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Waikiki as seen from Diamond Head

Waikiki is a district of the city of Honolulu, on the island of Oahu, in Hawaii, one of the United States of America. Waikiki is the area of Honolulu bounded by the Ala Wai Canal to the north and east, Kapahulu Ave. to the south and the Pacific Ocean to the west.

[edit] Understand

One of the best known beach in the world, Waikiki was the favorite playground of Hawaiian royalty in the 19th century. At the time, Waikiki was an area of wetlands fed by streams from the valleys above Honolulu. That all changed in the 1920s when the government decided to build what would become the Ala Wai Canal, which would drain the wetlands and pave the way for later development.

These days, this 1.5 mile stretch of white sand beach is the nucleus of Hawaii's tourist industry, packed full of high-rise hotels that promise to treat you like a king, some of which may also require a king's ransom for admission. Often criticized for its concrete-jungle appearance, Waikiki has undergone a recent face lift to give it a more "Hawaiian sense of place."

[edit] Get in

Highways in Hawaii are H-1, H-2, and the newest one H-3, all located on the island of Oahu. They provide excellent paths throughout the state.

[edit] By boat

Thousands arrive every week from Japan and other countries to the port in downtown Honolulu. Many stay on ships and swarm the area buying goods to take back home. Others arrive every day on every type of floating device you can imagine.

[edit] By plane

Honolulu International Airport [1] is the main aviation gateway for the Hawaiian Islands. The airport's Main Terminal is served by most major American airlines from the mainland U.S, and by many international airlines from other countries around the Pacific Rim. Its Inter-island Terminal is the home of Hawaiian Airlines and Aloha Airlines, both of which offer frequent local service to the other Hawaiian islands.

The Airport Waikiki Express provides shuttle service to hotels in Waikiki every half hour for $9 per person. Look for the bright yellow t-shirts. Be warned that these are full coach buses, and if your hotel is on the eastern end of Waikiki, it will take the shuttle just as long to get through all the other hotels and traffic as it did to reach Waikiki from the airport. If you are a party of multiple people, it's better to take a cab. City buses #19 and #20 ($2 Adult/ no change given/ $US bills and coins accepted) also come to the airport once every half-hour, going through A`ala Park downtown and on to to Waikiki. You can catch them on the outside second level of the international and domestic departure terminals. Limited luggage space.

The best way to get to Waikiki by rental car (where your hotel is most likely to be) is to follow signs for H-1 east, then follow H-1 east about 2 miles to exit 18A (Waikiki/Nimitz Highway). Follow Nimitz Highway (which turns into Ala Moana Boulevard past downtown Honolulu) straight into Waikiki. You will pass through Honolulu's industrial district, along Honolulu Harbor, and past downtown Honolulu and the Ala Moana Shopping Center. On Oahu, some joke about the "Red Ford Mustang Convertible", somewhat like "Red Neck Jokes". If you are driving a "Red Ford Mustang Convertible", you are likely a tourist. It may add to your safety, or get you forgiveness for stupid driving, but be assured, you are a marked man in one.

[edit] Get around

[edit] Navigating

When getting direction in Hawaii you're more likely to hear "mauka" or "makai" then north, south, east or west. Mauka means towards the mountains. Makai means towards the water, in this case the ocean. This means that the direction of mauka/makai is dependent on where you are on the island. In the case of Waikiki and Honolulu, which are located on the south shore of Oahu, mauka roughly means north, and makai roughly means south.

[edit] Major arterials

H-1 is some distance away from Waikiki itself and you need to go onto surface streets to and from Waikiki. If you need to access H-1 west from Waikiki to go someplace outside of the city, there are two main routes:

1. Go mauka to Ala Wai Boulevard and follow it Ewa-bound to McCully Street. Follow McCully mauka for about 1 mile; it will take you over H-1. At the foot of the bridge, turn left on Dole, then left again onto Alexander to the freeway onramp.
2. Follow Kuhio or Kalakaua Avenue Diamond Head-bound to Kapahulu Avenue. Follow Kapahulu mauka for about 1 mile, it will take you under H-1 and lead you to the freeway on ramp.

To get back to Waikiki from H-1 east, take either of these routes:

1. Take exit 23 (Punahou Street). Turn right on Punahou, and stay in lane #3 from the left. This lane is right-turn only onto the left side of Beretania. Take an immediate left onto Kalakaua Avenue from Beretania. Follow Kalakaua into Waikiki.
2. Take exit 25A (King Street). After merging onto King Street, stay to the right. Take the second right onto Kapahulu Avenue (follow signs to Waikiki). Follow Kapahulu into Waikiki.

In Waikiki, the three main streets, from makai to mauka, are Kalakaua Avenue (one way Ewa to Diamond Head, along Waikiki Beach), Kuhio Avenue (two-way), and Ala Wai Boulevard (one way Diamond Head to Ewa, along the Ala Wai Canal).

[edit] By bus

If you're traveling light, TheBus [2] offers service from Honolulu Airport to Waikiki. Take either route #19 or #20 to Waikiki. You may carry your bag onto the bus, provided that your bag fits under the seat and doesn't disturb other passengers. Routes 8, 19, 20 & 42 serve Waikiki and Ala Moana Center.

[edit] By Moped

Around Waikiki, numerous stands can rent mopeds (small motor scooters). Prices vary greatly, so look around a bit before deciding. These bikes generally cannot exceed 35 MPH, allowing for easy travel on city streets. A couple of rules to remember and locals will respect you better -(1) stay to the right! At all times stay as far right as possible, and if turning, stay to the far right of the lane you are in (moving to the far right side of the road as soon as you can). (2) It is illegal to ride double, so avoid having a passenger on your bike. (3) Don't park your bike on the sidewalk -- police will ticket. (4) Unless experienced, don't ride the bikes in at night in dark areas -- it is very difficult for you to be seen.

[edit][add listing] See

[edit] Beaches

[edit] Waikiki Beach

If not the most famous beach in the world, Waikiki Beach is by far the most famous in Hawaii. It forms the foreground of most postcard pictures of Diamond Head. It is the first beach that comes to mind when most people think of Hawaii. Consequently, it is also, by far, the most crowded. It's a good place to learn to surf if you can manage not to hit or be hit by other beginners in the throng.

• Queens Surf Beach - Gay Friendly - Near Kapiolani Park. Quieter than the hotel beaches, and with fantastic, easy snorkeling to see huge tangs, Moorish Idols and other fish. Small stand on the beach rents gear.

[edit] Museums and Galleries

• Kapiolani Park, a large public park at the east end of Waikiki (toward Diamond Head), home to the Waikiki Shell amphitheater and the Honolulu Zoo. Right across the street on the shore is the Waikiki Aquarium.
• Honolulu Zoo, at the corner of Kapahulu Ave and Kalakaua Blvd. +1 808 971-7171, [3]. Every day, 9AM-4:30PM (closed Christmas day). Lovely zoo with lots of exotic animals and plenty of the big-name ones like elephants, rhinos, lions, zebras and giraffes. $8 adults, $1 children, under age 5 free (family pass available for $25).
• Waikiki Aquarium, 2777 Kalakaua Ave. +1 808 923-9741, [4]. Every day, 9AM-4:30PM (closed Christmas day). The third oldest aquarium in the United States, this incredible institution has hundreds of species of marine life from Hawaii and the Pacific. $9 adults, $4 teen, $2 children, under age 5 free.

[edit] Scenic

Diamond Head Crater, located on the southeast coast of Oahu at the end of Waikiki overlooking Pacific. Observation deck at the top with breathtaking views. Moderate hike with a lot of steps towards the end. About 1.5 hour hike. Bring water.

[edit][add listing] Do

• Na Hoku II, the beach in front of the Outrigger Waikiki Hotel, $30 - 90 min. sails. This is the best way to see Waikiki from the water and best of all, ALL drinks are free!!! Try the sunset sail for spectacular views of the sunset! [5]

• First time visitors should be sure to book at least one luau. Some are better than others, check with your hotel concierge for recommendations.

• Sunset On The Beach - Since 2001, there have been free movies on the beach in Waikiki near the Honolulu zoo. Many tourists from around the world can view a movie on an outdoor 30 foot screen. This particular free movie event in Waikiki is called "Sunset on the Beach" [6].

• Surf, The beach (Walk towards the ocean). Anytime. Waikiki is good for beginners and old hands alike. It doesn't have the killer waves like Pipeline, but it has nice small longboard waves right off the beach which is where the beginners lessons are. A bit of a paddle will bring you out to some moderate sized waves. There are several places to rent boards and hire lessons right on the beach, all of which open early, and there countless cheaper places to rent off-beach. Varies.  edit

• In addition to the traditional luaus and hula shows, Hawaii has a thriving scene of art, theatre, concerts, clubs, bars, and other events and entertainment. Find a well-maintained list of upcoming shows and weekly events online at HNLnow.com [7]. If you're already out and about, you can access a daily digest on your mobile phone at m.HNLnow.com [8]

[edit] Work

Covered in the Honolulu article.

[edit][add listing] Buy

Ever-present ABC Stores [9] are located so that most hotels are within no more than a one-block walk. In fact, many locations are located in the shopping areas of the major hotels. They provide all manner of convenience store food, souvenirs, and merchandise, but the convenience does come at an extra cost.

If you're looking for Hawaiian bath & body products, you'll find a variety of Forever Florals [10] products at ABC Stores.

Popular with locals, Longs Drugs are general merchandise stores with locations throughout the islands. The nearest location to Waikiki is on the second level of Ala Moana Center. Much cheaper than ABC.

The main supermarkets in Hawaii are Foodland (a local chain) or Safeway (a nationwide chain). They offer discount cards for regulars. They will give you one if you ask which can reduce your shopping cost by an easy 20%. The nearest Foodland is in the Ala Moana Shopping Centre; the nearest Safeway is at 900 Kapahulu Avenue, about 1 mile mountainside of Waikiki. The closest thing to a proper supermarket in Waikiki is "Food Pantry" at 2370 Kuhio Ave.

• International Market Place, 2330 Kalakaua Ave.[11] A virtual warren of over 100 market stalls and shops laid out amongst a jungle-like backdrop of banyan trees. All tourist goods and local tourist junk (mumus, aloha shirts, shell jewelry) available. Prices are not much better or worse than anywhere else, but worth a trip just to look at the trees and tourists.
• Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center[12] is the main shopping mall in Waikiki, with levels of many tourist-oriented shops and restaurants. Currently undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation. Includes more than 100 shops and restaurants ranging from Cheesecake Factory to high-end boutiques (Hermes, Bvlgari, Fendi, Cartier etc.), to art galleries and lei stands. The Little Hawaiian Craft Shop on the upper floor is a good place to buy real Hawaiian and Tahitian-made crafts (koa wood, etc.) for slightly less than the fancier shops in the hotel malls.
• DFS Galleria (Duty Free Shops)[13] is a shopping court built around a cruise theme. Included in the mall is one of the largest duty-free shops in the state.
• Waikiki Shopping Plaza on Kalakaua Avenue includes five levels of small shops, including a food court on the lower level.
• Kahala Nuts, International Marketplace on Kalakaua Ave., DFS GALLERIA 330 Royal Hawaiian Ave. (Corner of Kalakaua Ave & Royal Hawaiian Ave.), +1 808 780-6887, [14]. Farm fresh macadamia nuts, pecans, and almonds are freshly roasted and glazed right in front of your eyes. Awesome smell, taste, and a local favorite. Try to catch the owner, Kevin, the unofficial mayor of Waikiki.

• At the west end of Waikiki you can find the ridiculously expensive stores like Armani, Tiffany's, Bvlgari, etc.

[edit][add listing] Eat

[edit] Budget

• Galaxy Steak House Features a $3.00 pancake breakfast and a $13.00 steak and lobster tail dinner. Food is acceptable, service is prompt and the atmosphere is minimal, with televisions and a second-story view of Kuhio Ave. 2301 Kuhio Ave. (808) 926-1641. [15]

[edit] Mid-range

• Duke's, 2335 Kalakaua Ave. (At the Outrigger Waikiki Hotel), ☎ (808) 922-2268. Named after legendary surfer Duke Kahanamoku. For meals and drinks right on the beach you can't beat Duke's. It's a bar and a restaurant. Their Sunday live music is a local favorite.  edit

• Tiki's Grill & Bar, 2570 Kalakaua Ave. (In the Waikiki Beach Hotel), ☎ (808) 923-0751. Good food and service.  edit

• Wailana Coffee House, 1860 Ala Moana Blvd. Great pancake breakfast at a reasonable price. Try the coconut syrup!  edit

• Cheeseburger Waikiki, (The other end of Waikiki). Close to the beach and indoors although the whole front opens up.  edit

• Hy's Steak House, 2144 Kuhio Avenue, +1 808 922-5555.

• Kyo-ya Restaurant, 2057 Kalakaua Ave, +1 808 947-0552.

• La Mer, and Orchids, Halekulani Hotel, 2199 Kalia Rd, +1 808 923-2311.

• Perry's Smorgy Restrauant, 2380 Kuhio Ave.  edit

• Sam Choy's Diamond Head Restaurant, 449 Kapahulu Ave, +1 808 732-8645, [16].

• Sarento's Top of the I, Ilikai Hotel, 30th Floor, 1777 Ala Moana Blvd, +1 808 955-5559.
• Lu Lu's Surf Club, 2586 Kalakua Ave. ((Across the street from the Honolulu Zoo)), ☎ (808) 926-5222, [17]. 7AM-late. This is an enclosed, but open-air sports bar on across the street from the beach. moderate.  edit

[edit] Splurge

• Top of Waikiki is Hawaii's only revolving restaurant and offers views of both ocean and mountains. Best time to dine is at sunset. Serves pacific-fusion cuisine. Open for Dinner only. Located on the 18th floor of the Waikiki Business Plaza 2270 Kauakaua Ave. (808) 923-3877 [18].

[edit][add listing] Drink

Almost all bars in Waikiki also serve good food and sometimes it's hard to draw the line between pub and restaurant. Any of these places should also be considered a good place to get dinner.

[edit] Budget

• The Hideaway Bar 1913 Dudoit Lane, (808) 949-9885. A dive bar located in an ally behind a 7-Eleven. Popular with Hospitality workers, bikers, punks and hard-edge musicians. Open daily 6:00 a.m. - 2:00 a.m.

[edit] Mid-range

• Kelly O'Neil's, Energetic pub atmosphere with live music playing every night.

• Moose McGillycuddy's, 310 Lewers St (Across from O'Toole's), ☎ (808) 923-0751, [19]. 7:30AM - 4AM. Moose's is famous for their Happy Hour from 4-8PM 1/2 price drinks, live music, daily specials, tasty adult beverages, ono pupu's, bikini contest, friendly atmosphere and staff. Huge selection of breakfasts, pupu's (appetizers), burgers and specialties. A Waikiki landmark for over 26 years.  edit

• Nashville - This is Waikiki's only country bar. They offer country music for all generations, a nice size line dancing floor, pool tournaments Sunday through Thursday with prizes, dartboards and casino nights. They also are opened until 4AM, so be sure to bring your drinking cowboy hat because they like to have a good time in there (located on Kuhio, below the Ohana West Hotel).

• Maddog Saloon - A more local spot, it offers live entertainment on various nights of the week, a dance floor, pool tables and dartboards to keep you entertained. They are also opened until 4AM everyday which is nice for when the other bars close and you still want to party(located on Kuhio Ave).

• Senor Frogs - A restaurant by day and party atmosphere at night. After many years, the Frog has finally received his Green Card and he's coming to America. And he's bringing all the wild times and great food you've come to expect from Senor Frog's. Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center 2201 Kalakaua Avenue, Suite 313 Lewer’s St. and Kalakaua Ave. Honolulu, Hawaii 96815

• The Yard House - Not only does it have a wonderful food menu, but they offer over 130 draft beers from all over the world, the huge island bar protects the 4 walls of taps within. If you were wondering how they can have so many beers on tap, just take a walk over to the double pained 2 inch thick Plexiglas wall that allows you to observe the elaborate tap system. It may take you longer to pick out a beer than to actually drink it (located off of Kalakaua Ave. on Lewers street).

[edit] Splurge

• Zanzabar - An upscale nightclub on Kuhio Ave.

[edit] Gay/Bi

• Angles, on Kuhio and Seaside Ave. Features nightly drink specials and live shows and is a great spot to party. Usually no attendance fee, but support playing local bands by giving tips to 'em
• Hula's', on Kapahulu, in the Waikiki Grand. The oldest and best-known gay-friendly nightspot showcasing a glassed in dance floor.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

There are many hotels in Waikiki. Try to find a place that's close the center of town and has decent amenities and has been recently renovated. Don't bother eating at the hotel restaurant unless it's one of the famous high-end ones like Duke's. The usual hotel booking websites all do a pretty good job here, although don't be surprised to find the name of your hotel has changed since you booked it.

[edit] Budget

• Waikiki Beachside Hostel, 2556 Lemon Road, +1 808 923-9566, [20]. Dorm-style and semi-private rooms. US$20-$74 per night, weekly rates available.

[edit] Mid-range

• Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki, 100 Holomoana St, +1 808 956-1111, [21]. A hotel that features all oceanfront rooms and suites. Other amenities include a golf course, day spa, tennis courts, and facilities for meetings, weddings, and social events.

• Hilton Hawaiian Village, 2005 Kalia Rd (corner of Kalia Road and Ala Moana Blvd), +1 808 949-4321, [22]. The largest resort in Waikiki, covering 22 acres fronting Waikiki Beach. Five towers with 2,545 units, 90 shops, and 22 restaurants. Alii Tower offers one of the best locations on Waikiki Beach. Beachfront accommodations, exclusive services, enhanced amenities, including the Tower's private pool terrace, whirlpool and private fitness center. The parking garage is very handy; with your room card you can access your car at any time without waiting on valet service. US$199 and up.

• Ilima Hotel, 445 Nohonani Street, Honolulu, Hawaii 96815 (Two blocks from the world famous Waikiki Beach.), ☎ (808) 923-1877, [23]. The property offers free parking, free Wi-Fi, and large full condo suites. All rooms have a private balcony. The property also has a heated pool, sauna and exercise room. Start at $130.  edit

• Park Shore Waikiki, 2586 Kalakaua Ave, ☎ +1 808 923-0411‎, [24]. Overlooking Diamond Head and the pristine expanses of Kapiolani Park.  edit

[edit] Splurge

• Aston Waikiki Beach Tower, 2470 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, Hawaii 96815 Phone: (877) 997-6667 [25]. A condominium resort with ocean views from every suite, this hotel is located across the street from Waikiki Beach.

• Halekulani, 2199 Kalia. One of the nicest (and most expensive) hotels on Oahu. Located right on Waikiki Beach in Honolulu.

• Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa, 2424 Kalakaua Avenue, [26]. 4 Star twin-tower resort and convention complex on Waikiki Beach. Spa, restaurants, shops and daily entertainment on property.  edit

[edit] Contact

[edit] Stay safe

• If you are not familiar with this climate, at times you may feel like you are about two inches from the sun. The cool breezes or convertible you are driving may offset the heat, but not the ultraviolet sun rays. Take appropriate care and keep the convertible top up, until evening or early morning.

• Do not pick up strangers - they may act friendly and act like they really need a ride. Best not to take chances in places you do not know.

• Be careful when you're in the ocean. Never underestimate power of the currents and the waves, and don't swim alone. If in doubt, ask a lifeguard about the current conditions. If there are signs posted, heed them. Jellyfish sometimes float near shore - if you get stung, head to a lifeguard station. The lifeguard will spray vinegar on the stings.

• Although certainly safer at night than Chinatown, exercise caution when walking in Waikiki at night. A potent mix of drug dealers, prostitutes and drunken tourists can explode into a bad situation.

• Theft is rampant on Waikiki Beach. Never leave items unattended.

[edit] Get out