Table of Contents
Introduction
One of the most famous beaches on earth; Waikiki Beach is located on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. Awesome views of Diamond Head, luxurious hotels and resorts, sophisticated shopping districts, diverse cuisine, and recreation facilities make Waikiki attractive to more than 4 million tourists annually.
History of Waikiki
That is Waikiki has many tales to tell. Waikiki Beach was in the past used by the Hawaiian Palace elite as their vacation spot. For obvious reference to the many streams and springs that fed into it, the name of the town originated from “spouting waters”. This area provided early Hawaiians with lots of food from its wetland environment, fishponds, and agricultural terrains. Other facilities built in Waikiki are other heiau such as Ka’iulani heiau which was constructed at the shoreline while hale o Lono which was constructed in the central region of Waikiki.
It was King Kamehameha I who in 1795 defeated the army of O’ahu’s King Kalanikūpule at the Battle of Nu’uanu the mouth of Nu’uanu Valley near present-day Waikiki district. After this, Waikiki remained as part of favorable accommodation among the Hawaiian royalty. In the nineteenth century, the Hawaiian King Kalākaua ruled the Kingdom of Hawai‘i from Waikiki’s ‘Iolani Palace. He devoted much effort to increasing Hawaiian arts, and music and even attempted to reintroduce traditional Hawaiian games such as surfing while a king.
From a village well known for the sleepy surfers to the world and renown.
For many years, the popular place was just the quiet Hawaiian village of Waikiki where the seashore was dotted with guest houses and beach resorts. As for its splendid waves, the golden sand, and the beautiful setting around the place, the news reached the four corners of the world. The establishment of the Moana Surfrider Hotel was an absolute landmark for tourism at the beginning of the twentieth century and added a new facet to Waikiki thereby expanding its recognition as the most expensive tourist destination in the world.
Far more hotel accommodations were built in the next few decades such as the distinguished Royal Hawaiian or the Pink Palace of the Pacific that played a central role in the development of Waikiki as the preeminent playground of the Pacific Coast. Surfing culture also came to prominence in this post-war period. Waikiki fixed its place as a heart of surfing, as well as the place where everyone comes to master how to surf, attracting followers from all over.
What to See and Do in Waikiki
Hit the Waikiki Beach
Of course, the gorgeous expanse of sand, referred to as simply Waikiki Beach is truly the main attraction of the area. The white calm water that is breaking on the shoreline provides an ideal opportunity for fun swimming and taking beginner’s surfing instructions. Both catamarans and outrigger canoes that tourists can use are always on the water with paddlers who wish to enjoy the sea. The Waikiki Beach turns into a cultural village with the use of torches and hula dancers after sunset.
Top Waikiki Beach Activities:
- Swimming
- Surfing especially for first-timers
- Outrigger canoe rides
- Snorkeling & Scuba diving
- Live bands BAR Restaurants located at the seafront
Best Beaches:
- Queen’s Beach
- Kuhio Beach
- Gray’s Beach
Luxury Hotels & Resorts
When it comes to the range of places to stay in Waikiki I am spoiled for choice. The Royal Hawaiian and Moana Surfrider places you back in the Hawaiian period of beachside luxury. Hotel brands like the Halekulani, the Kahala Hotel & Resort, Turtle Bay, and others offer the best of luxury in paradise with all the frills that guests will enjoy. There are unique independent boutiques and classic established names in hotels starting with Hilton and ending with individuals who also own space on Waikiki for tourists.
Exciting Water Sports
Of course, surfing is at the heart of the Waikiki ocean action sport given its traditional association with the activity. Still, there are other ways to play beach soccer in the Pacific here as well. There is jet skiing over the water, all in the name of the UDZ thrill; parasailing over the coastline, which allows you to glide over the water; and the banana boat which is good for groups. Most surf schools also have stand-up paddleboard (SUP) lessons ideal for fitness enthusiasts on their fitness-conscious tuition menu over majestic Waikiki Beach.
Top Ocean Activities:
- Surfing
- Parasailing
- Snorkeling
- Scuba diving
- Jet ski tours
- Stand-up paddleboarding also called paddling
- Surf lessons
Kuhio Beach Hula Mound
Make sure to check Kuhio Beach at sunset. You might just be lucky to catch a Kuhio Beach Hula Mound ceremony. Free show hula dancing is entertaining visitors at the beach most nights and local inhabitants wearing amazing costumes are performing it, while people are resting on the sand or having tropical cocktails at the nearby bars. Nothing can beat watching the hula dancing right after the sun sets over the Pacific, especially in Waikiki.
Duke’s Oceanfest
Every August Duke’s Oceanfest is a weeklong aquatic event and the biggest water sports festival in Hawaii held in Waikiki in honor of Duke Paoa Kahanamoku – Hawaii’s Olympic swimmer and the founder of surfing. Regarding events, there is the outrigger canoe race, long-distance swim, surfing competitions, lifeguard sports, volleyball, music, cultural dancing – hula – naturally, and many others for one week. This must be a great time for those who get to be in Waikiki to watch the world’s best water sports athletes and traditional Hawaiin celebrations.
Shopping & Dining
Go on a shopping spree along the Kalakaua and Kuhio avenues in the open-air shopping malls nearby overflowing with international designers, art shops, jewelers, and Hawaiian crésters. When it is time to recharge, you can choose more than 200 restaurants starting from the Oahu classic restaurant Duke’s Waikiki and continuing with several gastropubs and inventive food halls for modern such as Ramen shops or even a multi-star sushi chef’s window.
Top Things to Buy:
- Ukuleles & Hawaiian music
- Hawaiian quilt
- Flower leis
- Koa wood products
- Hawaiian Coffee
- Aloha wear
Iconic Spots to Eat & Drink:
- Duke’s Waikiki
- La Mer
- House Without a Key
- Slim’s Roast Beef
- Eggs N’ Things
- MAC 24-7
Where to eat, drink, and be merry
The amped-up neon-lit tourist district gets even more electric at night with something to offer every night of the week, or day for that matter. Enduring Polynesian beats of the song and dance performances are performed live on large platforms. You can enjoy meals and beverages imbibing live Hawaiian music playing in the background in ocean-view bars. Or cut up and act loud at some comedy club. A short drive inland towards the Ala Wai Canal is lined up with great bars with cool nightclubs that play great music and popular pubs that keep the party going well into the night.
Annual Events Not to Miss:
- Duke’s OceanFest (August)
- Pan-Pacific Festival (June)
- Honolulu Marathon (December)
- Aloha Festivals – Pacific Islander Expectations during September – October.
Check Out: Lake Tahoe: A Majestic Alpine Destination for All-Season Adventure.
Getting Around Waikiki
Waikiki is quite small, it is compact and we can walk. All tourist attractions are found in the shoreline area, and this area measures approximately a mile from the east to the west. Several public bus routes serve the area meaning that movement within the region is quite easy. Traffic is usually congested and you will find it difficult to secure a parking space, therefore, walking is usually most convenient and entertaining especially if your objective is to move from one shop, restaurant, beach, or attraction to another within this youthful resort city. Pack some nice pair of shoes to wear for walking, shades, and sunscreen and you are set for the treasure-hunting expedition in paradise.
Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
High-demand occasions include mid-December through March due to holidaymakers and June through September vacationers. Therefore the best months to visit and enjoy better weather with few tourists around are from April – May during spring or late September through mid-December during autumn.
Transportation
Actually, rental cars are not all that necessary if you are only touring supermarkets or even the area of Waikiki which already includes expensive parking fees. Moving around and getting to local destinations is very easy by walking, through public buses, hotel transports, taxis, and or rides.
Getting There
Arrive at Daniel K.Inouye International Airport (HNL) – 15 minutes away from Waikiki – Taxi or car for hire easily found
Instances include;- Honolulu Harbor Inter Island Transport Flights – frequent boards for major cruise lines.
Where to Stay
For better accommodation near the beach, restaurants and shops choose one of the oceanfront hotels located directly on Kalakaua Ave in central Waikiki.
The best areas include:
- Royal Hawaiian Center / Royal Hawaiian Hotel [Hosted Media]
- Fort DeRussy / Hale Koa Hotel
- Outrigger Reef Hotel / Shops at Waikiki Beach Walk
Handy Travel Resources
Official Hawaii Tourism Site: gohawaii.com/oahu
Waikiki Info: waikikiimprovement.com
Conclusion
Just to name a few of the many attractions of the Waikiki beach for travelers; picture-perfect view of the Diamond Head, great-looking hotels and eateries, aqua sports, shopping, tasty beer & ‘n juice, and of course the magnificent gold sand beach. Newcomers to surfing rub shoulders with honeymooning couples families and cultural tourists attracted to this irresistible piece of heaven on the sun-kissed south side of Oahu. Hard to imagine there’s no place like the only one in the world Waikiki Beach Found 3.
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FAQs
Is Waikiki Beach an overrated tourist attraction or is it worth the visit?
Waikiki Beach does not disappoint as one of the world’s known beaches and tourist attractions to the extreme. Yes, there can be a lot of people in some areas, but there are approximately three miles of walking, baking sand frontage which allows you to find your piece of the Hawaiian pie. Stellar views, soft views, and a fun, laid-back atmosphere make for an excellent Hawaiian experience for everyone.
How childhood-appropriate is Waikiki Beach?
Extremely kid-friendly! Families love Waikiki along the shoreline due to areas of shallow water that are suitable for play. Several hotels and condos do cater especially for families with kids clubs that offer activity programs. Nightly entertainment is very free cultural performances that take place right on the beach many nights, hula dancing often entices the young generation to come dance. But as for dining, well there are many favorites for kids such as burgers by the beach or build your pizza to suit everyone’s hunger too!
What hotels are the best ones in the Waikiki area?
When it comes to the beachfront that is right on the sand, there can be few better known than the Royal Hawaiian, sitting proudly on the sands of Waikiki. Other top-ranked Waikiki hotels include the classy Halekulani, the sophisticated Hyatt Regency Waikiki, and the kid-friendly Hilton Hawaiian Village. Waikiki Beachside Hostel attracts many budget travelers because the place is very warm, and welcoming and here they get to enjoy free entertainment such as Hawaiian music night at the hostel. Still with such a multitude of great hotels though, the visitor would not go wrong with whichever hotel in Waikiki they are to spend their holidays at.