Waikiki Walking Tour Part 1: Hawaiian Royalty Sands of Kakuihewa

Audio Tour Hawaii

Uncover Waikiki’s regal heritage on your own terms. Wander sun-drenched beaches, pass storied statues, and immerse yourself in the rhythms that make this neighborhood unforgettable. Every step tells a story.

Self-Guided Excursions

Royal Hawaiian Waikiki history

This GPS-guided walking tour suits families, couples, and solo travelers alike. Experience Waikiki’s charm from lively markets to tranquil beachfronts at your pace.

  • Per Device
    $7.99

    + Hawaii sales tax & credit card fee

Sands of Kakuihewa

Stroll Waikiki beaches & parks

Access the full tour instantly on your device. Pause to savor local flavors, admire ocean views, or unearth secrets from the island’s past.

Historic Waikiki

Experience the Diamond Head side of town.

Hawaiiʻs story

Features Hawaiian historic people and places.

Mobile Device

Redeem and use on your personal mobile device.

Works Offline

Once the route is downloaded, you are good to go.

Unique Code

Download and tour on the VoiceMap mobile app.

How it works (simple & flexible)

Getting started is simple. Follow these easy steps:
Audio tours Oahu Hawaii
  • 1.One code per device.
  • 2.Sign-in and redeem.
  • 3.Download before you go.
  • 4.Press play and explore.
  • Reuse anytime.
Playground of the Alii

Experience what came before

Walk the ʻSandʻs of Kakuihewaʻ and seat of Mailikukahi. Discover Waikiki’s transformation from sacred grounds to a vibrant modern hub.

Included: Diamond Head Views - Panoramic views of the iconic coast.
Included: Historical Landmarks - Learn what makes Waikiki so special.
Included: Cultural Insights - Local narrators share royal traditions.
Included: Scenic Coastal Walk - Cruise along beaches and boardwalks.
Included: Flexible Stops - Pause at cafes, shops, or to swim.
Explore at your own pace

Best Waikiki history tour

Kick off your adventure at the Surfer Statue and follow three miles of coastline, letting each landmark reveal Waikiki’s character.

From lively markets to quiet nooks, experience the flavors, stories, and spirit that make this place unique.

Shaded rest stops and clear directions make exploring effortless.

Feature Shaka GYPSY AT.Hi
Historic Walking Tour Basic version Not Available Royal Hawaiian to Waikiki Shell
Tour Length 4 blocks, ~1 hour Not Available 3+ miles, 2+ hours
Price per Device $4.99 Not Available $7.99
Local Voices One Not Available Aunty Malia shares Part 1
Hawaiian Stories Very basic Not Available Cultural + historical depth
Tour Style Structured and limited length Not Available Flexible with optional shortcuts
Enhance Historic Trail Only 6 historic trail locations Not Available Yes – 12 different stops
Best Value Short route, low depth Not Available Most complete & immersive

Local or visitor staying active will love this walking tour:

Plan your day your way, with Aunty Malia guiding you along Waikiki’s shores and canal.

Royal retreat

Over 20 distinctive highlights reveal Waikiki’s rich heritage, honoring the spirit of the area and uncovering community secrets.

More tour options

Waikiki complete tour packs

There are also GPS-led combination packages with several free scavenger hunts and quizzes . After Part 1, continue west in Part 2 or explore Downtown Honolulu, Chinatown, Pearl Harbor, and more self-driving tours.

Waikiki Combo Pack

Ultimate GPS Package

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Private Tours

Design the perfect private excursion for your family. Choose by route, tour length, or which famous Oahu locations you want to visit.

Audio Tours

Explore ʻon your own but never aloneʻ with these GPS-triggered self-guided audio tours. Real Oahu stories told by actual local people.

Tour Souvenirs

Bring memories from your vacation home with Hawaii tour souvenirs and merchandise. Show off your vacation when you get home.

Frequent questions

About this GPS package

Curious about how the audio tours work, how long each walk takes, or which route is right for your day? We’ve answered the most common questions to help you plan your self-guided walking adventure with ease. You will find plenty of tips to help you get the most out of your time in the resort district.

You are purchasing a unique, one-time-use code to redeem on the VoiceMap mobile application. It works on your mobile device, and it features self-guided excursions around the world. After you download the app, enter the code and download the route. Then you are good to go.

The tour also includes turn-by-turn directions, local food tips, and access to two scavenger hunts and two interactive quizzes. The route is fully accessible, with rest spots and optional beach detours, and can be explored entirely on your schedule.

Part 1 of the Waikiki Walking Tour includes a GPS-guided audio experience that explores the Diamond Head end of Waikiki through stories of Hawaiian royalty, historic landmarks, and local culture. Guided by Aunty Malia, whose family served Queen Liliuokalani, the tour brings personal insight to key stops like Kapiolani Park, the War Memorial Natatorium, and the Duke Kahanamoku statue.

To prepare for Part 1 of the Waikiki Walking Tour, start by wearing comfortable walking shoes and lightweight clothing, especially if you’re exploring during the warmer parts of the day. Bring sun protection, like a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Always carry a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated. Light snacks are also a good idea if you plan to take your time along the route.

Before you head out, download the VoiceMap app, redeem your tour code, and make sure your phone is fully charged. A portable charger can be a handy addition, and downloading offline maps is a smart backup.

The 3-mile tour takes about 2 to 3 hours, depending on your pace, so aim for a morning start to avoid crowds and heat. Check the weather forecast, and bring a light rain jacket if needed.

With a little planning, you’ll be set to enjoy a smooth, flexible, and enriching experience exploring Waikiki’s royal past.

Good question! Since this is a self-guided tour, some things aren’t included.  Stuff like transportation to the starting point, meals, or entry into any paid attractions you might pass along the way.

You’ll also want to bring your own water, snacks, and anything else you need to stay comfortable while walking. As this is a fully self-guided experience, please ensure you arrive at the starting point with snacks, water, and sunscreen.

Unfortunately, you probably wonʻt meet Aunty Malia unless you catch her bodyboarding at the wall or visiting her son.

Yes. Every Audio Tour Hawaii walking tour comes with a little extra fun built in. For this self-guided excursion, you’ll get access to two interactive quizzes and two themed scavenger hunts. They are completely free, and you donʻt even have to purchase the tour to try them.

These extras are designed to keep both kids and curious adults engaged as you explore. Whether you’re spotting historic trail markers, learning royal names, or hunting for unique landmarks along the way, the challenges add an extra layer of discovery to your walk through Waikiki.

All audio tour purchases are non-refundable, as each code is unique and can only be used once. However, we’re always happy to assist with redeeming your code or offer tips to help you get the most out of your experience. If you have any questions, we recommend reaching out before you begin your tour. VoiceMap also provides app support and we are here to help every step of the way.

This self-guided tour is designed to be as flexible and inclusive as possible. The entire base route is wheelchair and stroller-accessible, featuring smooth paths and rest areas along the way. So, it is perfect for travelers of all mobility levels. You can walk the entire 3-mile route or take one of the built-in shortcuts if you’re short on time or simply want a more relaxed pace.

If you’re looking to add a little adventure, you’re welcome to detour for a swim or surf, explore more of Kapiolani Park, or even hike up nearby Diamond Head on your own. These extras aren’t part of the route, but they’re easy to add if you’re feeling curious. Whether you want a quiet stroll or a more active outing, this tour gives you the freedom to shape your day around what interests you most.

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GPS-Guided Narration

Real stories by local people

But wait, there’s more! After finishing Part 1, head west to modern Waikiki in Part 2, or dive into the resort district, Downtown Honolulu, Chinatown, or Pearl Harbor and more by Audio Tour Hawaii.

Waikiki Walking Tour (P2)

Historic Honolulu Walk

Honolulu History Combo

These are fully self-guided walks, so a little planning goes a long way. Some attractions may have limited hours or require reservations to ensure you make the most of your walk.