Guest Post by: HNLhulagirl
Waikiki, dreams are made of the beach. The sandy shoreline and the cerulean hues waters are world famous. The beach attracts many from all over the world to the shores where surfing was born and beach boys reign. The resort area of Waikiki is barely seven blocks wide and 2 miles long and packed into this collection of luxury resorts, shops and restaurants is actually a collection of beaches. Each beach is filled with history and a unique personality. Waikiki along with all beaches in Hawaii are public property and access to the beach is mandated and required by law. Here are a few of the more notable beaches in Waikiki:
Duke Kahanamoku Beach and Lagoon
Fronting the Hilton Hawaiian Village, this beach and lagoon has always been a popular spot for locals and hotel guests who enjoy the wide sandy beach the soft gentle waves and the shade from several palm trees. The lagoon was recently renovated where the ocean water is re-circulated keeping the ocean water cool and clear.
Fort DeRussy Beach Park
Located adjacent to Duke Kahanamoku Beach and Lagoons, this beach park is known as the widest stretch of sand in Waikiki. Adjacent to the Hale Koa Hotel, this park offers more than sun and surf, there are volleyball and handball courts, showers and more.
Grays’ Beach
Proceeding toward Diamond Head, this beach is one of the more historic in Waikiki. Fronting the luxurious Halekulani Hotel. The area was originally the home of King Kamehameha V whose home sat amidst coconut tree groves and taro patches. Today the sandy channel off the white sand beach is popular with swimmers.
Royal-Moana Beach
This beach stretches from the Sheraton Waikiki to the Moana-Surfrider hotel. This area of Waikiki is the traditional heart of Waikiki Beach. The shoreline offers soft sand and a gentle sloping bottom that gracefully edges into deeper water. This beach is also the site of a couple of Waikiki’s famous surf breaks. One is popular with outrigge4r canoes and the other is a great break for beginner surfers.
Waikiki Beach Center
It is the portion of Waikiki Beach that is the sandiest and safest. The area offers immediate access to the refreshment stand, beach services, lifeguards and police. The beach is very popular and is congested at times.
Kuhio Beach Park
Stretching between the Banyan tree and the Kapahulu Groin, this stretch of beach is by far the best for children. The sea wall keeps the water quieter than most areas of Waikiki and gentle for young children. The area was once called Pualeilani, home of Price Kuhio and Princess Kahanu. The area was given to the city in 1922 and dedicated to the beloved Prince.
Waikiki is a magical place that is beloved by many. In earlier days, it was a collection of royal residences, taco patches, fresh water streams and shady coconut groves. Today it is a collection of resorts and excellent beaches full of beauty excitement and recreation for visitors all across the world.
For more information on Waikiki and the island of Oahu, check out Beachcomber Pete Travel Adventure guides on Hawaii.
