The world-famous neighbourhood of Waikiki was once a playground for Hawaiian royalty, today it is Oahu’s main hotel and resort area.
Most famous for its beaches and every room being just two or three blocks away from the sea, there is more than just the beach.
The Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Aquarium offer fun for the whole family. You can learn about the history of Waikiki by reading the surfboard markers along the Waikiki Historical Trail or find fantastic shopping, nightlife, live music and food. Best of all, Waikiki is within a half hour of a variety of Oahu attractions, including Pearl Harbor, Lolani Palace, the Nuuanu Pali Lookout and Hanauma Bay.
The Pacific Beach Hotel is the first and only hotel in Hawaii to offer SNUBA — a combination of snorkelling and scuba diving — at its world famous three-story indoor Oceanarium.
The SNUBA experience makes it easy for first-timers because no certification lessons are necessary, safe because there is never a worry about rough water or bad weather conditions and convenient because it is right across from Waikiki Beach.
The 280,000-gallon Oceanarium at the Pacific Beach Hotel is three stories high with stingrays and hundreds of fish of 50 different species. SNUBA is as easy as snorkelling because the diver does not need an air tank but breathes through a mouthpiece regulator attached to a hose up to the surface.
Anyone can walk into the hotel and be ready to SNUBA in just a few minutes. Only two guests dive at a time accompanied by an experienced guide for up to 30 minutes. Divers can safely roam to a depth of 20 feet inside the Oceanarium and feed the fish. Your friends and family can watch through the glass in the Oceanarium restaurant and take photos of you.
For more information visit www.pacificbeachhotel.com.
Filling a day full of activities isn’t a problem here. Visitors can start their day with a stroll down Waikiki’s beaches and around Kapiolani Park under the shadow of Leahi (Diamond Head). While walking grab some fresh fruit or an omelette at any of the al fresco options along the beach before you stop in at the famed statue of surf legend Duke Kahanamoku.
Spend a few hours taking a surf or canoe lesson and drop in for lunch at Duke’s Canoe Club. Here you can see all the classic photos of the surfer. The rest of the afternoon could be spent at the zoo, U.S. Army museum or a number of attractions.
By 6 p.m. you can watch the lighting of the tiki torches along Kuhio Beach and the most amazing sunset from Kapahulu pier.
Experience the bustling nightlife of Waikiki and if you make it, at 4 a.m. at the Hilton Waikiki Prince Kuhio you can tackle the Mac 24/7’s massive pancakes and catch the surfers starting to hit the waves.
For more information on Hawaii visit www.gohawaii.com.
