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Until recently, this illustrious stretch of sand and highrises near downtown Honolulu had evolved into a drab and somewhat seedy tourist destination that savvy travelers avoided in favor of cleaner, less congested beaches elsewhere in the islands. But over the past decade, ongoing efforts to revitalize the area have breathed new life into the epicenter of Hawaii tourism. Streets, sidewalks and public landscaping have been upgraded to make the area more attractive and pedestrian-friendly, while many hotels have undergone major facelifts and service upgrades. The beach itself has been cleaned and widened with sand hauled in from offshore. Panhandling, prostitution and street vendors have been reined in, and local businesses and community leaders have made a concerted effort to bring true Hawaiian culture back to Waikiki, along with events and activities designed to appeal to residents and visitors alike. While Hawaii has plenty of seaside locations that are more beautiful, tranquil or secluded, Waikiki has successfully reinvented itself as one of the most likeable and user-friendly urban beach destinations anywhere in the country.

Orientation

Waikiki, a narrow peninsula separated from the rest of Honolulu by a canal, is just a few miles from Honolulu International Airport, gateway for more than 4 million travelers who visit the 1-square-mile area every year. There's no need to rent a car if you spend most of your time in Waikiki and downtown Honolulu (which is easily accessible by bus, taxi or tourist trolley), but it's best to have your own wheels if you plan to explore other parts of the island. When planning your visit, bear in mind that travel packages combining air transportation, accommodations, car rental and other services are often significantly cheaper for trips to Hawaii than the cost of booking each individual component of your vacation separately.

Information

www.visit-oahu.com and www.waikikiimprovement.com