It's Not Just For Vacation Anymore: Discovering Waikiki's Special Charms

When most people hear Waikiki, they think of the beach. And certainly the famous mile-long strand of hotels, shops and shoreline is a big draw for tourists from all over the world.



The lobby in the Royal Hawaiian hotel, affectionately nicknamed the Pink Palace:


There are TONS of Japanese tourists here:


If you walk around the area a bit, though, you'll see a real mix of accommodations, which speaks to the wide variety of folks who come here. Besides the branded hotels that cater to vacationers, the side streets offer housing for longer-term visitors as well- from cheap crash-pads for surfers, to the fancy high-rise second homes of wealthy snowbirds.



And while most people think of Waikiki as strictly a resort destination, it's also a living, breathing neighborhood within the wider city of Honolulu. Sure, many businesses cater to tourists here, but tucked in among the hotels and chain restaurants you'll also find schools, churches, grocery stores, and family-run eateries frequented mostly by locals.


Since all Hawaiian beaches are open to the public, there isn't that strict divide between visitors and tourists, like in many resort areas. Waikiki is the playground for locals too: surfers, paddlers, runners, and cyclists all come to enjoy the city-maintained facilities.

The Waikiki Shell is a popular venue for large concerts, and Kalakaua Avenue, which runs through the heart of Waikiki, is used year-round for city parades and festivals. Since we've been here, we've enjoyed a celebration for Prince Kuhio Day, a parade for visiting marching bands, and the annual Spam Jam festival, all just a few blocks from our condo.


A local boy jumping off the pier at Kuhio Beach:


The famous local surf breaks at Waikiki, busy even as the sun is setting:



There's something for everyone here. And no way to ever be bored.