The Beauty of Waikiki Beach
When many people think about the Hawaiian Islands they often imagine a beach scene, with native dancers in grass skirts, or tourists swimming in the clear, warm waters. Often what they are envisioning is a stretch of the island of Oahu known as Waikiki Beach.
Hawaii is made up of a chain of islands, each one dramatically different from the other. The most visited island is Oahu. This is because of the Honolulu International Airport, where most air traffic in and out of the islands begins. It is also because the island has so much to offer its visitors; with dramatic scenery, excellent shopping, top rate hotels and dining, a large array of entertainment and some of the nicest beaches in the world. In fact the island of Oahu is home to what is known as the “best known beach in the world”, Waikiki Beach.
Originally an exclusive beach for Hawaiian royalty in the 1800s, today the small one and a half mile stretch of beach is home to a historic array of hotels that play host to millions of visitors each year.
Visitors to Waikiki Beach will be able to stand on the sand and gaze up at another Hawaiian icon, Diamond Head. Almost every souvenir or bit of tourist merchandise in Hawaii will have the famous profile of the mountain printed on it. For the most incredible view of Waikiki Beach guests are encouraged to take the short drive up into the mountains and hike to the top of Diamond Head.
Standing on the viewing platform gives one of the best views of the beach and valley below. From there it is easy to pick out the sparkling pink Royal Hawaiian Hotel, famous not just for its color, but its age and architectural style. Today this slice of vintage Hawaii is surrounded by dozens of high-rise hotels and luxury accommodations.
While in Waikiki Beach guests don’t just have to swim or stroll along the ocean, there are museums and parks such as the Kapiolani Park where free musical performances are held in the Waikiki Shell, and the Honolulu Zoo where guests can visit some of the only snakes on the Hawaiian Islands.
Also along the streets and thoroughfares of Waikiki Beach are several excellent shopping centers, and one of the best for an inexpensive lunch and some high quality souvenirs is the International Market Place – here visitors can buy shell leis, brightly colored mumus and shirts and try some tasty local favorites.
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