WAIKIKI

World-renowned Waikiki can be found on the south shore of Oahu. Waikiki is the central tourist city and home to the majority of Oahu’s high-end hotels and resorts. Waikiki is a get-together place for tourists from around the globe. On the acclaimed main-strip, Kalakaua Avenue is home to first-class shopping, resplendent dining, varied entertainment, and the jumping-off point for numerous activities and destination resorts. Kalakaua Avenue was named after the last reigning king of the “Kingdom of Hawaii”; King David Laʻamea Kamanakapuʻu Mahinulani Nalaiaehuokalani Lumialani Kalākaua was sometimes called “The Merrie Monarch”.

Waikiki is mostly heralded for its fabulous beaches. And for the lucky few, a resort room on Waikiki’s beachfront is at most only two-three blocks from the ocean. Waikiki skyline boasts Leahi (Diamond Head) as its background, for the adventurous…Waikiki’s calm waters are perfect for swimming, or even paddle boarding or surfing lessons.

However, Waikiki is not limited to just the beach. Attractions like the Honolulu Zoo and the Waikiki Aquarium provide an entertaining and fun break from the beach for the entire family. Waikiki boasts surfboard markers showing the history of Waikiki all along the Waikiki Historical Trail. If shopping is more your speed, Kalakaua and Kuhio Avenues are the perfect destinations. In addition, places such as the Royal Hawaiian Center and the Waikiki Beach Walk offer a myriad of things to do. And, the fun is not limited to daylight hours… long after you enjoy the Waikiki sunset; the amazing nightlife begins featuring numerous clubs and live music.

And the fun and attractions are not limited to Waikiki… within a half hour are many of Oahu’s more scenic locations, including the Nuuanu Pali Lookout and Hanauma Bay recognized for some of the best snorkeling in the world! Other prominent locations nearby include Ala Moana Center is often called the largest open mall in the US, the neighborhood of Kapahulu…known for some of the more unique shopping and fine local cuisine and the exclusive arts district of Chinatown.

Historically known as the seat of royalty to the modern day locus of Hawaiian Regional Cuisine, Waikiki proves to be an evolving manifestation of the spirit of aloha. On these celebrated shores, modernity and antiquity merge together in unique and delightful ways.

Ala Moana Beach Park and Magic Island: Just a short drive west of Waikiki, is a half-mile of beach sheltered by a surrounding reef producing calm clear gentle surf. Reaching out of the beach is Magic Island…this man-made peninsula encompasses large seawalls protecting a shallow lagoon, making it a perfect place for children (keiki) to swim. Picnic tables and expansive lawns make the perfect picnic area.