Polynesian Culture Center

Waikiki Tips & FAQ

Being "Pono” is all about doing the right thing and showing respect while you’re in Hawaii. It’s something that will make your visit even more amazing!

So, what does it mean to “Be Pono”?
It means living with integrity, being respectful to the land, the ocean, and the people. Basically, it’s doing what’s right, even when no one’s watching. It’s about being mindful of how your actions affect the beautiful islands and the community. And of course, embracing the spirit of aloha—being kind and caring in everything you do.

Here’s how to “Be Pono”:

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 What’s Right: Follow the rules, take care of nature, and be kind to everyone you meet. It’s simple but so important!

3. Respect the ‘Āina: Treat the land and ocean like it’s 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 impact—leave 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 let’s make this trip awesome and Pono! 🌺

We asked Waikiki hotels, bartenders, and servers:

“What do visitors always ask you?”

Here’s what they shared:

How to use the trolley?
The Pink Line goes to Ala Moana Center. It’s $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 Friday’s fireworks?
• Hilton Hawaiian Village: Where they’re launched.
• Fort DeRussy Beach Park: Up close, but crowded.
• Magic Island: Fireworks plus city lights, with fewer people.
• Barefoot Beach Cafe: Beachside food, live music, distant fireworks.
• Helicopter: Only if you’re a boss.

Note: You cannot see the fireworks from Waikiki Beach east of the Sheraton—they’re blocked by buildings.

What are the best family hikes?
• Diamond Head Crater
• Manoa Falls
• Lanikai Pillbox
• Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail

Where’s the best pizza?
• Kelly O'Neils
• Giovanni Pastrami
• Harbor Pub

Where to get good poke?

Where to get good sushi?
Sansei & Doraku (Sansei is 1/2 OFF after 10 pm).

How’s 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, Lulu’s, Giovanni Pastrami, & Legends.

Where’s Duke’s?
Duke’s is in Central Waikiki Beach. Go there!

Where’s a good tiki bar?
Cuckoo Coconuts & Arnold’s Beach Bar in Waikiki, and La Mariana (the oldest) near the airport.

Where are the old International Market’s kiosks?
Duke’s Lane.

Where’s that “pink hotel”?
It’s the Royal Hawaiian, located on Central Waikiki Beach.

Where’s the Sheraton Waikiki?
Sheraton is on Waikiki Beach. Enjoy an evening drink or party later at Sheraton’s 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?
• STRIPSTEAK
• BLT STEAK
• Hy’s Steak House
• Gyu-Kaku: Cook it yourself
• Yard House: Over 100 beers on tap
• 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:

“What do you wish visitors knew before they arrived?”

Here’s what they shared:

Avoid picking up Uber/Lyft on Kalakaua Ave. It’s difficult for drivers to stop and find you there.
Ask the valet or bell staff for advice. They’re knowledgeable and happy to help.
Cheaper food options can be found on Kuhio Ave. It’s parallel to Kalakaua Ave.
Use sunblock! The sun is stronger than it feels.
Make sure your sunblock is reef-safe. Apply it 20 minutes before entering the water to protect the ocean.
Don’t use your phone while crossing the street. You could get a ticket.
Never leave your belongings unattended. Whether on the beach or at a table, theft is common, especially when valuables are left while swimming.
Use your hotel safe for valuables. Your car trunk isn’t secure enough.
Never turn your back on the ocean. Unexpected waves can be dangerous. Don’t become part of the “famous last selfies” compilation.
Check with lifeguards before entering the ocean if you’re unsure. They’d rather answer your questions than have to rescue you.
Stay at least 10 feet (2 meters) from sea turtles. Don’t touch, feed, or obstruct them.
Embrace “island time.” Things move slower in Hawaii, so go with the flow and enjoy it.
Support local businesses. Waikiki is a real neighborhood with friendly local shops. Say aloha and buy local.
Be respectful. Hawaii is all about respecting the land, animals, and people. Treat everyone like your ‘ohana (family).
Don’t take lava rocks from Hawaii. It’s believed to bring bad luck.
Be careful on mopeds. Even if you’re careful, other drivers might not be. “You can do everything right and still end up in the hospital.”
Lewers St. can be sketchy after 3 am. If you’re out late, stick together.
Be extra cautious in Chinatown after dark. It’s busy and fun but can feel a bit sketchy.
Park your car where it’s visible. This reduces the risk of break-ins.
Don't park along the Ala Wai Canal on Mondays and Fridays between 8:30-11 am. Your car will be towed.
Never leave anything visible in your parked car. Even a bag with nothing valuable might attract thieves. Look for broken glass around parking areas—it’s a sign of frequent break-ins.
Take a circle island tour early in your trip. It helps you decide where to spend your time.

We asked North Shore locals:

“What do you wish visitors knew before they arrived?”

Here’s what they shared:

Drive slowly. It’s safer for everyone on narrow roads.
Don’t honk your horn. It’s considered rude and unnecessary.
Cross at crosswalks. For your safety and to avoid accidents.
Don’t walk in the road. Cars have the right of way, and it’s dangerous.
Don’t leave valuables in your car. Prevent theft, which is common.
Don’t park in tow zones. Your car will get towed quickly.
Clean sand off before entering shops. Keeps the stores clean and respectful.
Don’t bring shave ice into shops. It can create a mess inside.
Shops close around 6:00 pm or sunset. Plan ahead; options are limited after dark.
Don’t litter, and pick up trash if you see it. Help keep the beaches and land clean.
Don’t turn your back to the ocean. Waves can be unpredictable and dangerous.
Check in with lifeguards before swimming. They know the conditions and can keep you safe.
Don’t feed turtles and stay at least 10 feet (2 m) away. It’s harmful to them and illegal.
Don’t feed the chickens. It disrupts the local ecosystem.
Avoid swimming at Laniakea. It’s dangerous and overcrowded.
Stay off the reef. Reefs are fragile and can be damaged easily.
Don’t leave your bags unattended on the beach. Prevent theft or losing your belongings.
Be respectful. It’s the local way and earns you respect in return.
Support local businesses and buy local. Helps the community thrive.
Tip your bartenders and servers. They rely on tips for their income.
Be patient—we’re on island time: Things move slower here, so relax and enjoy it.

Hawaii’s 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.

Here’s how locals tip locals:

Restaurant Servers: 15-22%
Many servers earn $10.10 per hour and depend on tips as their main source of income.

Bartenders: $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: 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: $3-5 per bag, $5-10 for family luggage assistance
Bellhops earn an hourly rate but greatly appreciate tips when assisting with luggage.

Valet: $5 per car retrieval
Valet attendants earn an hourly rate but also rely on tips.

Hotel Housekeeping: $5-20
Housekeepers are paid hourly and don’t heavily rely on tips, but tipping is appreciated, especially for messy rooms or exceptional service.

Tattoo Artists: 15-20% of the total cost
Tattoo artists acknowledge the skill involved with a 15-20% tip.

Surf Instructors: 15-20%
This usually amounts to $15-20.

Beach Boys: $5 for setting up an umbrella or similar tasks
They appreciate a $5 tip for small tasks.

Shuttle Drivers: $2-5
Shuttle drivers are paid hourly but appreciate tips.

Taxi Drivers: $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: $2-5
Tipping is appreciated and usually given through the app.

Boat Captains: 10-20%
Captains often split tips with their crew.

Massages: 10-20%
10% for satisfactory service, 20% for exceptional service.

Hairdressers: 10-20%
10% for satisfactory service, 15-20% for extra effort and satisfaction.

Skydive Instructors: $25
Instructors in Hawaii expect a $25 tip.

DJ: $10-100 per song
The larger the tip, the more likely your song request will be played.

We’re asking every Waikiki local business what their favorite local businesses are, then visiting those businesses and repeating the process. Here’s what we’ve discovered so far:

Star Beach Boys recommended:

@adventures_ofjess on Instagram for affordable drone photos and videos at Waikiki Beach.
Maguro Spot for fresh fish and poke.
Kai Coffee for great coffee and strong community support.
Moku Surf Shop, nearly next door, for surf gear.

Moku Surf Shop suggested:

Shorefyre, next door, for fresh local meals.
Deck Restaurant at the Queen Kapiolani Hotel, a rooftop restaurant and bar with happy hour, a pool, and stunning views of Diamond Head Crater and the beach.

Shorefyre pointed to:

Island Vintage Coffee for delicious açai bowls.
Tropics Ale House for great drinks, especially on Sundays.
Wolfgang’s Steakhouse for a budget-friendly happy hour with large portions, like steak or sliders, or a meal for two (steak, two sides, and cheesecake) for around $35.

Deck Restaurant at the Queen Kapiolani Hotel recommended:

Local I’a, a “Community Supported Fishery” for the freshest sustainably fished seafood.
Mahina & Sun’s at the Surf Jack Hotel & Swim Club to try their fresh fish dishes.

Queen Kapiolani Hotel valet recommended:

Pioneer Saloon for excellent and unique food.
Da Cove Health Bar and Cafe for the açai bowl pa’i’ai.
Ono Seafood for the spicy ahi and miso ahi combo.
Highway Inn for the kalua pig combo with a side of squid lu’au.
Ahi Assassins for smoked marlin dip.
Hanara’s, Shiro’s, and Rocky’s on the West side for local saimin and breakfast dishes.

Kevo’s North Shore Beach Bus loves:

Kai Coffee for great coffee by Waikiki Beach.
Zippy’s for their chili, chicken, loco mocos, and Zip Pac.
Rainbow Drive-in for hearty plate lunches.
South Shore Grill for fish tacos.
Sparky’s Surf School and Mickey’s Surf School for surfing, especially for kids.
Hoku Wireless for mobile needs, including SIM cards.

Sidekick Sitters raved about:

Bogarts Cafe for the crab and avocado omelet.
Da Cove Health Bar and Cafe for their unique açai bowl with pa’i’ai.
Cafe Kaila for terrific breakfasts worth the wait.
Highway Inn for authentic Hawaiian food, including squid lu’au.
Uncle Bo’s Pupu Bar and Grill for dishes like Dynamite Shrimp and Boca Rota.

Aloha Hawaii Tours said:

Marukame’s Udon for affordable, delicious udon.
Diamond Head Market & Grill for blueberry cream cheese scones, fried rice breakfast, and salmon plates.

Sparky’s Surf School mentioned:

Kai Coffee for great coffee.
Cafe Morey’s and Diamond Head Market & Grill for plate lunches and desserts.

Oahu Premier Picnics recommended:

Pipeline Bakery in Kaimuki for amazing malasadas and baked goods.
Jolene’s Market in Chinatown for birria tacos and lobster rolls.

Shaxi Hawaii offers fun shuttle rides to local spots like Leonard’s Bakery and Diamond Head Hike.

For North Shore adventures, check out:

North Shore Eco Tours for private off-road hikes and exclusive land access.
Kevo’s Beach Bus for boutique tours and paddleboarding fun on the ‘Anahulu River.

More recommendations to come!