The Royal Hawaiian Hotel (the "Pink Palace")

Waikiki Beach is one of the most famous tourist attractions on this island of Oahu. In the beginning, it was a beach for Hawaii's richest families and royalty. They would socialize at their fancy beach "estates". The first tourists began arriving around the early 1900's. There were a few hotels and guest houses in the beginning. Some of Waikiki's first famous visitors were the authors Robert Louis Stevenson and Mark Twain The Moana Hotel was the first "hotel" that was built on the beach. The Royal Hawaiian Hotel (the "Pink Palace") was built in the 1920's. This hotel hosted many famous movie stars and socialites. Waikiki was originally swampland and taro fields. When they built the Ala Wai Canal in 1921, things began to change.

Surf lessons can be arranged at the Waikiki Beach Center. This is east of the Moana Surfrider Hotel at Kuhio Beach Park. Of course you can always ask the concierge at your hotel to arrange for surfing lessons. There is the Hans Hedemann Surf School located at the Outrigger Reef Hotel and the Sheraton Waikiki.

Other water sports that are fun includes riding catamaran and outrigger canoes. They depart from the Port Hilton Dock at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Go to the Wall at Kuhio Beach, located on the eastern end of Waikiki for great boogie boarding and body surfing.

Walking around the beach at night, you will hear the local musicians playing. Luaus are a fun way to spend an evening. Most of the local hotels put them on during the week. One of the best luaus is at the Royal Hawaiian on Monday evenings.

The Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center hosts some fancy boutiques and stores. There are fast food restaurants to stop and eat at. Across from the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center is the International Market Place. It has many souvenir shops and food stalls. Local artists have shops here also. You can watch them create their designs. Remember to barter for the best prices!

If you don't feel like surfing or shopping, you can take a walking tour on the Waikiki Historic Trail. Free, two-hour, guided tours of Waikiki's historic sites are offered by the Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association. These tours are every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. The starting point is at the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center at 9 a.m..

Waikiki offers a good time for everyone!