Of course, there’s no single “best part” of any city, especially one as gorgeous and tourist-friendly as Honolulu. However, the most popular neighborhood on any Honolulu walking tour is pretty much always going to be Waikiki. Famous for its beaches and as the hotel and resort center of the city, Waikiki is a spot that you really shouldn’t miss on your walking tour of Honolulu.

The name “Waikīkī” means “spouting fresh water” in Hawaiian and refers to the wetlands that once separated this neighborhood from the rest of the island. When King Kamehameha I conquered the islands and unified the Kingdom of Hawaii in the late 18th century, Waikiki was named as its first capital, although that designation lasted only a year.

Throughout the next century or so, Waikiki became known as a playground for the Hawaiian royal family, who came there to surf on early longboards. Today, Waikiki maintains that legacy as the destination center of Honolulu and an important site in Hawaii’s surf culture.

For well over a century now, the beaches of Waikiki have drawn tourists from all over the world. The sand is soft and warm, and the water there is calm enough to be perfect for a novice surfer. In fact, the legendary “Duke” Kahanamoku, considered to be the father of modern surfing, grew up learning to surf right here in Waikiki. After winning a gold medal in the 1912 Olympics, Duke helped to popularize surfing in the continental US by touring up and down the coasts. He also continued to teach tourists to surf here in Waikiki. If you’re hoping to learn to catch some waves on your trip to Hawaii, this is the place to start.

To make the most of your next trip to Honolulu, check out our Self-Guided Honolulu Walking Tour, or you can sign up for Action+ and gain access to over 100 tours for a single yearly price.