Located directly in front of the charming and historic Royal Hawaiian Hotel as well as the Royal Moana and the Outrigger Waikiki, this beautiful white-sand beach is enjoyed by swimmers and sunbathers as well as surfers who enjoy the waves offshore.
As you relax on the soft sand you can enjoy great views of Diamond Head and then wade into sparkling blue waters that are among the warmest in Waikiki. The shallow bottom slopes gradually out to sea, making it enjoyable for all ages. The pink Royal Hawaiian Hotel with its early architectural style and mission-style bell towers create a pleasant atmosphere that takes you back in time to the early days of historic Waikiki. The nearby beach activity center operated by the Outrigger Waikiki offers outrigger canoe rides, surfing lessons and more, while the benches, food concessions, and restrooms make this a popular place for people to gather. Directly offshore are the famous surfing spots called Queens and Canoes, and just to the east is the statue of Olympic gold medalist and Hawaiian hero Duke Kahanamoku.
Great For
Swimming, sunbathing, people watching, canoe rides, surfing.
Highlights
The Royal Hawaiian Beach is beautiful on moonlit nights when a silver glow is cast upon the water and the golden sands. Lay a blanket on the sand and drift away into Hawaiian dreams.
Need to Know
Beginning in the 1920s there was a group of Hawaiian surfers and watermen who shared their cultural and surfing knowledge with guests who came from around the world to stay at the Royal Hawaiian and Moana hotels. They were known as The Beach Boys and included the famous surfer and Olympic champion swimmer Duke Kahanamoku. If you are interested in history consider taking a historic tour of either the 1927 Royal Hawaiian Hotel or the 1901 Moana. Both have rich histories hearkening back to the early days of Waikiki.
Lifeguard
A lifeguard tower is located at Central Waikiki Beach near the Waikiki Police substation.
Facilities
Restrooms, showers, and food concessions are located at numerous spots along the beach on Kalakaua Avenue. Royal Hawaiian Beach also has canoe and surfboard rentals as well as benches, making it a favorite place for people to congregate.
Access
Along Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki.