Waikiki Events & Festivals

Best Waikiki Beach Events: Yearly, Monthly & Weekly Highlights

Waikiki Beach offers a wide range of exciting events throughout the year, from annual festivals to weekly and monthly gatherings that provide something for everyone. Whether you’re drawn to lively music and food festivals, local art displays, or unique stargazing activities, there’s always something going on. These events highlight the island’s rich culture, traditions, and natural beauty, for all who visit. With so much to enjoy, these activities are just a few of the things that make Waikiki a must-visit destination no matter the season. Top Annual Events at Waikiki Beach Waikiki Beach hosts some of the most anticipated annual events in Hawaii, bringing people together to celebrate the island’s unique culture. These yearly festivities, ranging from music and food festivals to ocean sports competitions, make Waikiki a highly sought-after destination year-round. Waikiki Hoolaulea The Waikiki Hoolaulea is a vibrant, annual block party held in September as part of the Aloha Festival, celebrating Hawaiian music, food, and culture. The event takes over Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki, with live performances by local musicians, hula dancers, and a variety of traditional Hawaiian and island-inspired food booths. It’s a lively celebration that brings both locals and visitors together to enjoy the spirit of […]

Waikiki Events & Festivals

Best Hula Shows in Waikiki: Free & Paid Experiences

In Hawaii, hula is a powerful form of storytelling that preserves the deep history and traditions of the Hawaiians through dance. Waikiki offers many hula shows, providing visitors with a chance to experience the vibrant culture of Hawaii firsthand. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to the islands, each show has something meaningful to offer. From ancient traditions to modern interpretations, hula connects the dancers with their audience through the stories they share. Let’s explore some of the most popular free and paid hula shows in Waikiki. Free Hula Shows in Waikiki Waikiki offers several free hula shows, giving visitors a chance to experience Hawaiian culture through dance and music. Here are a some of the best admission-free performances that celebrate the beauty and spirit of the islands: Kuhio Beach Hula Show The Kuhio Beach Hula Show provides a true taste of Hawaiian culture right on the shores of Waikiki. This outdoor event takes place on Saturdays and the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month, featuring performances by Hawaii’s top Hula dancers. The show kicks off with the traditional blowing of the conch shell, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening of hula and live music. […]

Waikiki food

Top 5 Chinese Restaurants in Waikiki: A Culinary Adventure

Waikiki isn’t just famous for its stunning beaches and vibrant energy — it’s also a food lover’s paradise. Among the mix of global cuisines, Chinese food stands out for its bold flavors, rich history, and comforting dishes. Whether you’re after a quick, delicious meal or an indulgent dining experience, the Chinese restaurants in Waikiki promise to deliver memorable flavors. Join us as we explore the top five Chinese restaurants in Waikiki, each offering a unique culinary experience that is sure to satisfy every palate. Tim Ho Wan Tim Ho Wan, a renowned name in the world of dim sum, has brought its Michelin-starred expertise to Waikiki. Originally from Hong Kong, the restaurant is known for its delicious and expertly crafted dim sum that doesn’t break the bank. The modern, inviting atmosphere makes it perfect for enjoying a meal with family or friends. What sets Tim Ho Wan apart is its Michelin star, a rare distinction for a dim sum restaurant, signaling its dedication to quality. Popular dishes like the BBQ pork bun, shrimp dumplings, and steamed egg cake showcase the perfect balance of flavor and texture. With an affordable price point and a stellar reputation, Tim Ho Wan is a […]

Waikiki Experiences

The Best Adrenaline Rushing Adventures in Waikiki

The Hawaiian Islands boast fresh tropical fruits, bountiful farmers’ markets, and restaurant menus offering vegetarian dishes with locally sourced ingredients. So, whether you’re a vegetarian, or just looking to eat healthy in the islands, you’ll find no shortage of healthy plant-based meals in Waikiki. In this FIRST CABIN INTERNATIONAL HAWAII edition, we share where to find the best vegetarian restaurants in Waikiki. natuRe Waikiki 413 Seaside Avenue #2FHours: 5:30 pm to 10 pm. When you’re looking for a special treat, book a table in the dining room or at the Chef’s Counter to experience the 6-course vegan tasting menu. In the kitchen is Chef Nae Ogawa, known for her fermentation techniques, artistic details, and sustainable approach to dining. The bar area offers an a la carte menu, daily specials, and a casual dining experience. Nalu Health Bar 226 Lewers St.Hours: 7 am to 8 pm. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner with fresh, local, and organic ingredients. Try award-winning acai bowls in the heart of Waikiki with vibrantly decorated walls featuring Punky Aloha’s art. There are vegan baked goods, gluten-free options, and tons of vegetarian dishes including juices, smoothies, salads, and wraps. Barefoot Beach Cafe 2699 Kalakaua AvenueHours: 8 am – […]

Waikiki Shopping

Where to Find Locally Owned Businesses in Waikiki

Waikiki is a beautiful paradise that welcomes over 4 million people each year. Nestled along Pacific shores, the little city is lined with big-name stores and designer brands but Hawaii is home to talented artisans and ambitious entrepreneurs. By shopping locally and supporting small businesses, you support the local economy while discovering unique products! It’s a win-win! There are so many locally owned businesses and in this First Cabin Hawaii edition, we highlight a few standouts and where to find them in Waikiki! Best Local Stores & Small Businesses in Waikiki Kealopiko Store Info Address: 3128 B Monsarrat Avenue Opening Hours: Wednesday to Saturday 11 am to 6 pm & Sunday 12 pm to 5 pm Fashion can be beautiful and intentional, since 2006 Kealopiko’s been designing goods inspired by Hawaii’s nature, culture, and people. The ALL Aloha line is made on Molokai. Cruise by the storefront to shop stylish pieces including pareus, clothing, and hand-shaped Hoku Surfboards. House of Mana Up Store Info Address: Royal Hawaiian Center, 2201 Kalakaua Ave. Space A212 Opening Hours: 10 am to 9 pm daily Shop local gifts and products in this curated store featuring Hawaii businesses like Kahuku Farms, Hanalei Beauty, Aloha de […]

Waikiki Experiences

Cycling in Waikiki: Best Bike Routes, Rentals & Safety Tips

Renowned for its beautiful beaches, stunning views of Diamond Head, and vibrant culture, Waikiki is also a paradise for cycling. By pedaling the Honolulu neighborhood’s top bike routes, you can immerse yourself in the breathtaking coastal scenery, seeing more in less time than you could if you were on foot, all while getting some fun exercise at the same time. Of course, if you’ve never been cycling in Waikiki before, you’ll want to know which bike routes are the best and where to find rentals to ensure the most memorable rides. Living and working here in Waikiki, we’ve explored many of them allowing us to put together this guide based on local insight, with valuable tips included to help you confidently navigate those scenic paths. Among these top bike routes in Waikiki, you’re sure to find one that inspires you to pedal! Best Bike Routes in Waikiki The Waikiki Beachfront Path Spanning approximately two miles, the Waikiki Beachfront Path is a great place to start your pedaling. It runs parallel to the sun-kissed shores of Waikiki Beach, starting near the waterfront Duke Kahanamoku statue, and it travels toward Diamond Head. You’ll enjoy spectacular views of the beachfront with the crater […]

Waikiki Experiences

Top Surfing Beaches in Waikiki + Where to Rent & Learn

What started as wave riding centuries ago in Polynesia has become a worldwide obsession, compelling surfers to chase waves across the globe. While there’s no consensus as to exactly which island it began, there’s no doubt that Hawaii is its birthplace with surfing now synonymous with Waikiki. Olympic gold-medal swimmer and the father of modern-day surfing Duke Kahanamoku hailed from Waikiki and introduced the sport to the world. In more recent times, countless surf-curious visitors have gotten their first introduction to surfing, taking lessons here with notoriously calm conditions ideal for beginners. While Waikiki is a great place to learn, there are also options for intermediate to advanced surfers. Whether you’re looking to try out the sport or have plenty of experience, this guide compiled using local insight reveals the top surfing beaches in Waikiki for every level, along with where to rent your gear or take surfing lessons. Best Surf Spots in Waikiki Queen’s Surf Located east of Kuhio Beach Park in the heart of Waikiki just a half-mile from Waikiki Business Plaza, ideal for guests staying at FIRST CABIN INTERNATIONAL HAWAII HOTEL, Queen’s Surf is ideal for learning. The waves here are typically small and consistent although long-boarders […]

Waikiki Experiences

Scenic Stops on Oahu’s Best Road Trip from Waikiki

Oahu may best be known for world-famous Waikiki Beach with its sun-kissed sands and epic waves for surfing, but the island boasts stunning scenery throughout. From the lush emerald valleys in the Koolau Mountains to the north shore’s dramatic coastal cliffs, there’s no better way to explore it than with a road trip. Discover secluded sandy coves, sweeping ocean vistas, hidden waterfalls, and a wealth of renowned filming sites with nearly 80 TV series and movies shot here from “Jurassic Park” and “50 First Dates” to “Hawaii Five-O.” Traveling from FIRST CABIN INTERNATIONAL HAWAII in Waikiki to the North Shore is really a must, but with multiple routes to choose from, you’ll want to enjoy the most picturesque. Living and working here in Waikiki, we’ve explored them all so we can reveal the most scenic stops on what’s widely regarded as the very best road trip on Oahu. If you leave early in the morning you can do the entire loop back to Waikiki enjoying the scenic stops along the way that we’ve outlined in the best Oahu road trip below in a day. Best Oahu Road Trip from Waikiki The most scenic Oahu road trip starts in what may […]

Waikiki food

6 Best Japanese Eateries to Visit in Waikiki’s Stix Asia Food Hall

Hawaii is home to a significant population of Japanese-Americans. Combined with the significant number of Japanese tourists that visit every year, it’s no surprise that there is a strong demand for authentic Japanese food here. You’ll find many Japanese eateries throughout Oahu and beyond, including Waikiki. Stix Asia is one of the hottest spots for Asian fare as one of the most popular food halls in Waikiki. It hosts 17 restaurants at the Waikiki Shopping Plaza, including many that serve delicious Japanese dishes. These six Japanese eateries at Stix are all worth sampling while exploring Honolulu’s world-famous neighborhood of Waikiki. Baikohken Ramen Restaurant Info Opening Hours: 11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. Price Range: $20-30 Baikohken Ramen is renowned for its noodle dishes, including authentic miso ramen. The ramen house was birthed in 1969 in Ashahikwaa just outside of Sapporo. It became so popular that it’s now a chain across Japan and multiple other countries. In fact, it was even recognized by Michelin in 2012 and 2017 in its Hokkaido guide. The Waikiki location at Stix Asia Food Hall was the very first to open in the U.S., allowing Oahu residents and visitors to enjoy the restaurant’s signature broth, made with […]

Waikiki food

Best Mexican Food in Waikiki: Restaurants & Food Trucks You Must Try

Vacation days are synonymous with beach days, ocean dips, and tropical cocktails. There’s nothing quite like a freshly made margarita, and in the islands, you’ll find abundant tropical fruits to sweeten the deal. The mangos, pineapples, dragon fruits, and avocados add fresh flavors to salsas and drinks. And, nothing pairs better with a margarita than Mexican food. O’ahu is packed with tasty Mexican cuisine from traditional dishes and street tacos to vegan bites and variations inspired by local food. In this FIRST CABIN INTERNATIONAL HAWAII HOTEL post, we’re hooking you up with the best Mexican food in Waikiki and the surrounding areas. So, when hunting for a good Mexican restaurant, you’ll know where to go! Top Mexican Restaurants to Try in Waikiki Craving street-style tacos or a breakfast burrito? These spots have the freshest Mexican bites in and around Waikiki Beach. For a local twist, order fresh ahi tacos and a Li Hing Mui Margarita. Buho Cocina y Cantina Restaurant Info Address: 2250 Kalākaua Avenue #525 Phone Number: (808) 922-2846 Opening Hours: Monday, Wednesday & Sunday from 5 pm to 11 pm. Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday from 5 pm to 2 am. This rooftop bar and restaurant has skyline […]