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Honolulu & O’ahu : Kalākaua Avenue

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Kalākaua Avenue

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  • Waikīkī’s two-mile-long oceanfront street, running from Ala Wai bridge to the magnificent Diamond Head, epitomizes the dream of Hawai’i – gentle surf and vibrant nightlife. Named for Hawai’i’s playful last king, the street is lined with storied hotels, parks, and a host of attractions. The city has spruced up the street at Waikīkī Beach with plantings, seating areas, and a waterfall that’s a favorite “photo op” spot.

Top 10 Sights
  • Royal Hawaiian Hotel 1. Royal Hawaiian Hotel
    1. Royal Hawaiian Hotel

    The “Pink Lady” retains her cache. Even if you’re not staying at this most famous of Waikīkī hotels (see Royal Hawaiian Hotel), you can take afternoon tea on the veranda or visit the famed Mai Tai Bar.

  • 2. Sheraton Moana Surfrider Hotel

    The porticoed “White Lady” turned 100 in 2001. The Sunday champagne brunch on the veranda is legendary; an evening at the Beach Bar an absolute must.

  • Waikīkī Beach 3. Waikīkī Beach
    3. Waikīkī Beach

    It’s all happening here just as it has for more than a century – beachboys giving surf lessons; old-timers playing checkers in the pavilions; canoe teams practicing; locals mingling with tourists in the gentle waves. The whole beach is open, including the areas in front of the Royal and Moana hotels. (see Waikīkī.

  • Duke Kahanamoku 4. Duke Kahanamoku
    4. Duke Kahanamoku

    At Kūhiō Beach, the figure hung with lei is Duke Pa’oa Kahanamoku, a pioneer surfer and Hawai’i’s “Ambassador of Aloha” in the 1960s.

  • Kapi’olani Park 5. Kapi’olani Park
    5. Kapi’olani Park

    This 170-acre parcel was dedicated by King Kalākaua in 1877. It was a military encampment in World War II, but today is a place for families, music, and festivals.

  • Honolulu Zoo 6. Honolulu Zoo
    6. Honolulu Zoo

    A compact zoo with a number of warm habitats. Check out the Komodo dragon. If time permits, take a backstage zookeeper tour, moonlight walk, or overnight campout.

  • 7. Waikīkī Shell

    A very popular concert venue. Acts range from the Honolulu Symphony to a traditional May Day (Lei Day) concert by contemporary Hawaiian music favorites The Brothers Cazimero.

  • Waikīkī Aquarium 8. Waikīkī Aquarium
    8. Waikīkī Aquarium

    Popular with youngsters for its sharks and Hawaiian monk seals, the aquarium is involved in conservation projects, and hosts reef walks and excursions.

  • 9. War Memorial Natatorium

    This 1920s Beaux Arts saltwater pool was intended as a living memorial to World War I servicemen. It fell into disrepair, however, and though partially restored in 2000, its future is uncertain.

  • 10. Diamond Head

    The crater at the end of Kalākaua Avenue is two-thirds of a mile across; its brow is 761 feet high, and its summit circumference is two miles. Take the 1.5-mile trail to its top for sweeping views (see Diamond Head Trail & Diamond Head Crater).

Practical Information
Take a picnic to the Waikīkī Shell, where you can sprawl on grassy areas behind the seating while the music plays. Royal Hawaiian Hotel, 2259 Kalākaua Ave. 923 7311 Sheraton Moana Surfrider Hotel, 2365 Kalākaua Ave. 922 3111 Zoo 151 Kapahulu Ave. 971 7171 9am–4:30pm daily www.honoluluzoo.org Aquarium 2777 Kalākaua Ave. http://waquarium.otted.hawaii.edu 9am–4:30pm daily 923 9741
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