A world-famous island retreat, Waikiki has long since cemented its place as the go-to island getaway in the hearts of many. Resplendent with beautiful beaches and exciting with its wide array of hotels and malls, Waikiki is always upbeat and unforgettable.
There’s so much to see and do in Waikiki that having a car makes it all the more easier. Car rental outlets are present throughout the town, with Hertz Car Rental available both in town and at the Honolulu Airport nearby. If you’re starting your journey from the airport, pick up your car rental there for a cruise into the town in style.
Renown for its beaches, the sandy golden shores of Waikiki do not disappoint. For a little bit of everything, visit the Kuhio Beach Park, a beach with a wide range of activities. Relax on the warm sand, try your hand at canoeing, swim in the turquoise waters, there’s just so much you can do here. On certain days of the week, Kuhio Beach hosts a free torch lighting and hula show. Relax on picnic mat and watch some of Hawaii’s top hula performers take the stage. Or, why not take a dip down by the Queen’s Surf Beach, just south of Kuhio Beach. The beach’s safe waves make the waters perfect for children and beginner bodyboarders.
Waikiki has more to offer travellers than just gorgeous sandy beaches. Take a trip down to the Waikiki Aquarium, a university-run aquarium on Waikiki’s shoreline. With carefully designed tropical reef habitats and rare fishes, this aquarium is a must-see attraction. Also pay a visit to the Honolulu Zoo, which houses over 1,200 animals from all over the world. The zoo also is home to an aviary with a collection of native colourful Hawaiian birds. For an informative trip on Hawaii’s history, visit the Iolani Palace, the former state of residence of Hawaiian royalty. Converted into a museum, the palace and its grand interior is now open for the public to tour.
Waikiki is awash with shopping options, from fashionable brand name outlets to stylish locally owned boutiques and exotic handmade Hawaiian crafts. Take a stroll down the Kalakaua Avenue, home to a dizzying array of illustrious restaurants, retail outlets and resorts. Here you can find luxury boutiques and popular shopping malls like the International Marketplace. Acclaimed by locals and tourists alike, the International Marketplace is a stylish open-air shopping centre with over 90 retail options to browse from.
With beautiful scenery, friendly locals and an awe-inspiring array of attractions and shopping options, its no wonder Waikiki is a world-renown tourist paradise. Driving through this town that’s perpetually in a holiday mood comes with its own perks, like a relaxed road culture, which means less road rage and honking! Sounding your car horn is considered especially rude by the locals, so embrace that Hawaiian calm and keep your hand off the horn.
