Waikiki Beach is the stretch of shoreline fronting the Honolulu neighborhood in Hawaii. It’s hard to imagine now but the area was formally used as a retreat and a surfing sight by the Hawaiian royalty in the 1800s. Towards the end of the 1800s a few small hotels started opening up and nowadays the whole area is jam packed with 1st class hotels and resorts to cater for the tourists that flock to the area. It’s amazing how an area can change so dramatically.
Waikiki is a must see and experience vacation hot spot in Hawaii. It’s very well-known to tourists around the world and it’s aptly deserving of its fame. With many exciting yearly events being hosted (such as the surf competitions, canoe races, and hula dancing), all the fine beaches, the luxurious accommodations, and other fascinating sites to see, Waikiki is a true haven of relaxation and pleasure for any vacationer. Here’s our Top Sights to See in Waikiki.
Ali’i Kai Catamaran
A great way to fully appreciate the beauty of Waikiki and Honolulu is to take a ride on the Ali’i Kai, the world’s largest Polynesian catamaran with two decks for dining and for observation. You will be greeted by crystal clear waters and beautiful green mountains as this catamaran cruises along the coast off Honolulu and Waikiki. A magnificent dinner buffet awaits guests as they are entertained by live Polynesian shows on board as the band plays for guests’ partying, dancing, and listening pleasure.
Waikiki Lagoon
After the catamaran ride, take a look at the Duke Paoa Kahanamoku Lagoon which is a man-made wading pool in Waikiki near the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor. The lagoon was built in 1951 and was named after the Olympic swimming champion and surfer Duke Kahanamoku. Although the Hilton Hotels acquired the Hawaiian Village Resort in 1961, the lagoon remained a property of the state of Hawaii. In 2006 the lagoon was renovated and has become a popular spot. It is popular for families as the children are protected from any of Hawaii’s famous surf.
Kuhio Beach Park
From being wet in the lagoon, it is time to be dry and visit a beach park. The best beach park in Waikiki is the Kuhio Beach Park. You will find it located between the Sheraton Moana Surfrider Hotel and the Kapahulu Groin. The park is a great place to lay back and relax, read a book and people watch the tourists and locals walking by. You can also find a tree to sit under to keep out of the harsh Hawaiian sun.
Diamond Head
An absolute must during your time in Waikiki is a walk to the top of Diamond Head. The exquisite views make the 0.75 uphill hike well worth it. You do not need to be a fitness junkie to climb to the top; people of all ages, and fitness levels, manage to make it to the top without any problems. Once you are at the top you will be standing 762 feet above sea level and over looking Waikiki Beach and its surrounds. The color of the ocean water and the reef below really looks quite amazing on a clear day. Go early in the day to avoid the heat and the crowds. The hike will cost you $1 but the view is priceless.
Waikiki Aquarium
The aquarium started in 1904 with 35 tanks and 400 marine organisms. During its first year, biologist David Starr Jordan proclaimed its collection of fish as the finest in the world. Built next to a living coral reef on the Waikiki shoreline, the Waikiki Aquarium has lots of living corals to show off as well as the sea life and marine plants. People of all ages will enjoy the Aquarium and all it has to offer.
Where to Sleep
Waikiki has plenty of accommodation options of course, but if you are looking for somewhere that offers great hospitality, superb rooms and a great location, look no further than Embassy Suites Waikiki Beach Walk. Just a few steps from the famous Waikiki Beach shore, this hotel has all the charm and charisma you expect in Hawaii. Embassy Suites is the only all-suite complex in Oahu, offering kitchen facilities, free WiFi and a complementary breakfast each morning.
Have we missed anything off the Top Sights to See in Waikiki list?
Top Sights to See in Waikiki #LuxeHawaii is a post from: Suitcase Stories
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