US Travel
Hawaii's Wakiki in Shadow of Diamond Head
One of the Most Famous Beaches In The World
A beautiful, tropical expanse of sand and surf that lies in the shadow of the famous Diamond Head mountain, Waikiki beach is one of the Hawaiian Islands' most renowned destinations. Indeed, Waikiki is one of the rare beaches that offers a unique blend of old world Polynesian flavor with cosmopolitan hipness. This makes Waikiki the perfect vacation mecca for those who love the sun and surf and a vibrant nightlife as well.
Relax on the beach, snorkel or splash in the warm aquamarine waters. Once your day in the sun is over, cool off and sip a couple Blue Hawaiians on the picturesque porches of one of the many hotels that line this famous stretch of coastline. Then, take in the excitement of the city at night, with a variety of Polynesian themed shows, luaus and, of course, people watching. The bustling tourist-oriented shopping district and towering skyscrapers of Honolulu are merely a few hundred feet away from the beach itself.
Besides swimming, surfing, windsurfing, boogey-boarding, kayaking and the like, Honolulu offers a variety of other activities. The famous USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor is a big draw, as is the palace of old Hawaiian royalty. If you'd like to do a scenic tour of Oahu, rent a convertible and drive to the Polynesian Cultural Center – this expansive open air museum/village gives you a fascinating look into the various cultures and peoples that make up the Hawaiian Islands.
While you're out touring the lush green mountains and breath-taking seascapes, be sure to stop by the famous North Shore to catch some gnarly waves (or, more likely, watch some of the world-class surfers take on some of the Pacific's biggest curls instead!)
Oahu has only two seasons – winter and summer, with average monthly highs in the low '80s and lows hovering around 72. While winter is a bit cooler and rainier, the overall climate is fairly consistent throughout the year. When you visit, find out whether you are going to be windward (on the side of the island facing the wind) or leeward (on the side of the island away from the wind.) Remember that windward tends to get more rain than leeward, so plan your day accordingly with a light, water-repellant windbreaker or jacket.
Aloha! Enjoy your vacation to Waikiki and Oahu!
Deborah Brown is an experienced writer/editor and PR consultant who counts travel, lifestyle, entertainment, health & fitness and consumer products & services among her specialties.