Shopping isn’t all you’ll find in the Royal Hawaiian Center. The center also hosts an assortment of cultural activities that are mostly free (depending on the class) and all are open to the public. From hula lessons to Hawaiian quilting, ukulele to lauhala weaving, and some other activities as well.

Check out their website for dates and times and learn all about Hawaiian culture on your vacation. 

Royal Hawaiian Center

2201 Kalakaua Avenue 

Honolulu, HI 96815  

(808) 922-2299

https://www.royalhawaiiancenter.com/events/

If taking a hula class isn’t quite your thing, you can still enjoy this traditional Hawaiian style of dance and storytelling during a free performance at the Royal Hawaiian Center. These special hula and live music performances happen nightly in The Royal Grove Tuesdays through Saturdays at 6:00 p.m. This family-friendly live entertainment takes place on the stage near the Princess Pauahi Bishop statue at the beginning of the tour.

Royal Hawaiian Center

2201 Kalakaua Avenue 

Honolulu, HI 96815  

(808) 922-2299

https://www.royalhawaiiancenter.com/events/

If you’re interested in learning how to make leis, do a yoga session, or just listen to Hawaiian stories while relaxing during a sunset, check out the International Marketplaces’s calendar of events for a whole slew of cultural activities. Most are free, but dates and timing vary. Check the schedule on the link below!

International Marketplace Cultural Calendar

2330 Kalakaua Avenue

Honolulu HI 96815

(808) 921-0536

https://www.shopinternationalmarketplace.com/events/directory

This is primarily a jazz venue--you can hear other genres of music here too including some local Hawaiian favorites. The venue offers two nightly shows as well as chef-created dining options. It’s located in the Outrigger Hotel and Resort, we actually pass by the venue twice on our tour so feel free to check it out along the way!

Blue Note Hawaii

2335 Kalakaua Ave. 

Honolulu, HI 96815

808-777-4890

www.bluenotehawaii.com

If you want to try your hand at surfing, stand up paddle boarding, or even outrigger canoeing, check out Aloha Beach Services. You can find it right on Waikiki Beach at the Moana Surfrider Hotel, which we visit on the tour. It’s nestled on the Diamond Head side of Duke’s restaurant on the beach. And speaking of The Duke, this ocean sports instruction company is owned by his family members!

Aloha Beach Service

2365 Kalakaua Ave. 

Honolulu, HI 96815

808-922-3111

www.alohabeachservices.com

If you happen to find yourself in Waikiki on a Friday evening, look up to the sky around 7:45 and marvel at the fireworks show The Hilton Hawaiian Village puts on. Shaka Guide suggests finding a nice spot on the beach to relax and enjoy the show. You might even be able to see the fireworks from your hotel room or plan your dinner plans out so you can enjoy them over a meal. It’s a magical experience!

Fireworks display times are seasonal:

Sept - May at 7:45pm 

June - Aug at 8:00pm

Locally made shortbread cookies available in an assortment of flavors. Free samples available! We’ll be sure to point it out as we walk along the tour.

Honolulu Cookie Company

International Marketplace

2330 Kalakaua Ave, Space 162

Honolulu, HI 96815

Ph: (808) 377-6545

www.honolulucookie.com/

Soft serve ice cream that’s dairy-free and made from locally grown bananas. We’ll point it out as we pass it on the tour if you’d like to stop and visit.

Banan Beach Shack

2301 Kalakaua Ave 

Honolulu, HI 96815

808.200.1640

www.bananbowls.com/

A great place right on the famous Waikiki Beach, we actually pass by here on our tour! Check out Dukes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or drinks. The menu features staples such as burgers and sandwhiches, salads, steaks, tacos, ribs and more. To sample a variety of local style dishes, you may want to check out their breakfast and lunch buffets.

Dukes Waikiki

2335 Kalakaua Ave #116

Honolulu, HI 96815

(808) 922-2268

www.dukeswaikiki.com/menus/dining-room/

A casual beach setting that serves fresh meals like burgers, seafood, salads, and pizzas, as well as signature cocktails. 

Mai Tai Bar at The Roya Hawaiian Hotel

2259 Kalakaua Ave 

Honolulu, HI 96815

www.royal-hawaiian.com/dining/mai-tai-bar/

Japanese, Pan-Asian, and Latin fusion. A great place for fresh sushi and seafood, salads, noodle dishes, and more. Vegetarian options are available.

Doraku Sushi

Royal Hawaiian Ctr
2233 Kalakaua Ave

Building B; Level 3, B-301

Honolulu, HI 96815

808 591-0101

http://dorakusushi.com/

Serves brick oven pizza and local craft beer. This place is kid friendly and serves lunch and dinner. In addition to pizza, you can also get appetizers and entrees

Flour & Barley Brick Oven Pizza

International Market Place

2330 Kalakaua Ave

Level 3 Grand Lanai; Ste 302

Honolulu, HI 96815

https://flourandbarley.com/

An upbeat food court style dining experience with different varieties of street available to please all everyone in your party. From fresh vegetarian options to ramen, burgers, bar-b-que, Mexican, Mediterranean, and more.

The Street Food Hall

International Market Place

 2330 Kalakaua Avenue, 

Level 1; Suite 330 (near Saks Fifth Ave.)

Honolulu, HI 96815

(808) 377-4402

http://thestreetsocialhouse.com/explore/honolulu/

2201 Kalakaua Avenue 

Honolulu, HI 96815

• Standard rates are $2.00 per 20 minutes or $6.00 per hour

• Validated (Requires $10 min. purchase): FREE for the first hour then $2 per each hour for the next two hours. Standard rates apply thereafter.

https://www.royalhawaiiancenter.com/directions/

2330 Kalakaua Avenue 

Honolulu, HI 96815 

(808) 921-0536

Parking entrance located at the intersection of Kuhio Avenue and Walina Street. 

• Standard parking rate - $2.00 per 20 minutes

• Rates with validation (Requires $10 minimum purchase from any store or restaurant located in the International Market Place):

  • First Hour - Free

  • Second Hour - $2.00

  • Third Hour - $2.00

  • Fourth Hour - $2.00

  • After the fourth hour, standard rates apply.

• Valet is offered at a flat fee of $5.00 in addition to applicable parking rates.

Metered street parking is available throughout the day on various side streets. Check surrounding signage for times and restrictions. About $3 per 2 hours. Most meters accept coins or credit cards.