Waikiki beach in Hawaii is a cult tourist hotspot located on the southern shore of Oahu. It stretches for two miles beneath Diamond Head.
Specialties of Waikiki Beach
Waikiki beach is a well-developed tourist hotspot. The following are some of its features:
- It has a rich and varied history
- Wonderful sea views of Diamond Head
- Excellent surfing opportunities for beginners
- Good surfing opportunities throughout the year
- Beauty that continues with high rise buildings
Waikiki beach has had its inhabitants since the days the Polynesians set foot on these islands. The beach has witnessed the majority of the tumult in Hawaii’s rich history, including its warrior kings, whaling ships, dreadful epidemics and displaced Hawaiians. The queen was also deposed and tourist development began nearly 100 years ago. The beach is home to two esteemed hotels: Moana Surfrider and Royal Hawaiian. Kalakaua Avenue and other high rises surround these hotels. A number of boutiques and restaurants also adorn the area.
Waikiki beach is known for its beauty. The beach is home to scores of surfers. Kalakaua Avenue has a long, winding sidewalk that is adorned with pools, fountains, and statues. The surfboard signs post snippets of history. Kapiolani Park is known for its walkways and picnic tables.
What’s in it for families?
- There are plenty of family hotels that include suites at affordable rates
- Protected beach fronts with breakwater, such as the Kuhio Beach area
- Wonderful sand for castles
- Surf lessons for children
- Presence of popular fast food brands
- Close proximity to Waikiki Zoo and Waikiki Aquarium
- Watch out for ‘Wizard Stones’
The following are some of the fun activities:
- Walking the sidewalk: Trek the sidewalk along Kalakaua Avenue. Alternatively, pose with your kids for a photograph by the statue of Duke Kahanamoku, who is considered to be the father of modern surfing. He is also said to have restored this antique sport of Hawaiian royalty. Absorb a bit of history from the surfboard signs. Indulge in your favorite ice creams from the parlors of Kalakaua. Travelers can also walk to Kapiolani Park or Honolulu Zoo.
- Indulge in high tea at Moana Surfrider, which is a world-class hotel with a stylish verandah which faces the sea and a banyan tree that is nearly a century old. Tea sounds strange. Doesn’t it? Drinking tea is an elaborate ritual done in British style. The hotels are equipped with a children’s menu too. Children can play and yet be well within sight.
- Absorb the local events: These give Waikiki a human face.
- Enjoy sunset at the beach at Kapahulu Pier. The beach transforms into an outdoor cinema hall, complete with food parlors, entertainment, and movies displayed on a giant screen.
- Brunch at the beach: Kalakoa Avenue besides Kuhio beach is the epicenter of traffic once in a month. The street transforms into an outdoor café serving delectable cuisine prepared by island chefs at affordable prices. There is considerable entertainment as well.
