Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
dug to divert streams and dry out the wetlands. Old Hawaii lost out: local farmers had the
water drained out from under them and Waikiki's water buffaloes were quickly replaced
by tourists.
In the 'Roaring Twenties,' the Royal Hawaiian hotel opened to serve passengers arriv-
ing on luxury ocean liners from San Francisco. During WWII, this 'Pink Palace' was
turned into an R&R playground for US Navy sailors on shore leave. As late as 1950,
surfers could still drive their cars right up onto Waikiki Beach and park on the sand. But
by then passenger jets had started making regularly scheduled flights to Hawaii, and
mainland tourism boomed.
DON'T MISS
OʻAHU'S BEST BEACHES
»
Kuhio Beach Park (
Click here
)
- Waikiki's always-busy oceanfront carnival
»
Hanauma Bay (
Click here
)
- snorkeling even kiddies can enjoy
»
Sandy Beach (
Click here
) - bodyboarding only for the fearless
»
Waimanalo (
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) - Oʻahu's longest, calmest golden strand
»
Kailua (
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)
- swimming, kayaking, stand up paddle surfing, windsurfing
and kiteboarding
»
Kualoa (
Click here
)
- the Windward Coast's prettiest ocean views
»
Malaekahana State Recreation Area (
Click here
)
- wild, untamed windward
Oʻahu beach
»
Pipeline (
Click here
)
- the North Shore's epic surfing break
»
Pupukea (
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)
- superb summertime snorkeling and diving
»
Makaha (
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)
- the Waiʻanae Coast's big-wave beach
Beaches
The 2-mile stretch of white sand commonly called Waikiki Beach runs from the Hilton
Hawaiian Village down to Kapiʻolani Park. Along the way, the beach changes names and
personalities. In the early morning, quiet seaside paths belong to walkers and joggers. By
midmorning it looks like a resort beach - watersports concessionaires and lots of tourist
bodies sprawled on beach mats catching rays. At noon, it gets packed and it can be chal-
lenging to walk along the sand without stepping on anyone.
