“Early Morning…” by Steve Bozak
Waikiki is perhaps the most well-known beach in Hawaii. Stretching along the southeastern shore of Oahu between Diamond Head Crater and Honolulu, this sandy beach is a great place for swimming, sunbathing, and surf lessons. Once a retreat for Hawaiian royalty, in the early 20th Century the beach began to attract tourists from all over the world. The Moana Surfrider is its oldest hotel, built in 1901. Duke Kahanamoku, a Honolulu native who frequented these waters as a youth, went on to become an Olympic swimmer in the 1910s and 20s, and is also as the “father of modern surfing.” Today, his statue greets beach goers with outstretched arms. This beach is well-staffed with lifeguards, so visitors can take to the water without worry.
While Waikiki is known for being home to some of the best shopping, dining, and live music on Oahu, it is also a great place to get acquainted with the ocean and its wildlife. You can spend a morning at the Honolulu Zoo or Waikiki Aquarium, which is home to many tropical fish, sharks, seals, and other creatures. Your group can sail the blue waters on a catamaran, watch sea turtles and coral reefs from a submarine 100 feet below the surface, or enjoy a relaxing sunset dinner cruise.
Looking to stretch your legs and see Waikiki from a different angle? A hike to the summit of Diamond Head may be just the thing. This volcanic crater was once a military lookout, and is now a popular hiking spot for visitors to Oahu. After a one-mile hike to the top, you will be rewarded with stunning views of land, sea, and sky, including a bird’s eye view of Honolulu and Waikiki Beach.
Whether you prefer hiking, boating, shopping, eating, swimming, surfing, or animals, Waikiki is an enjoyable place to stay awhile.
