More info: Waikiki beach is located on the south shore of Honolulu, on the island of Oahu, next to Diamond Head and Kapiolani Park. Waikiki is one of the most famous beaches in the world and welcomes more than four million visitors every year
Stretching for 2 miles, Waikiki is actually made up of several beaches, including Fort De Russy Beach to the west, Waikiki Beach (fronting the Royal Hawaiian Hotel and Westin Moana Surfrider), Kuhio Beach (along Kalakaua Avenue) and Queen Surf Beach, home to quieter stretches on the Diamond Head side of Waikiki.
Waikiki is one of the best places in Hawaii to learn how to surf or paddle a canoe thanks to its small but long-lasting wave break. Legendary Hawaiian waterman Duke Kahanamoku grew up surfing the waves of Waikiki. With other renowned Waikiki Beach Boys, this Olympic gold medalist in swimming taught visitors how to surf at the turn of the century. “Duke” was instrumental in sharing the values and sport of surfing to the world and came to be known and respected globally as “the father of modern surfing.”
The first hotel, the Moana Surfrider, was built on the Waikiki shores in 1901. Today, Waikiki is Oahu’s main hotel and resort area and a vibrant gathering place for visitors from around the world. Along the main strip of Kalakaua Avenue there is world-class shopping, dining and entertainment and once the sun sets in Waikiki there is an amazing nightlife and live music.