Waikiki Experiences

Diving in Waikiki: From Top Dive Sites to Tours

Waikiki is famous for its stunning beaches, surfing, and vibrant nightlife, but it also boasts some of the world’s best diving experiences. This Honolulu paradise is a haven for seasoned and new divers alike who can look forward to exploring the incredible underwater landscapes and treasure trove of marine life. From thriving coral reefs to historic shipwrecks, there’s a unique adventure to be had at each dive site. With convenient access to the ocean and all of its beauty living and working in Waikiki, we’ve put together this guide to ensure an unforgettable diving experience. Take a journey with us as we explore the depths of the top Waikiki diving sites, dive center tours, the marine life you might see, and the best time of year for the activity. Why Waikiki is a Top Destination for Divers Waikiki stands out as a premier destination for divers due to its diverse underwater environments, abundance of marine life, outstanding visibility, and accessible dive sites. The proximity of numerous dive spots, ranging from shallow, gentle reefs ideal for beginners to more challenging wreck dives for experienced enthusiasts, means that the Waikiki area caters to divers of all skill levels. There are dozens of […]

Waikiki Day Trip Ideas: Explore Oahu’s Hidden Gems Beyond the Beach

The island of O’ahu is 44 miles (71 km) long and 30 miles (48 km) across. It’s not a large island, making it possible to adventure all over. While you could easily spend your entire vacation exploring Waikiki Beach, it’s a great idea to plan some day trips and experience the different parts of O’ahu! From the famous North Shore waves and windward’s luscious Ko’olau Mountains to swimming with sharks and local farm tours, there’s so much to see and do. Join us in this FIRST CABIN INTERNATIONAL HAWAII post as we explore some of the best day trips from Waikiki. Top Attractions Close to Waikiki Perfect for a Quick Day Trip The island’s southern coast is just south of Waikiki. Traveling along the Kalanianaole Highway, you can experience breathtaking viewpoints, gorgeous beaches, and epic snorkeling. To the north of Waikiki are important historical monuments, Aulani Disney Resort, and a newly constructed waterpark. No matter what you’re in the mood for, there are fun attractions less than an hour from Waikiki. Here are a few of our favorite day trip adventures! Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail, Waimanalo This trail offers three hiking experiences: easy, moderate, or challenging. Choose […]

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 – […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Things to Do on a Rainy Day in Waikiki

The Hawaiian Islands have year-round spectacular weather but every once in a while there are rainy days! Have no fear, a little break from the sunshine is a good thing, and there’s more to do on Waikiki than just go to the beach. In this FIRST CABIN INTERNATIONAL HAWAII post, we’re sharing our top things to do on a rainy day in Hawaii Nei. Food & Beverage Adventures on a Rainy Day in Waikiki Manoa Chocolate Tour 333 Uluniu St #103 Go on a bean-to-bar journey and learn about handcrafted chocolate. Manoa Chocolate has been striving to make the world’s most delicious chocolate using ethically sourced cacao beans since 2010. The Chocolate Tasting Room and Natural Wine Bar in Kailua offers factory tours, educational experiences, live music, and tastings with Chocolate Sommeliers. Tour the chocolate farm on the North Shore, and while you’re up there, check out the neighboring farms like Hua Orchards and Sweet Land Farm! Kohana Rum Tasting 92-1770 Kunia Rd #221 Sip on the locally produced Hawaiian agricole rum at the Kohana Rum Tasting Room. Visit the distillery for rum tastings and explore the sugarcane garden and barrel house. Tours run daily and walk-ins are welcome. After […]

The Best Boat Tours and Cruises in Waikiki

Discover the magic of the islands from the ocean! Take your vacation to the next level with a boat cruise in Waikiki because there’s nothing like being out on the glistening blue sea. Experience the stunning coastline and picture-perfect views of the iconic Diamond Head from the water during the day, at sunset hour, or for the Friday night fireworks show. There are so many options, so we created this FIRST CABIN INTERNATIONAL HAWAII post to share Waikiki’s best boat tours and cruises. Waikiki Snorkeling Tours & Boat Cruises Snorkel Bob’s Leaves from: Slip F28 Kewalo Basin Harbor. Climb aboard the Honu Lani Catamaran to get up close and personal with honus (green sea turtles). Soak up the sun, relax in the cabin, or jump into the Pacific Ocean to explore the marine life. The boat ventures offshore from Waikiki Beach to Turtle Canyon, and the tour includes a post-cruise picnic lunch with cocktails! This 65-foot catamaran accommodates 30 people and runs daily from 11 am to 2 pm (except Wednesdays). Seeing turtles is guaranteed, so if you don’t, go again, free of charge! Moana’s Sunset Cocktail Sail Hop aboard at: Kewalo Basin Harbor. Moana means ocean in Hawaiian, and […]

Where to Find the Best Hikes Near Waikiki

The Hawaiian Islands have it all: glistening ocean waters, lush tropical jungles, and year-round good weather that enables various outdoor activities. Yes, there’s amazing swimming, snorkeling, and surfing—but when you’re craving a break from the sun, head to the mountains! Whether you’re an avid hiker or just hoping to walk in nature, there’s a trail for you. In this First Cabin International Hawaii post, we share the best hikes near Waikiki Beach from jungle loops to impressive waterfalls. So, pack your hiking shoes and reusable water bottles—O’ahu has some incredible hiking trails waiting for you! Waterfall Hikes Near Waikiki Waikiki stretches along O’ahu’s southwestern coast. Although the draw is usually the beach and the ocean, great hiking is nearby—and some trails even lead to waterfalls. Below are three of Oahu’s most popular waterfall hikes. Mānoa Falls Trail This is one of the easiest hikes to reach from Waikiki. Located in the back of Mānoa Valley, this well-maintained trail winds through jungle and bamboo forest, ending at a picturesque waterfall. It’s under two miles and takes about an hour to complete. There’s paid parking and it can be muddy with slight elevation gain. Next door is the Lyon Arboretum, and nearby […]

Best Place To Watch the Sunset In Waikiki

Waikiki is a paradise for beach enthusiasts, surfers, and sunset lovers. Visitors can enjoy a grand finale every evening as the sky transforms into a stunning palette of oranges, pinks, and purples. It’s one of Mother Nature’s greatest works of art—whether you watch it from the beach, a rooftop bar, a catamaran cruise, a helicopter, or even your hotel lounge. In this guide, we share the best places to watch a sunset in Waikiki, based on our personal experience living and working in this beautiful neighborhood. Best Places to Watch the Sunset in Waikiki There are so many great spots, you might want to try a different one each night. It’s one of the most relaxing ways to end your day in paradise. Waikiki Beach Waikiki Beach includes several smaller beaches, but one of the best sunset spots is Fort DeRussy Beach Park. It offers unobstructed views and fewer high-rises nearby. At the southern end, the boardwalk and rock seawall provide perfect perches for sunset photos. You can even enjoy a shaved ice as the sun dips below the horizon. Duke Kahanamoku Beach, at the far west end of Waikiki, also provides beautiful views facing Diamond Head. The calm water […]