Once reserved for Hawaiian royalty, the sandy shores and salty surf of Waikiki were so revered that only the elite were seen to be fit for it. Ancient Hawaiians excavated Waikiki's then-wetlands into fish and duck ponds, and planted coconut trees around each one. A steady stream of fish and lobster provided the freshest ingredients for these ancestors, and the world's first surfers emerged from the area's crystalline waters. Today, Waikiki's allure rests not only in its sparkling waves and velvety sands, but also in its delicious dining experiences, luxurious spas, unbeatable shopping and world-class hotels. Present yourself with the past and lap up the benefits of a Waikiki Beach vacation.

To the Beach

With ninety percent of hotels in O'ahu located along the 0.7 mile stretch of shoreline that is Waikiki Beach, it's no secret that Waikiki is the island's most popular hot spot. The sandy strip offers a lifestyle far removed from your daily one, with activities such as surfing, snorkeling and SCUBA diving to jazz up any vacation itinerary. If soothing the soul is more your speed, soak up the brilliant sun under an unending azure sky, where a beach towel and shades are the only equipment required. No matter how you savor or experience them, the waves at Waikiki Beach promise to lull you into the rhythm of paradise while you're there, and last in your memory for years after returning home.

To the Streets

If you're able to peel yourself off the beach long enough to enjoy what Waikiki has to offer above sea level, it's worth a trip to the world-famous Waikiki Aquarium. Noted for its spectacular coral reef exhibit, you'll have the once-in-a-lifetime chance to view reef sharks, living coral, sea jellies, reef fish and other such exotic sights up close and personal. Then, if after spending that much time around fish your stomach is grumbling, immerse yourself in a multi-cultural dining experience solely unique to Waikiki. With a melting pot of cultures mixing and mingling over centuries in Waikiki, the resulting cuisine found here can described as nothing other than exotic. Award-winning restaurants dot the breezy streets, so you won't be wont for food. If refueling has re-awakened your senses, then take a stroll along the Ala Wai Canal, Waikiki's waterway and marker for the beach's entrance. Or, if it's the cool of air-conditioned shopping centers you're after, Waikiki's world-class shopping complexes provide a place for you to immortalize your Waikiki Beach vacation experience and purchase unique souvenirs for the unlucky folks back home.