O'ahu - Hawaii - page 89

There are restrooms, outdoor showers, a snack bar, surfboard lockers and beach-gear
rental stands further south at Waikiki Beach Center , near the police substation.
Kuhio Beach Park BEACH
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( ) A Hollywood-worthy superstar, this beach is perfect for everything from swimming
to outrigger canoe rides. On its eastern end is Kapahulu Groin , a walled storm drain
topped by a walkway jutting into the ocean. A low stone breakwater, called The Wall ,
runs out parallel to the beach. Built to control sand erosion, it has formed two nearly en-
closed swimming pools.
The pool closest to Kapahulu Groin is tops for swimming, with the water near the
breakwater reaching overhead depths. However, because circulation is limited, the water
gets murky, with a noticeable film of suntan oil. The ʻWatch Out Deep Holes' sign refers
to holes in the pool's sandy bottom created by swirling currents; waders should be cau-
tious in the deeper part of the pool.
Kapahulu Groin is one of Waikiki's hottest bodyboarding spots. If the surf's right, you
can find a few dozen bodyboarders, mostly teenagers, riding the waves. These experien-
ced local kids thrillingly ride straight for the groin's cement wall and then veer away at
the last moment. They also walk out onto the Wall, but that can be dangerous due to a
slippery surface and the breaking surf.
Kapiʻolani Beach Park BEACH
Where did all the tourists go? South of Kapahulu Groin, this peaceful stretch is backed
by banyan trees and grassy lawns. Here you'll find far less hubbub than in front of
Waikiki's beachfront hotels. It's a popular weekend picnicking spot for local families,
who unload the kids to splash in the water. Park facilities include restrooms, outdoor
showers and BBQ grills.
Queen's Surf Beach is the nickname for the widest section of Kapiʻolani Beach. The
strand in front of the pavilion is popular with Waikiki's gay community, and its sandy
bottom offers decent swimming. The beach between Queen's Surf and the Wall is shal-
low and has broken coral. The offshore surfing break, called Publics , gets some good
waves in winter.
At the Diamond Head end of the beach park, the 1920s Natatorium ( ht-
tp://natatorium.org ; 2815 Kalakaua Ave) is on the National Register of Historic Places. This
100m-long saltwater swimming pool was constructed as a memorial for soldiers who
died in WWI. Two Olympic gold medalists - Johnny Weissmuller and Duke Ka-