Surfer girl around the world 
10 things to do in Waikiki, Oahu, Hawaii
I have been traveling to Hawaii almost every year, especially on the island of Oahu. I always spend several weeks and sometimes even a few months there, for surfing and more. I know this island almost as Montreal’s island in Canada, my hometown. For my first text in English, I will tell you about my 10 favorite things to do in Waikiki Beach ! I’m a French Canadian and probably I’ll make mistakes, then… as a true Canadian… I would like to say sorry about that, before you read this…
10 things to do in Waikiki, Oahu, Hawaii
Learn surfing
Yes, I’m a surf junkie, a longboard girl and consequently wants to surf everyday in Waikiki, Hawaii. When I’m there, I surf everyday or almost … Many will say that Waikiki Beach isn’t the best place to practice surfing because there are a lot of people on the waves, it’s true. But Waikiki has more than 20 surf spots and so, if you’re a bit resourceful, you can find them. It’s for me, the best place in the world for people whose loves surfing on a longboard.
Waikiki is also the perfect place to learn surfing. You can even leave the Oahu’s island with pictures of you riding a wave. There are many surf schools that I love, the best place is with Ohana Surf Project. I improved my surf’s technique with Sean and I love all his teams. For me, they’re the best on the island.
There are also other surf schools and they are located very close to the most popular waves of Waikiki on the beach.
All locations offer surf lessons in group or private, SUP lessons, rental surfboards or SUP and also surfing out of the Waikiki Beach on Oahu Island. There are several kiosks directly on Waikiki Beach where you can rent a surfboard for very cheap price if you know surfing, if you don’t need to take lessons.
Lulu’s Waikiki
Lulu’s is my headquarters when I’m in Waikiki. Whenever friends come to Hawaii when I’m there, they quickly adopt this place, just like me. It’s a resto-bar with a surf spirit and you have a view on the beach of Waikiki. It’s one of the best place to see the sunset while drinking a very good Mai Tai. The plates are generous and the menu is varied and not too expensive. The restaurant Lulu’s Waikiki is open all day, from breakfast to dinner. The Happy Hour is from 3 pm to 5 pm and in the evening there are small acoustic shows. On Monday night they turn into a nightclub with DJ and on Sunday afternoons you can listen American football on tv. There are surfboards everywhere, televisions with surfing competitions or movies, stunning views of the sunset, several choices of Hawaiian beer and microbrewery. I’m almost there every day. Foodie time !
Ruffage Natural Foods
Hawaii is the 50th state in the United States, so eating well at low prices and especially avoiding the fast foods isn’t easy. I strongly suggest this healthy restaurant The Ruffage Natural Foods. I’m in love with this avocado and ahi tuna salad. There are gluten-free options, vegetarian and vegan options, smoothies, sandwiches and much more. It’s a little place and maybe a little bit pricy for your budget but it’s one of my favorite places to eat as a foodie and surfer girl ! Foodie time !
Waikiki Farmers Market
The Waikiki Farmers Market is very great place to buy local’s stuff and it’s open every Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 4 pm to 9 pm. It’s an opportunity to buy from local producers directly some fruits and vegetables, but also to try something typical Hawaiian and Japanese. I fell in love with this mochi with coconut butter. Foodie time !
Hula’s show on Waikiki Beach
Every Tuesday, Thursdays and Saturdays at sunset, on the beach of Waikiki, there is free Hula’s show. It begins just before sunset, close to the Duke Kahanamoku statue, behind the big banyan tree on Kalakaua Avenue. You can’t miss it. It’s worth it and especially, you don’t need to go to a tourist site that offer this kind of evening at a high price and away from the city.
Diamond Head
A worthwhile excursion, at the top you can see Waikiki and Honolulu. I think there are charges if you drive there for parking, otherwise, it’s possible to go by bus. Entry to the park was $ 1 when I went there. I strongly suggest you go there in the morning at Diamond Head, because it’s very hot and it’s a desert inside the crater. Bring water, your camera and especially put on good shoes.
Rainbow Drive-In
The Rainbow Drive-In is the perfect place to taste the most famous Hawaiian dish the Loco Moco. White rice, a hamburger-patty, brown sauce a fried egg on the top and on the side some macaroni salad. There are several variations and other choices. The Rainbow Drive-In is a typical and friendly restaurant where you can eat at a good price. The locals will eat there, it’s always a good sign ! Foodie time !
Baley’s Antique and Aloha Shirt
The perfect place to buy a real Hawaiian shirt, even the famous Tom Selleck would buy his Hawaiian shirts for Magnum PI at this place. Bailey’s Antique and Aloha Shirt it’s an eclectic place where you can spend hours to shop, there are Hawaiian antiques, including the famous lamps and thousands of shirts. It’s well worth the trip and if you walk to Kapahulu Avenue to eat at the Rainbow Drive-in, this place is very close.
Leonard’s Bakery
After the Baley’s Antique and the Rainbow Drive-in, still walk on Kapahulu Avenue to eat a dessert at Leonard’s Bakery. A good malasadas, it’s a Portuguese donut quite delicious and calorific ! But after a great walk and surfing, it’s worth it. Don’t be impressed by the line-up outside, it’s still a popular place for tourists and locals. Foodie time !
Sunset Sailing in Waikiki
The classic thing to do for any trip to the tropics, it’s probably a catamaran party or just for seeing a magnificent sunset. Several options are also available on Waikiki Beach, some for partying, others on the theme of pirates and others with a romantic dinner. Just stroll down Waikiki Beach to see 2-3 and more companies that offer this kind of excursion, it’s also possible to take a Hawaiian canoe ride on the waves of Waikiki Beach. Bring your sunscreen, a hat or a cap and especially your camera.
That’s it for my first text on my English blog. Forgive me for my bad English writing, as trilingual and French Canadian, I’ll make a lot of mistake. Mahalo !
Aloha from Surfer girl around the world