7/19/2019
I have always wanted to go to Waikiki ever since my Dad came home from a work trip with a Waikiki t-shirt for me. I loved that t-shirt and wore it all the time. I knew one day I would visit there!
When I first started researching flights to Sydney, I quickly realized that it would be cheaper to split up my flights with a stopover in Hawaii. I was able to find a cheap one-way flight from LAX to Honolulu with United and an even cheaper flight from Honolulu to Sydney with Jetstar. By planning this way, I was able to save over $150 dollars and be able to visit another state!
While on the island of Oahu, I had the lovely opportunity of a homestay with my friend’s aunt and uncle. I had an amazing time on Oahu, all thanks to my friend’s wonderful, amazing, welcoming, kind, and generous relatives! They greeted me at the airport with a real Hawaiin Lei, made out of beautiful, floral flowers! It was a souvenir I wish I could have kept!
Waikiki Beach
On my first full day in Oahu, I decided to check out the famous Waikiki Beach. My friend’s aunt was so kind as to give me a ride into town and I was able to be dropped off right in the heart of Waikiki.
I first walked up and down the main beach area to get the lay of the land. On my walk, I saw some of the most amazing trees! They are all over the island and I love them! They are called banyan trees and originally came from India. I like that they look like a bunch of smaller, skinnier trees combined to form one massive tree.
In front of Waikiki Beach, is a statue of Duke Paoa Kahanamoku who was a famous surfer in Waikiki. Many visitors pay tribute here, take photos, and place lei’s on his outstretched arms.
No trip to Waikiki is complete without laying out on the beach. I found that the beach was a lot narrower than I imagined and very steep. This is due to the fact that most of the beach is man made and erodes away frequently. I was informed that the city has to bring in sand from elsewhere to replenish the beach.
I spent a couple of hours basking in the sun and enjoying the cyan blue colored waters. Out of all the beaches I ended up visiting on Oahu, this one, of course, was the busiest.
Kalakaua Avenue
Due to the intense heat, I was not able to stay out too long at the beach. So instead I packed up and continued wandering up and down Kalakaua Avenue, the main road in Waikiki along the beach. On every corner, you can find an overpriced ABC store or souvenir/convenience store. Towards the western end of the avenue, you can find a plethora of high-end stores such as Dior, Hermes, Tiffany’s, and Louis Vuitton. The eastern end of the avenue, towards Honolulu Zoo, is mostly restaurants, ABC stores, and souvenir shops.
Duke’s Marketplace
Near Macy’s and Apple on Kalakaua Avenue, you will find a side street called Duke’s Lane. This alleyway is home to Duke’s Marketplace, a maze of outdoor, discounted souvenir shops. A must stop for anyone visiting Waikiki Beach!
I had an amazing day at Waikiki Beach, but after visiting other areas of the island, I would recommend other beaches for a more pleasant experience.
