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About Waikiki Walking Tours đ
Waikiki Tips & FAQ
Being "Ponoâ is all about doing the right thing and showing respect while youâre in Hawaii. Itâs something that will make your visit even more amazing!
So, what does it mean to âBe Ponoâ?
It means living with integrity, being respectful to the land, the ocean, and the people. Basically, itâs doing whatâs right, even when no oneâs watching. Itâs about being mindful of how your actions affect the beautiful islands and the community. And of course, embracing the spirit of alohaâbeing kind and caring in everything you do.
Hereâs how to âBe Ponoâ:
1. Live with Respect: Always honor the land, the culture, and the people. Think about how your actions might impact everything around you.
2. Do Whatâs Right: Follow the rules, take care of nature, and be kind to everyone you meet. Itâs simple but so important!
3. Respect the âÄina: Treat the land and ocean like itâs your own home. Keep it clean and beautiful.
4. Embrace Aloha: Show love, compassion, and respect in all your interactions. Spread those good vibes!
5. Be Mindful: Remember that your actions have an impactâleave no trace, and whenever you can, support local businesses.
Being Pono is about making sure your visit is not only fun for you but also respectful to Hawaii and its people. So letâs make this trip awesome and Pono! đş
We asked Waikiki hotels, bartenders, and servers:
âWhat do visitors always ask you?â
Hereâs what they shared:
How to use the trolley?
The Pink Line goes to Ala Moana Center. Itâs $2, and you pay on the bus. For the other lines, you need to purchase a $25 pass at the Duty-Free Store (DFS).
Where to watch Fridayâs fireworks?
â˘Â Hilton Hawaiian Village: Where theyâre launched.
â˘Â Fort DeRussy Beach Park: Up close, but crowded.
â˘Â Magic Island: Fireworks plus city lights, with fewer people.
â˘Â Barefoot Beach Cafe: Beachside food, live music, distant fireworks.
⢠Helicopter: Only if youâre a boss.
Note: You cannot see the fireworks from Waikiki Beach east of the Sheratonâtheyâre blocked by buildings.
What are the best family hikes?
â˘Â Diamond Head Crater
â˘Â Manoa Falls
â˘Â Lanikai Pillbox
â˘Â Makapuâu Lighthouse Trail
Whereâs the best pizza?
â˘Â Kelly O'Neils
â˘Â Giovanni Pastrami
â˘Â Harbor Pub
Where to get good poke?
Where to get good sushi?
Sansei & Doraku (Sansei is 1/2 OFF after 10 pm).
Howâs the udon place with the long line?
Marukame Udon is great, and the line moves fast. Try the curry + fried chicken.
Best way to get to North Shore shrimp trucks?
Drive or take a tour. The city bus takes too long.
What are the good sports bars?
Rivals, Luluâs, Giovanni Pastrami, & Legends.
Whereâs Dukeâs?
Dukeâs is in Central Waikiki Beach. Go there!
Whereâs a good tiki bar?
Cuckoo Coconuts & Arnoldâs Beach Bar in Waikiki, and La Mariana (the oldest) near the airport.
Where are the old International Marketâs kiosks?
Dukeâs Lane.
Whereâs that âpink hotelâ?
Itâs the Royal Hawaiian, located on Central Waikiki Beach.
Whereâs the Sheraton Waikiki?
Sheraton is on Waikiki Beach. Enjoy an evening drink or party later at Sheratonâs RumFire.
Do hotels have beach towels?
Most do; just ask.
Where to get coupons?
International Market Place customer service, sidewalk flyer boxes, & Waikele Outlets Information Booth.
How to get to Ala Moana Shopping Center?
Ala Moana is a 10-15 minute walk (from West Waikiki), a 25-minute bus ride, or a short taxi/Uber trip.
Where to get a good steak?
â˘Â STRIPSTEAK
â˘Â BLT STEAK
â˘Â Hyâs Steak House
â˘Â Gyu-Kaku: Cook it yourself
â˘Â Yard House: Over 100 beers on tap
â˘Â Steak Shack: Under $14, grab & go
Top Destinations from Waikiki:
Pearl Harbor
Drive: 25 min | Bus: 1 h
North Shore
Drive: 55 min | Bus: 2 h 15 min
Ala Moana Center
Drive: 6 min | Bus: 19 min
Waikele Outlets
Drive: 30 min | Bus: 1 h 10 min
Hanauma Bay
Drive: 25 min | Bus: 45 min
Diamond Head Crater
Drive: 10 min | Bus: 21 min
Kualoa Ranch
Drive: 50 min | Bus: 1 h 45 min
Dole Plantation
Drive: 43 min | Bus: 1 h 45 min
Polynesian Cultural Center
Drive: 1 h 10 min | Bus: 2 h 30 min
Manoa Falls
Drive: 21 min
Aloha Stadium Swap Meet
Drive: 28 min | Bus: 1 h 8 min
Downtown Honolulu
Drive: 15 min | Bus: 29 min
Sandy Beach
Drive: 26 min | Bus: 49 min
Kailua
Drive: 35-40 min | Bus: 1 h
Disney Aulani Resort
Drive: 45 min
Other Islands
Round trip tickets to other islands are $100-$170, and flights take between 25 min to 1 h.
We asked Waikiki locals:
âWhat do you wish visitors knew before they arrived?â
Hereâs what they shared:
We asked North Shore locals:
âWhat do you wish visitors knew before they arrived?â
Hereâs what they shared:
Hawaiiâs tourism industry heavily relies on tips, but since not all cultures are familiar with this practice, we asked 10 locals in various service roles how they tip each other to offer a fair perspective.
Hereâs how locals tip locals:
Restaurant Servers:Â 15-22%
Many servers earn $10.10 per hour and depend on tips as their main source of income.
Bartenders:Â $1-2 per drink or 18-22% of the bill
Bartenders rely heavily on tips, and tipping well can lead to better service and stronger drinks.
Tour Guides:Â 10-20% of the total or $10-20 per person
Tour guides are paid hourly but still rely on tips. Tips are often split between the guide and the driver.
Bellhops:Â $3-5 per bag, $5-10 for family luggage assistance
Bellhops earn an hourly rate but greatly appreciate tips when assisting with luggage.
Valet:Â $5 per car retrieval
Valet attendants earn an hourly rate but also rely on tips.
Hotel Housekeeping:Â $5-20
Housekeepers are paid hourly and donât heavily rely on tips, but tipping is appreciated, especially for messy rooms or exceptional service.
Tattoo Artists:Â 15-20% of the total cost
Tattoo artists acknowledge the skill involved with a 15-20% tip.
Surf Instructors:Â 15-20%
This usually amounts to $15-20.
Beach Boys:Â $5 for setting up an umbrella or similar tasks
They appreciate a $5 tip for small tasks.
Shuttle Drivers:Â $2-5
Shuttle drivers are paid hourly but appreciate tips.
Taxi Drivers:Â $3 for a 10-minute ride, $5-10 for a 20-30 minute ride
Tip based on the length of the ride, the condition of the car, and the professionalism of the driver.
Uber/Lyft Drivers:Â $2-5
Tipping is appreciated and usually given through the app.
Boat Captains:Â 10-20%
Captains often split tips with their crew.
Massages:Â 10-20%
10% for satisfactory service, 20% for exceptional service.
Hairdressers:Â 10-20%
10% for satisfactory service, 15-20% for extra effort and satisfaction.
Skydive Instructors:Â $25
Instructors in Hawaii expect a $25 tip.
DJ:Â $10-100 per song
The larger the tip, the more likely your song request will be played.
Weâre asking every Waikiki local business what their favorite local businesses are, then visiting those businesses and repeating the process. Hereâs what weâve discovered so far:
Star Beach Boys recommended:
Moku Surf Shop suggested:
Shorefyre pointed to:
Deck Restaurant at the Queen Kapiolani Hotel recommended:
Queen Kapiolani Hotel valet recommended:
Kevoâs North Shore Beach Bus loves:
Sidekick Sitters raved about:
Aloha Hawaii Tours said:
Sparkyâs Surf School mentioned:
Oahu Premier Picnics recommended:
Shaxi Hawaii offers fun shuttle rides to local spots like Leonardâs Bakery and Diamond Head Hike.
For North Shore adventures, check out:
More recommendations to come!