The stretch of Waikiki Beach southeast of downtown Honolulu does not disappoint. Approximately two miles of sand bank a row of some of Oahu's luxury and historic hotels. It is often crowded with sunbathers and surfers for good reason. Waikiki has long been a relaxation destination point, even for native Hawaiians. Through Waikiki Beach Activities, Inc., beachgoers can take surf lessons, play in a sand volleyball or badminton tournament, or rent beach equipment, including chairs, umbrellas, snorkels, masks, fins, kayaks or surf and boogie boards.
Waikiki Beach Activities Inc. at the Hilton Hawaiian Village
2005 Kalia Road
Honolulu, HI 96815-1917
808-951-4088
waikikibeachactivities.com
An hour away from Waikiki Beach on the north side of Oahu in the city of Laie, the Polynesian Cultural Center has hosted tourists and native Hawaiians since 1977. Across its 42 acres, the Center hosts six different villages that represent a range of Polynesian communities. At each location throughout the afternoon, workers present different cultural traditions. For example, at the Hawaiian Village, they teach basic hula dances and explain the art and tradition of its intricate moves. The center's main attraction is the Ali'I Luau ceremony, which includes a flower lei greeting, an all-you-can-eat Hawaiian buffet and traditional music and entertainment.
Polynesian Cultural Center
55-370 Kamehameha Highway
Laie, HI 96762
808-293-3339
polynesia.com
Perched on eastern tip of the Waikiki coastline, Diamond Head, with a saucer-shaped top, offers hikers panoramic views of Oahu and the Pacific Ocean from its 761-foot summit. To reach it, hikers follow a trail that zigzags up the side of the crater to a tunnel that leads to its center, where a Fire Control Station built in 1911 remains. Hiking to the top can take between 90 minutes and two hours. The Diamond Head State Monument Park is open every day of the year.
Diamond Head State Monument Park
DLNR, Division of State Parks
PO Box 621
Honolulu, HI 96809
808-587-0300
hawaiistateparks.org
