he shores of Oahu have long been irresistible for millions over the years. The beach scene and the abundance of night life have made it a favorite sport for young adults. The romantic sunsets and warm balmy evenings have made this tropical paradise a destination for honeymooners from all over. But, what about families? Can families have an enjoyable vacation in Waikiki? The answer is "Certainly!" Lots of activities and attractions make Waikiki not only affordable and fun for families. Here are a few "must see" items for your Hawaii family vacation list.

Waikiki Beach is usually crowded but is a very nice area where one can swim, canoe, surf and snorkel. The areas towards Diamond Head are near to the expansive picnic and recreational facilities, including those of Kapiolani Park.

For 60 per cent of the 3.6 million Americans who visit the state of Hawaii each year, the island of Oahu and its major city of Honolulu, with famous Waikiki Beach, is the gateway. For a few travelers, direct flights to the state of Hawaii's biggest island, the Island of Hawaii, or the island of Maui, are the initial encounter with the islands.

The major Honolulu hotels are in the Waikiki Beach area, with the Hilton Hawaiian Village typical. This massive highrise, with 2,600 rooms, is indeed a vertical village, with plenty of beach accessible below and views of the city, water, and sunsets possible from the higher levels. Several restaurants are located on the premises, including the Bali, a delightful over-the ocean view. Another hotel, The Outrigger, fronts the beach and creates a fun beach-watching scene with its Duke's Canoe Club restaurant, right on the beach. Still other great hotels, such as The Hyatt Regency Waikiki, are across the street from the beach. The beach, the main Waikiki attraction, is never far away.

Upon arrival, your first activity in Honolulu should be an immersion in the pleasures of Waikiki Beach, especially a long stroll along the beach . Then step back to begin pondering how this paradise was discovered. The best place to answer this question is at the Bishop Museum, which devotes itself to the origin of the Hawaiian people. The Bishop Museum is in the western part of the city at 1525 Bernice Street. The Bishop Museum building has a tropical and colonial feel, with three levels built around a large courtyard.

Waikiki's inviting beach will always rank as a main attraction of Honolulu. The walk along the beach all the way from the Yacht Basin at the Hilton Hawaiian Village to Kapiolani Park is an engaging outing, passing thousands of people enjoying the sun. Aging chess players lounge in the sheltered verandas as you pass the downtown. The major hotels rest directly Kapiolani Park, at the west end of Waikiki, is a multi-use open area where people fly kites or practice their tai chi exercises. One of the special pleasures here is the renovated Waikiki Aquarium, 2777 Kalakaua Avenue, which has more than 300 species of Pacific fish. Perusing these fish is a prelude to snorkeling at Hanauma Bay. At the Aquarium you will learn of the ancient fish ponds that were so important for raising food fish in the region. on the beach.

The legendary first hotels on Waikiki catering to travelers were the white Moana, with its mammoth banyan tree in the courtyard, and the pink Royal Hawaiian, which opened in 1927. Both remain vital today, upgraded to the modern era. Another early and legendary property, the Halekulani, was a cluster of cottages, but was redone as a modern hotel, and remains the five-star hotel and restaurant choice in Waikiki.

Link: Honolulu City Guide

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