Waikiki Walking Tour: Self-Guided

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671 reviews + ratings
4.8

8145 reviews + ratings

Tour Details

Tour Type: Walking
Duration: 1 - 2 Hours
Distance:1.3 Miles
Audio Stories: 22+
Purchase Qty: One Per Person
Tour At Your Own Pace
Tour Anytime, Any Day
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Welcome to the Waikiki Walking Tour

The surf’s always up with this Waikiki Walking Tour neighbourhood of Honolulu! Stroll along the shimmering sand of Waikiki Beach and take in the vibrancy of Hawaii’s famed shoreline. Along the way, you’ll uncover Waikiki’s surfing legacy and follow the riveting life story of Duke Kahanamoku, the man who spread surfing around the world! Plus, find a murder mystery at Waikiki’s first hotel, learn about Hawaiian royalty, and so much more in our tour of Honolulu Waikiki.

About the Tour

Your tour begins at Battery Randolph, where you’ll uncover a little-known chapter in Hawaii’s military history. Next, you’ll proceed to the scenic Waikiki Oceanfront Stroll to absorb breathtaking views of the Pacific.

Wander along the white sand and dive into the origins of surfing, originally a sport of kings. Then delve into local lore and traditions when you visit Kavehevehe and revisit Hawaiian history with the true tale of Princess Victoria Kaiulani.

Then you’ll hear all about the wild and riveting life of Duke Kahanamoku, the father of modern surfing. Hear how he went from a nobody to one of the most famous Hawaiians to ever live.

Along the way, you’ll also witness the luxury and history of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel and uncover a sinister murder mystery at the Moana Surfrider, Waikiki’s first hotel. Next, stop by the Stones of Life and hear about their unlikely journey to this coast.

Stroll along the sands of Kūhiō Beach, soaking in the island vibes, then stop at the statue of Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole, a revered figure from Hawaiian history. At last, you’ll stroll out along the Waikiki Walkway, until you’re surrounded on three sides by the Pacific Ocean! Your tour concludes here.

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Where To Start?

We recommend Starting From: Battery Randolph, at 2141 Kālia Rd, Honolulu

How Does It Work?

Once you book a tour, you’ll get a text/email with instructions.
Download the app (while in good wifi/signal) and use your unique password to access your tours. If there are multiple versions or entrances for your tour, be sure to download all audio guides.
To begin touring, go to the starting point and launch the app.
The audio starts automatically once you reach the starting point. Stick to the tour route and speed limit for the best experience.
Please note that no one will meet you at the starting point.

What You'll See

Welcome
Start the tour by turning right onto Canal Park Drive from the Visitor Center parking lot.
Canal Park
Legend has it that the people of Duluth dug the canal in three days, but it was actually a steam dredger that did the job.
Duluth
Named after French explorer Daniel Greysolon Dulhut, who set up camp here in 1679, Duluth was rich in wildlife and fish, making it a business hub for fur traders.
Glensheen Mansion
Glensheen Mansion, built in 1908, is known for the 1977 murder of Elisabeth Congdon and her nurse, involving a family inheritance motive.
The Murder Trials
Marjorie Congdon and her husband Roger were tried for the murders. Roger was found guilty and later committed suicide; Marjorie was acquitted but had subsequent legal troubles.
Lake Superior
Lake Superior, named "Le Lac Superieur" by French explorers, holds 10% of the world's fresh water and is known as "Gitche Gumee" by Indigenous people.
Aquatic Life in Lake Superior
The lake is home to many fish species, but invasive sea lampreys have caused significant harm since their arrival in 1938.
Land of the Anishinaabe (Ojibwe)
The Ojibwe tribe, known for their birch bark canoes and wild rice harvesting, were the earliest inhabitants of this area before European settlers arrived.
Shipwrecks
Lake Superior became a vital shipping route, leading to many shipwrecks, including the schooner Nucleus in 1869. Remains of shipwrecks are still being discovered today.
Chimney Rock Winery
Chimney Rock Winery is a leader in sustainability, using renewable energy and natural predators for pest control, thanks to its ideal volcanic ash soil.
The Origin of 'Napa'
The name ‘Napa’ comes from the Wappo people and has various translations, including ‘fish,’ ‘village,’ and ‘grizzly bear.’
Napa River
The Napa River, crucial for the valley’s vineyards, was restored through a community project that reintroduced beavers, a keystone species.
Trefethen Family Vineyards
Trefethen Family Vineyards boasts the only 19th-century three-level wooden gravity flow winery in the valley, operating since 1886.
Black-Owned Wineries in Napa
Napa’s first Black-owned winery, Brown Estate, opened in 1980, paving the way for more diversity in the wine industry.
POWs in Napa
During WWII, a POW camp in Napa housed German soldiers who were put to work in the vineyards.
Festival Napa Valley
Festival Napa Valley is a summer music and arts festival, celebrated for its diverse performances and connections to local wine culture.
Sparkling Wine
Only wines from the Champagne region of France can be labeled ‘Champagne.’ Napa produces excellent sparkling wines, often labeled as brut, extra sec, demi sec, or doux based on sweetness.
Cuvaison Winery
Cuvaison Winery, located in the cooler Los Carneros region, is known for its sparkling wines and cool climate grapes like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Domaine Carneros
Domaine Carneros, founded by the Tattinger family from France, produces authentic Champagne-style sparkling wines using the méthode traditionelle.
Wine vs. Weed
Cannabis farming in Napa Valley is contentious, with debates over water usage and reputation. Some wineries are exploring cannabis partnerships.
Bliss
The iconic photograph ‘Bliss,’ the default background on Windows XP, was taken here on the border between Sonoma and Napa Counties.The Disappearance of the SS Bannockburn
Mishipeshu
The Ojibwe people believe in Mishipeshu, a mythical sea monster living in Lake Superior. This creature, part lynx and part dragon, is said to stir up storms and command other water creatures.
French River Wayside Scenic View
This scenic viewpoint offers a great spot to dip your toes in Lake Superior and learn about the history of commercial fishing through informative panels.
Longfellow’s Epic
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's "The Song of Hiawatha" celebrates the Ojibwe people and the beauty of Lake Superior, though the poet never visited the lake himself.
Coastal Forest Ecology
The unique ecosystem of the North Shore is dominated by white cedars, white pines, and spruces. These trees thrive thanks to the shallow soil and cool climate, with each species adapting to survive harsh winters.
The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald
The SS Edmund Fitzgerald sank during a fierce storm on November 10, 1975, inspiring Gordon Lightfoot's famous song. The wreck remains one of Lake Superior's most tragic and well-known disasters.
Recovery of Edmund Fitzgerald
Four days after the Edmund Fitzgerald sank, debris was found 535 feet below the surface. The wreckage was confirmed in May of the following year by an underwater vehicle.
Duluth, Missabe and Iron Range Railway
In the 1800s, iron ore was transported by the Duluth, Missabe and Iron Range Railway, thanks to pioneers like the Merritt Family, who built rail lines to support the booming iron industry.
Wildlife
This area is home to white-tailed deer, moose, black bears, woodland caribou, red foxes, and beavers. Keep your eyes peeled for these creatures as we drive!
Northern Lights & Stargazing
With minimal light pollution, this region is perfect for stargazing. During winter, you might even catch the northern lights, a stunning display of geomagnetic storms lighting up the night sky.
Pierre the Voyager
Look out for Pierre the Pantless Voyager, a 20-foot tall statue rescued by locals and relocated to this spot after his original home closed down.
Two Harbors
Once a wild town with 22 saloons in two blocks, Two Harbors tamed its rowdy reputation with the establishment of a police department and churches.
Samuel P. Ely Shipwreck
On October 29, 1896, the schooner Samuel P. Ely struggled against a storm, and despite the crew’s efforts, it wrecked near Two Harbors.
Highway 61
Highway 61, starting in New Orleans, stretches nearly 1,400 miles and follows the Mississippi River, providing scenic views along one of America’s longest roads.
Minnesota's State Gem
Lake Superior agate, Minnesota's state gem, formed over a billion years ago and features beautiful red or orange bands created by iron.
Silver Creek Cliff Tunnel
Completed in the 1990s, the Silver Creek Cliff Tunnel was a precise construction project that replaced a dangerous cliffside road with a safe passageway.
SS America
In June 1928, the SS America struck a reef under the inexperienced command of First Mate John Wick, ending its journey abruptly.
The Encampment
The Encampment, a private summer resort for the wealthy, protects the last old-growth forest in Minnesota, undisturbed by logging.
The Fire of 1918
A devastating fire in October 1918, sparked by a passing train, destroyed 38 towns and claimed 453 lives, leaving a lasting impact on the region.
Colors of Fall
In September, the leaves transform into vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges as trees stop producing chlorophyll, showcasing the region's stunning fall foliage.
Pancake Ice
Pancake ice forms on Lake Superior in temperatures between 20 and 32 degrees, creating circular ice pads that resemble pancakes.
Gooseberry Falls State Park
Gooseberry Falls State Park, named by the Ojibwe, offers hiking, camping, and picnicking opportunities amid a landscape rich with gooseberries.
The Gales of November
The Gales of November bring dangerous winds and waves, making it a perilous time for sailors, as experienced by the Edmund Fitzgerald.
Lona's Beach
Lona’s Beach, covered in pink rhyolite and felsite stones, showcases the geological history from volcanic eruptions a billion years ago.
The Madeira Shipwreck
In the Mataafa Storm of November 28, 1905, the schooner-barge Madeira crashed into Gold Rock, but crewman Fred Benson heroically saved his crewmates.
Construction of the Lighthouse
Built in 1909, Split Rock Lighthouse required workers to hoist 310 tons of materials up a 110-foot cliff using a pulley system.
Scenic Overlook Split Rock Lighthouse
The overlook offers a perfect photo spot of the Split Rock Lighthouse, one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world.
Life at the Lighthouse
The first keeper, Orren “Pete” Young, lived in isolation, maintaining the Split Rock Lighthouse and ensuring ships’ safety from May to December.

Tour FAQs

This tour takes you along the famous Waikiki Beach, explores the area’s surfing legacy, and visits iconic landmarks such as the Duke Kahanamoku statue.

The tour begins near the iconic Duke Kahanamoku statue, easily recognizable along Waikiki Beach.

It typically lasts between 1 to 2 hours, depending on your pace and how much time you spend at each stop.

The tour delves into Waikiki’s transformation from a marshland to a global icon of tourism and its deep-rooted surfing culture, including the influence of Duke Kahanamoku.

Yes, the tour is family-friendly with engaging stories and easy walking paths that children can enjoy.

Yes, the self-guided nature of the tour allows you to start at any time, though early morning or late afternoon are recommended to avoid the heat.

Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, water, and a camera are recommended for a pleasant tour experience.

Waikiki is filled with a variety of dining options ranging from casual eateries to fine dining restaurants, all within easy walking distance of the tour path.

The tour is available for purchase on the website; the price includes access to all audio guides and offline navigation features.

While the tour focuses on walking and history, it does pass several beach access points where you can stop to relax or swim.

Highlights for photography include the Duke Kahanamoku statue, panoramic views from Waikiki Beach, and the historic architecture along Kalakaua Avenue.

Yes, the tour can be downloaded to your mobile device and accessed offline, allowing you to enjoy the experience without needing an internet connection.

The tour shares unique anecdotes about famous visitors, legendary surf stories, and Waikiki’s development over the decades.

Yes, the paths and sidewalks in Waikiki are well-suited for wheelchairs and strollers, making it accessible for everyone.

Public restrooms are available at several points along the beach and near major shopping areas in Waikiki.