| Waikiki is perhaps the most famous beach in the | | | | forget to check out Diamond Head volcano, which |
| Hawaiian islands. Each year, thousands of tourists | | | | looms tall in the distance to create a picturesque |
| from all over the world flock to this stretch of | | | | view from a vantage point anywhere along |
| beautiful white sand and clear blue waters. Most | | | | Waikiki beach. |
| people plan to spend at least a couple of days | | | | If you're ready to head inland following a weekend |
| sitting at the beach when planning their Hawaiian | | | | spent relaxing on the sand, a short walk away |
| vacation. The temperature in Waikiki averages 70 | | | | from the shore offers a selection of resort |
| to 90 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, making the | | | | hotels, shops, restaurants, and Kapiolani Park. The |
| beach popular all year long. Whether you wish to | | | | restaurants in Waikiki are known for their delicious |
| sip a tropical drink while sitting under a palm tree, | | | | Hawaiian food in addition to cuisine from all over |
| or are attracted to Waikiki for its world-class | | | | the world. Many of these resorts also play host to |
| surfing, Waikiki Beach on Oahu is one of the most | | | | luaus, or traditional Hawaiian feasts. These outdoor |
| popular areas of Hawaii. | | | | shows feature local hula dancers and a traditional |
| This beach is recognized for being the birthplace | | | | roast pig among other Hawaiian delicacies. Kuhio |
| of modern surfing. Waikiki was the boyhood | | | | Beach Hula Mound, located on Waikiki, offers a |
| home of Duke Kahanamoku, who is recognized as | | | | free hula show nearly every summer evening. |
| the force behind the revival of surfing in the early | | | | Waikiki is also home to Waikiki Aquarium, one of |
| twentieth century. Inspired by the ancient | | | | the oldest aquariums in the United States. It is |
| Hawaiians, who had surfed for hundreds of years, | | | | believed that this site inspired Jules Verne's |
| Duke popularized the sport both in Hawaii and | | | | submarine description in his book, "20,000 Leagues |
| elsewhere in the world. The Duke Kahanamoku | | | | Under the Sea." On Kaluana Avenue, one of the |
| statue near Waikiki Beach commemorates his | | | | main roads nearest the beach, the Wizard Stones |
| achievements. Since the 1950s, Waikiki has been | | | | are believed to hold the spirits of four ancient |
| considered Mecca for many of the world's most | | | | Tahitian priests, known as kahuna. |
| popular surfers. Waikiki hosts many international | | | | Waikiki has lured tourists for centuries, nearly |
| surfing competitions each year. | | | | since the beginning of European contact. In the |
| When you arrive at Waikiki, you're likely to | | | | mid-nineteenth century, the beach served as a |
| receive a lei, or floral wreath, to welcome you to | | | | recreational area for the Hawaiian royal family. |
| Oahu. Those visiting Waikiki are sure to spend | | | | During World War II, thousands of U.S. Soldiers |
| many hours enjoying the water and sand. In | | | | visited this beach while on duty in Hawaii. In 1977, |
| addition to surfing in the aquamarine waves or | | | | Waikiki became the setting for the TV show |
| lounging on the sandy shores, Waikiki Beach also | | | | "Charlie's Angels." Over the past few decades, |
| offers a summer outdoor movie series and | | | | Waikiki has grown to become an even more |
| "Brunch on the Beach," known for delicious | | | | popular destination for vacationers. |
| traditional foods served by island chefs. Don't | | | | |