Most visitors who say they are going to Hawaii spend their time
here, in Waikiki. Waikiki is located on the island of Oahu and is a
neighborhood of the city Honolulu. It’s in Waikiki where most of the
hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues are located.
Waikiki is also known for its world-famous beach, and no matter what
day it is, you’ll find hordes of people sunbathing, surfing and
playing in the water. Waikiki is Hawaii’s center of the tourist
industry and many high-rise hotels stand on the shoreline, including
historic hotels that date back to the early 20th century, such as
the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, also known as “The Pink Palace of the
Pacific” and the Moana Surfrider Hotel, also known as “The First
Lady of Waikiki.” It was the first hotel, built in 1901. Other
luxury hotels are the Sheraton Waikiki, the Halekulani Hotel, the
Hyatt Regency Waikiki and the Hilton Hawaiian Village.
Waikiki means “spouting waters” in the Hawaiian language. Up until
the beginning of the 20th century, Waikiki was separated from the
island’s interior by springs and streams. It was a wetland, full of
fishponds and swamps. Then the Ala Wai Canal was built to drain the
area, which turned Waikiki into a prime real estate location.
Waikiki stretches from the Ala Wai Canal to Diamond Head, another
world-famous Hawaiian landmark. The extinct volcanic crater is
visible from anywhere on Waikiki Beach.
The beach itself is rather narrow in some areas and had its problems
with erosion in the past. This led to construction of groins and
beach replenishment projects. At one time in the 1920s and 1930s for
example, sand from California was shipped here to replenish Waikiki
Beach. Also, there are rocks and a coral reef on the nearshore ocean
bottom, so swimmers should watch their feet. The reef is ideal for
bodyboarders and surfers because it creates nice waves, especially
during the summer months.
Waikiki in Bullet Points
Center of Hawaii's tourism industry
Many hotels, restaurants and shops
Location of world-famous Waikiki Beach
Waikiki Location
Waikiki is located on the south shore of the island of Oahu, one of
the Hawaiian Islands. It is about 3.5 miles (5.6 km) east from
downtown Honolulu.
To-Hawaii.com is a complete
Hawaii travel and
vacation guide, including sightseeing tips
and reviews of Hawaii beaches, attractions, hotels and resorts,
shopping, activities, restaurants, weddings, car rentals and more,
on all Hawaiian Islands - Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Big Island, Molokai and
Lanai.
