikiki
There is never a dull moment come sundown in Waikiki. From live music to karaoke to beach bars to tiki vibes to rooftop poolside bars to dives, Waikiki has something that will entertain everyone. There is a great mix of casual and luxurious, so whether you are dressed to the nines or still wearing your swimsuit and have sand in your hair, Waikiki has got you covered.
SKY Waikiki - Raw & Bar
2270 Kalakaua Ave Fl 19, Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96815-2519
As you can guess, SKY Waikiki has you floating on the Oahu skyline. A beautiful rooftop bar, Skybar is your destination for a glamorous night out on the upscale side of Waikiki. Frequent live music, a great dining and drink selection, and a hidden back-room bar supplements the stunning rooftop ambience.
Maui Brewing Co. Waikiki
2300 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96815-5049
Maui Brewing Co. is always a good time and favorite stop. Located in the heart of downtown Waikiki, it is very accessible, sits atop an open rooftop space, has a huge beer selection and great menu, and always promises great vibes.
Tropics Ale House Waikiki
1778 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96815-1605
A neighborhood favorite and dive-feel space, Tropics Ale House is tucked away and hosts live music and weekly events, such as trivia on Wednesdays. It’s a casual but bustling place that has a good menu and fun social atmosphere, with darts and pool in the back.
Playbar
One of the few dance clubs in downtown Waikiki, there is usually a line out of the door on weekends to get in. Kick the party up a notch at Playbar!
Yard House
226 Lewers Street #l148, Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96815-1941
An eternally-popping joint, this is a bustling, open air space with booths and a bar, boasting a great menu and drink selection. Check it out for dinner and stay for drinks afterwards!
Arnold’s Beach Pub
339 Saratoga Rd, Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96815-1932
An intimate and local space, Arnold’s Beach Bar promotes itself as the last real tiki bar on Oahu. Arnold’s is tucked away and will certainly have you soaking in tiki vibes.
WorkPlay Hawaii
An upscale space with an eclectic, sophisticated flair, Workplay is one of the best places on Oahu for live music. You get away from the crowds of Waikiki, as it sits in the hip neighborhood of Kaka’ako, and you’re more likely to mingle with locals here than in downtown Waikiki.
Scarlet
If you came for a good time, not a long time, Scarlet is a bar that keeps the party going, featuring drag shows and two dance floors. It is in the heart of Chinatown, a quick Uber away from Waikiki.
The Tchin Tchin! Bar
Seek Tchin Tchin out if you want a quiet, upscale atmosphere that is close to the party, but is more reserved for classy, cleverly-concocted drinks. This wine bar is in downtown Chinatown, a few steps away from other great bars and clubs.
Outdoor Adventures
Putting aside the nightlife and great social atmosphere that Waikiki offers, the Hawaiian outdoors is incredible. Adventuring in a place as stunning as Oahu makes an amazing experience, and you should absolutely check out as many of these opportunities as time permits. Each will create a lasting memory for you and your friends this spring break!
Surfing
No vacation in Hawaii is complete without a surfing attempt, successful or not. Waikiki has many beginner-friendly breaks, a ton of rental places, and many opportunities for surfing lessons. I really recommend taking a surfing lesson while you are there; your surf instructor will have you standing up on the board sooner than you think!
Book: Surfing Lessons on Waikiki Beach
Hiking
Hiking on Oahu is like nowhere else. Lush bamboo forests, steep cliffs and drop-offs, staggering climbs and peaks, ankle-deep mud, waterfalls and natural pools. Popular hiking trails near Waikiki include Manoa Falls, Lanikai Pillbox, Diamondhead Crater, and Koko Crater Trail, to name a few. For more of the top-rated hikes on Oahu, take a look at
Read more: 10 Best Hikes On Oahu.
Snorkeling
Snorkeling on Oahu is a must. You can find rental gear throughout the city easily, and heading out into the turquoise waters to explore is such a treat. The reefs are home to tons of little sea creatures, dolphins, whales, and sea turtles. Watch out for sea urchins on reefs. If you can get out of Waikiki, try to snorkel at Electric Beach or Hanauma Bay State Park.
Book: Snorkel Waikiki
Sunset Sail Tour
At sunset, the Waikiki skyline is peppered with sailboats, taking travelers out into the glorious sunset via water. Sunset sails can vary greatly in price, depending on the size of the boat, but if you are looking for a moderately-priced option, check out Prince Kuhio Tours. There is nothing like seeing Waikiki from a distance, with the mountains and tropical forests rising in the background behind the glittering city!
Book: Sunset Sail Tour
A few more words about Spring Break in Waikiki
Expect long lines, wait times, and crowds during Spring Break. March and early April are some of the busiest times of the year due to Spring Break-ers who flock to paradise.
You should also take note of current travel restrictions due to Covid-19, as state mandates change every so often and may affect your travel plans. In 2020, the state initiated the Safe Travels Hawaii program, which delegates a five-day self-quarantine upon arrival in Hawaii. The self-quarantine can be bypassed with a vaccination passport or negative test taken within 72 hours prior to the final leg of the trip. For the most up-to-date info on travel restrictions and information regarding Covid-19, check the state’s official page!
Make sure to include specific itineraries on your list! If you are looking for a more extreme adventure, you could try out cage diving with sharks, cliff jumping, or skydiving. You could also check out any number of botanical island gardens, the Dole Plantation, and the other sides of the island.
Get ready for the spring break of a lifetime!