Waikiki Beach

Waikiki Beach Hawaii

About Waikiki Beach

Waikiki Beach is the sandy hub of Downtown Honolulu’s nightlife, shopping and tourism scene—boasting a vast array of places to stay, restaurants for all meals, waves to surf and sites to see. Whether you are looking for a luxury hotel like the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, or searching for a private high-rise condo for the week, you will find it here.

Waikiki Beach spans two miles of sand and surf, populated by locals and visitors and lined with hotels, from the Hilton Hawaiian Village to the Kaimana Beach Hotel. At its eastern edge is Diamond Head Crater.

Waikiki Beach is also home to The Duke Statue, which has been an icon of Hawaii since its dedication in 1990.

At the end of Kalakaua Ave., you’ll find Kapiolani Park, where many festivals, craft fairs, concerts and events take place almost every weekend. The nearby Ala Moana Center plays host to Hawaii’s best shopping, and just across the street is a local favorite, Ala Moana Beach Park. At the east end of Waikiki is the Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Aquarium, fun for the entire family! When you explore the possibilities of Waikiki, you won’t be disappointed!

History

Before today’s tropical metropolis setting of Waikiki came into existence, the area abounded with fresh water springs, rivers and more. It was nothing like it is today! “Wai” means fresh water, and “kiki” means spring—thus its nickname, “Spouting Fresh Water.”

In 1794, Kamehameha I arrived at Waikiki Beach from Big Island with a fleet of canoes, ready to claim rule over Oahu—the ensuing became the famous Battle of Nuuanu Pali. In the 19th century, Waikiki served as a vacation retreat for Hawaiian royalty.

The first hotel in Waikiki, the Moana Surfrider Hotel, opened in 1901. Tourism business started pouring into this wetland district of Oahu, but in 1928 that all changed with the construction of the Ala Wai Canal, which drained all the fresh water from Waikiki. Sand from California and other locations were imported to Waikiki to create what soon became one of the world’s most visited beaches.

Today Waikiki is the center of Hawaii tourism, and walking along Kalakaua Avenue experiencing the vibrant nightlife is a "must do' for many!

Facts & Trivia

  • How long we stop here on tour: Our inter-island tours allow free time spent in Waikiki Beach at the end of the day. This stop is time permitting.
  • Location: East Honolulu, Oahu.
  • Amenities: Shopping, Food, Drink, Restroom, Public Beach Access.
  • Insider Tip: Get lost in the Hilton Hawaiian Village for a world of gourmet food, tropical boutiques and art galleries. And check out the fireworks show every Friday night at 7:45!
  • Fun Fact: “Wai” means “fresh water” and “Kai” is “salt water”… Just don’t call it Kaikiki!
  • What To Expect: Cuisines of the world, local boutiques and national stores, historic monuments, and world famous Waikiki hotels.
  • Pop Culture: Waikiki has been home to many celebrities over the decades, including Elvis Presley, Kanye West, Tony Curtis and more.

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