Waikiki Beach

Where Legends Live

Waikiki Beach - Each grain of sand could tell a story for the millions of visitors that walk this beach. It connects a string of open-air eateries, landmark hotels and is a few steps from shopping.

This famous stretch of sand offers so many things to do. Getting a tan on Waikiki Beach is only the beginning.

Get a rubber raft at a nearby ABC or E-Z Discount stores and float offshore. Sea turtles frequent the area fronting the “grand dame” of Waikiki, the Sheraton Moana Surfrider Hotel. Cool off with a mai tai under the banyan tree where “Hawaii Calls” was broadcast for 40 years.

Watch the surfers ride Waikiki’s waves. Better yet, take a lesson or catch some waves on an exciting outrigger canoe ride. The local beach boys rent the gear–they’ll tell the story of surfing legend Duke Kahanamoku, now remembered with a statue across from the Hyatt at Uluniu Ave.

Waikiki has nearly 1.5 miles of beach, really a series of beaches with their own intriguing names. The sand connects a string of hotels and their oceanview restaurants. Rinse off in public open-air showers and have slippers and a shirt or pareau handy.

A real treat is to have brunch in the Surf Room at the “pink palace,” the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. After a nap among the sunbathers, browse through designer boutiques. At sunset, catch the free nightly hula show at Halekulani’s House Without a Key. After dark, look for the moon over Diamond Head.

ONLY IN WAIKIKI
•Newt at the Royal, (808)922-0062
•Pacific Harley Davidson®, (808)971-350
Quinlan Swimwear, (808)923-7276
Swimsuit Warehouse, (808)922-8100

LEARN TO SURF
Hans Hedemann Surf School, (808)924-7778

SUNDAY SERVICE ON THE BEACH
•Interdenominational service, 10:30 a.m., Hilton Hawaiian Village, (808)923-3137

ISLAND SON
Born on Maui in 1890, Duke Kahanamoku is one of Hawaii’s most famous residents. An Olympic swimmer-surfer-turned-actor, he brought the sport of surfing into the national limelight.

BEACH BEAUTY TIPS
•Check the date on your sunscreen. If it’s expired, the active ingredients may no longer absorb UV light.
•To give your face a summer glow, apply foundation. Using your palms, gently press a tissue onto your face and remove.