Waikiki

           Waikiki is one of the biggest tourist spots on Oahu.  Shared by locals, it features a strip of stores, great restaurants, hotels, the beach, a great view of Diamond Head, and so much more.  The main “strip” of Waikiki is Kalakaua Avenue.  To me, it’s like a mini Las Vegas plus the ocean.  Besides all of the hotels, there are restaurants, and shopping centers all in between.  One of the newer shopping centers of Waikiki is the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center.  It includes various restaurants such as CPK, PF Changs, Yardhouse, and so much more.  Also, it is three stories and has almost every high-end store that you can think of.  And, if it isn’t there, you are sure to find it somewhere else along the road.  Waikiki is a very unique place for shopping because it is one area that has a lot of exclusive designer boutiques.  Some of these are boutiques are only found there and New York.

            When you go to Waikiki on a nice day, you are bound to find everyone walking around in their bikinis and board shorts.  There is no shame in Hawaii; everyone is unique in their own way.  The beach is really nice because closer to shore it is very calm.  However, if you do go out a bit, it is a good area to learn how to surf or paddle board.  Right along the beach there is also the Honolulu Zoo, and the Waikiki Aquarium.  Both great places for families as they have interactive areas where you can either play in the petting zoo, or feel some underwater creatures.

            The last few unique things about Waikiki are that every night, there are street performers.  Whether it’s the gold, silver, or newspaper man who doesn’t move, or people dressed in costume, they are all great entertainment and more than willing to take pictures with you for a donation.  Also, there are street vendors selling homemade gifts or paintings.  You never know what you’ll find as there is always something new.  Friday nights are especially special because the Hilton Hawaiian Village has their weekly firework show, definitely something you can’t miss.

            Waikiki is definitely a fun place to get a taste of Hawaii, but absolutely not the only place you should visit on Oahu.