World-famous Waikīkī Beach, Hawaii is the heartbeat of the Honolulu beach scene. Located in O‘ahu’s main resort area with the backdrop of Diamond Head, the calm waters of Waikīkī beach O’ahu are a perfect place for the whole family to enjoy a day of swimming, surfing and fun.
Waikīkī Beach O’ahu History
In ancient times, Waikīkī was mostly wetlands, with a multitude of rivers and springs in the area. In the 1400s, Chief Kalamakua built an agricultural irrigation system that transformed swampland into a thriving taro growing and fishing community, and Waikīkī became the governing center of O‘ahu. In 1774, King Kamehameha I’s armies stormed Waikīkī beach, overpowering Oahu chief Kalanikūpule’s military and seizing control of the island. By the early 1800s Honolulu had become a small harbor town, and the royal seat was relocated to Waikīkī in 1809. In 1901, Waikīkī’s first hotel, the Moana Surfrider, was constructed, setting the stage for what was to become a thriving tourism industry.
Waikīkī Beach Facilities
Plenty of restaurants, shops, activities, concessions, and entertainment are located along Kalākaua Avenue; the nearby Waikiki Natatorium, an ocean-fed Olympic size pool, and the Honolulu Zoo also make for a great day of family fun. If you want to take a surfing lesson, the famed Waikīkī Beach Boys are still maintaining Duke Kahanamoku’s age-old tradition of teaching Waikīkī Beach visitors how to ride the waves.
Waikīkī Beach Swimming Conditions
Waikīkī’s beach O’ahu clear, calm waters make for great swimming. A small break kicks up with incoming tides, making Waikīkī perfect to learn surfing. As with all Hawaiian beaches, check the current conditions and pay heed to all posted signs regarding ocean conditions and safety.
How to Get There
Waikīkī Beach is located in Honolulu on Kalākaua Avenue, and spans the coast between the Outrigger Waikīkī Beach Resort and Ulunui Avenue.
