This GPS Guided Walking Audio Tour begins near Kapiolani Park. From there we will explore the urban areas and quieter parts of town.

The route is about 3 miles and takes a minimum of 2 hours to complete, but there are various options along the path for you to enjoy. 

We begin the tour at the first stop on the Waikiki Historic Trail. The surfboard marker is located near the surfer statue by Kapiolani Park.

We highly encourage guests to read the surfboard markers and follow along at waikikihistorictrail.org for extra information.

Stop at the Kapahulu Groin, more commonly referred to as ʻthe Wall.ʻ  You will have a great view of Diamond Head and Waikiki from here.

Along the way, we will share stories and traditional names of the surf breaks in Waikiki.  You will probably see some surfers and bodyboarders from the end of the pier.

Another surfboard marker from the Waikiki Historic Trail is located at the entrance to ʻThe Wallʻ on the Waikiki Side.

We highly recommend learning more about the English names of the surf breaks we just saw before resuming the tour.

The Catholic Church in Waikiki is full of its own history and just off the route.  Weʻll share a few of its stories and provide an opportunity to pause and explore.

There is a museum for Sister Mary Ann Cope and Father Damien.  They achieved Saint Hood through their work at the Leaper Colony on Molokai.

Although it is one of the most famous worldwide, Waikiki Beach is actually named Kuhio Beach.  There is a surfboard marker and statue in honor of the Prince.

Weʻll share some stories to expand on the information featured there, but we highly recommend pausing and finding out more about this surfer, statesman, and scholar.

The Statue of Prince Jonah Kuhio has additional information located at its base.  He also served as a Territorial Delegate to the United States Congress.

The Prince is a descendant of the last King of Kauai, Kaumualii.  He was adopted by King Kalakaua and named a Royal Heir.

As we walk up Liliuokalani Avenue, you will learn more about the last Queen of Hawaii and her family.  She had a home in the area along the beachside named Kealohilani.  

She was named heir to the throne by her brother King Kalakaua.  The tour is narrated by a descendent of one of the Queenʻs personal retainers.

Learn more about the head of the House of Kawananakoa. The Prince surfed, studied, and traveled with his brothers.

While they were in California, the trio fashioned their own boards and became the first people to surf outside of Hawaii.

We will share the story of a ship-wrecked sailor and his family.  He married his interpreter, and they founded this Royal Grove Hotel.

Their son would later go on to found the Aston Hotel Chain.  We see some of his original properties along the route.

This part of the tour offers mouth-watering food choices that arenʻt budget-busting prices.  Sample poke, local style hotdogs, food trucks, and much more.

These are some of our favorite local food options in Waikiki.  Easily pause the tour, stop for a bite, and resume when ready.

As you walk back to the beach and Duke Kahanamoku Statue, you will learn a little about Prince Edward.  King Kalakaua and Queen Kapiolani also adopted him.

The Prince was brothers with Kuhio and Kawananakoa.  Unfortunately, his health was never as strong as theirs.  He was able to join them in their studies in California.

While it is no longer there, we will point out the site of the former Kings Village.  It was the location of King Kalakauaʻs Waikiki residence.  

Even though the building is gone, you can also read more about it at station 7 on waikikihistorictrail.org if you want to learn more.

Visit the world-famous Duke Kahanamoku Statue.  He was an Olympic medalist, Sheriff, Actor, and considered the Father of Modern Surfing.

Stop and read the plaque as well as the information for stop 5 on waikikihistorictrail.org for extra stories about the Duke.

Known as the Wizard Stones, this stop is located next to the Duke Kahanamoku Statue, Waikiki Police Station, and right off the beach.

We will provide some background and places to find more information about them, but we highly recommend stopping to read the plaques and marker 6 from waikikihistorictrail.org.

The famous Banyan Tree is located near the beach bar at the Moana Surfrider.  The hotel opened its doors in 1901 and is known as the First Lady of Waikiki.

Stop 10 at the Courtyard has plaques about the tree and a historical museum upstairs. Not to mention, the Beach Barʻs famous Mai Taiʻs.

Visit the famous surfboard alley in Waikiki on the way to a great view of Diamond Head from the beach.  Donʻt worry.  You donʻt have to get on the sand if you donʻt want.

Located nearby stop 11 on waikikihistorictrail.org, so we recommend pulling that up while you are here.  Itʻs also a great spot to cool off and take a dip during the tour.

Visit the Pink Palace, also known as the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, and its courtyard in Helumoa.  This is also an excellent spot for a Mai Tai with an ocean view.

There is a plaque for the historic bell tower and even more information at stop 12 on waikikihistorictrail.org for history buffs.

There is a statue of Bernice Pauahi Bishop in Helumoa and the Royal Hawaiian Center.  She was the Granddaughter of Kamehameha.

We will share stories about her, and there is also a cultural center found in the courtyard we highly recommend visiting if they are open.

Local legend Don Ho used to perform at several clubs in Waikiki and Honolulu.  Weʻll share some stories about him as we walk through his old stomping grounds.

When you get to the International Marketplace, you will also see a statue of Don Ho and a plaque with more information about the singer.

The walk through the International Market Place is packed with history.  You will see the historic banyan tree and several historical plaques.

There is more info about King Lunalilo, and the area at stop 9 on waikikihistorictrail.org.  Not to the mention shopping, food, and restrooms.

Learn about Kamehameha the Fourth, his son Prince Albert, and his wife, Queen Emma.  The Royal family had a lasting legacy in the Hawaiian Islands.

The statues are located in the middle of the International Marketplace in Waikiki.  There is also a hula mound in the courtyard where you may see a show.

Visit the Princess Kaiulani Statue in the heart of Waikiki. For more information, there is also a surfboard marker here from the Waikiki Historic Trail.

The princess had a home here, and you will learn more about her life. This is the last stop in town before we walk along the canal and the park.

Walking along the Ala Wai canal, you will have beautiful views of the Koolau Mountain Range.  Weʻll share stories, place names, and weather information.

You will also learn about the Ala Wai Golf Course, and weʻll share some info about those behind the Waikiki Historic Trail.

Our final stop for the day at the Waikiki Historic Trail will be at the site of Queen Liliuokalaniʻs garden home.  There is a surfboard marker for you to stop and read.

If you are cutting the tour into sections, this is an easy place to pause and resume the tour another day.  We continue exploring the historic trail in Part 2: Military History in Waikiki.

To close the tour we take a peaceful, easy walk in the shade through Kapiolani Park.  You may even see the giraffes and zebras of the Honolulu Zoo as we walk.

Then you will hear stories of the Royal Hawaiian Band and Waikiki Shell as we walk towards the Queen Kapiolani Statue finale.

Meet Queen Kapiolani, who the park was dedicated in her honor by her husband, King Kalakaua.  Her main focus was women and children.

There are plaques with historical information on the statue, and we will share stories about her and her husband along the walk.