Waikiki is one of the first destinations for visitors to Hawaii especially honeymooners and surfers. The sun, sand and surf beckon. The Waikiki Aquarium is home to unique specimen of marine life sightseers and divers might find during their adventures. Families and children soak up the sun, swim, and collect seashells. The Hawaiian Royal Family used Waikiki as a vacationing playground for many years. In 1901, the Moana Surfrider opened and the world's attention was focused on Waikiki as a surfing mecca. A statue of the father of modern surfing honors Duke Kahanamoku who won gold medals in the 1912 and 1920 Olympics as a free style swimmer. He later went to Hollywood to act in films. He did much to spread the popularity of surfing and the 'aloha' spirit of the Hawaiian islands. World class surfers attend championship contests between November and February when the waves build to 30 feet. Surfing can be very dangerous in these conditions and visitors are urged to read all warning signs. The Waikiki Aquarium was founded in 1904 and showcases 500 and maintains 3,000 specimen of marine life not far from Kapiolani Park. The park operates under the auspices of the University of Hawaii and is fortunate to offer interactive exhibits and programs to provide education about the area's sea life. There is a natural living reef offshore featuring unique sea animals of the tropical Pacific. For the shopper, the shops offer world class merchandise. Fine dining is available as is the always popular native luau. You may even be encouraged to do the 'hula' for fellow diners. You will be mesmerized by the dancers, their hands and bodies swaying in fluid motions not unlike the warm waves lapping at the shoreline. |
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