Hawaii is known for its stunning and active volcanoes, for the must-see Pearl Harbor Museum & Memorial, and for its picturesque tropical beaches. Waikiki beach is one of the most developed and popular beaches in Hawaii and is the resort neighborhood of Honolulu on the island of O'ahu. Today this 2-mile stretch of white sand beach with its calm turquoise blue ocean is one of the most famous beaches in all of America - and all of the world.
In the past Waikiki was the playground of the Hawaiian royalty. Today it is Oahu's main hotel and resort area. The main strip of Kalakaua Avenue offers world-class shopping, dining, entertainment, and activities. Another must-see cultural attraction here is the Polynesian Cultural Center In Oahu.
About Waikiki
Waikiki Beach is one of the six beaches in the district (the others being Kuhio Beach, Gray's Beach, Kahanamoku, Queen's Beach, and Fort DeRussy Beach). It is also almost entirely artificial being man-made.
- Waikiki: Was The First Capital Of The Kingdom of Hawaii From 1795 to 1976
- Name: Waikiki Means "Spouting Waters" In Hawaiian
While the beach is well life-guarded, one needs to be careful swimming here. Mostly because of the many other people in the world - particularly the surfers and body-surfers enjoying the tropical paradise.
Erosion has long been a large problem of Waikiki beach with the authorities responding by building groins and beach replenishment projects. The erosion is estimated to claim around a foot of the beach every year. To replenish the disappearing sand, sand is imported from as far away as California as well as local beaches like Pāpōhaku Beach on Moloka‘i, and a sandbar from Oʻahu's Northern side near Kahuku.
Hotels And Attractions In Waikiki
Famously every hotel room is just two or three blocks away from the ocean (or it's directly on the beach). The beach is relaxing and breathtaking with Mount Leahi (or Diamond Head) as the backdrop. There are almost 70 hotels within the 3.5-mile radius of Waikiki, search the resorts and find the perfect place to stay.
Other attractions in Waikiki are the Honolulu Zoo and the Waikiki Aquarium that are perfect days out for families. One can also walk along the Waikiki Historical Trail. As the sun goes down, Waikiki transforms with amazing nightlife with live music.
Waikiki is centrally placed being only within half an hour of many of the island's most famous attractions like Iolani Palace, the Nuuanu Pali Lookout, Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, and Pearl Harbor.
The resorts to be found here can offer exclusive amenities including luxe spas, golf courses, and top-rated restaurants. This is an excellent place for a romantic honeymoon.
Surfing Waikiki
It almost goes without saying that one of the main attractions and activities in Waikiki is surfing. Relax and enjoy Hawaii at its most iconic as one paddles into a wave and rides the waves back to shore. Don't know how to surf? No problem, there are many surfing instructors long the beach here.
Ohana Surf Project
One of the surfing schools at Waikiki is Ohana Surf Project. They offer a range of surfing lessons for everyone - beginners and families alike. Some of their lessons are:
- Group Surfing Lessons: Starting At $69 / 1 Hour, and $99 For 2 Hours. Note This is On Pause During the Pandemic
- Private Surfing Lessons: Starting At $120 / 1 Hour and $175 for 2 Hours
- Professional Surfing Lessons: Starting At $325 / 1.5 Hours and $425 for 2.5 Hours
Ty Gurney Surf School
Another option is with Ty Gurney Surf School. They customize the lesson to one's skill level and individual goals. They emphasize private and semi-private instruction. They guarantee that everyone will be up and riding during their very first lesson.
- Private Surf Lessons: $110 / One Hour, or $165 For 2 Hours
- Semi-Private Surf Lessons: (2 Students) $170 / One Hour ($85 Per Student) or $270 For Two Hours ($135 Per Student)
Note: Online Booking Must Be Made At Least 3 Days In Advance
Try exploring one of America's most stunning tropical paradises with an open-door helicopter with stunning panoramic views of Waikiki, Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor, and more.
Mauna Loa Helicopter Tours
One of the tours that Manua Loa Helicopter Tours offers is their South Shore Experience. They offer private tours where one can see Waikiki, Magic Island, Honolulu, the Diamond head crater, Hanuma Bay (an underwater crater), and more.
- Duration: 20-25 Minutes
- Occupancy: All Tours are Private And Require A Minimum of 2 Passengers And a Maximum of 3 Passengers
- Age: Minimum Age 7 Years Old For Doors-on Tour and 12 Years Old For Doors Off
- Weight Limit: Passengers Cannot Exceed 275 lbs
- Cost: $195.00 Per Person
Note: Hawaii is Where Jurassic Was Filmed
Waikiki Beach is the perfect destination for a beach holiday, to explore Hawaii's volcanoes - consider visiting the Big Island