 |
   |
|
By Felix von Marck
Photography by David Taylor
Cultural diversity mixes with rich tradition and history to make Waikiki on the island of Oahu an exciting destination. Visitors from around the world come to this tropical paradise for its amazing beaches, surfing, nightlife, shopping, dining, and tropical beauty. They are soon captivated by the fast pace and true traditions of the “Aloha Spirit” that welcomes all guests to the island. The abundant sensory delights range from the tranquility of contemplating the setting sun on a catamaran cruise to the thrill of watching the expert surfing of the famous Waikiki beach boys.
Favorable exchanges rates have long made Waikiki a popular vacation and wedding destination for Asian visitors. It is not uncommon to see wedding parties among the bevy of tourists and bathers on their way to the beach. Waikiki is a crossroads of culture that uniquely caters to tourists offering just about everything under the warm sun to enjoy. For the Asian visitor, a number of restaurants featuring Japanese and other Asian cuisine complement the many fine dining venues in Waikiki. These restaurants present an opportunity for Western tourists to sample the true taste of the Orient.
The beach may be the primary call of Waikiki, but it is hard not to be touched by the history and natural beauty of the island when visiting these sandy shores. Formed by volcanic eruptions, the dramatic Leahi Diamond Head Crater frames white sandy beaches where the water temperature is nearly 80 degrees year-round. Waikiki is world famous for surfing, which was once the exclusive sport of kings. Natural sandbars cause the waves to break off shore for the surfer and gently break at the shoreline for bathers. Waikiki’s beach boys and other locals begin their surfing activities at sunrise. Throughout the day surfers at all levels of expertise share the surf in anticipation of the perfect wave. You will notice natives and visiting surfers often cross themselves or present a blessing to the sea before surfing to show respect to the ocean and its powers. Private surfing lessons will save you hours of frustration in learning the basics of surfing and every wave that you catch will encourage you to keep trying. The Hawaiian Fire Surf School takes eager neophytes to a secluded beach for semi-private lessons taught by highly qualified instructors. Each instructor is a member of the Honolulu Fire Department and trained for safety first. The personable instructors are also avid surfers and have chosen the location and equipment to best meet the needs of the beginner. Whether you consider firemen to be America’s heroes or America’s hunks – or both – your day of surfing that begins with onshore instruction and ends with a beach picnic lunch will definitely leave you with surf fever.
 Surfers will want to visit Oahu’s North Shore to observe professional surfers meet the challenge of the powerful surf. Of Oahu’s 139 beaches, those near Waikiki offer something for every type of water enthusiast. Famed for its great snorkeling, the waters in the extinct volcanic crater at Hanauma Bay are full of colorful fish, coral and other marine life to observe. Dramatic cliffs line this beautiful cove making it one of the most breathtaking places in the world to snorkel. Further along the rocky and steep coastline is picture-perfect Sandy Beach, featuring waves that expert body surfers find exciting to ride.
Top row: A surfer returning to the shore with the Waikiki skyline in the background.
Left, top to bottom: Popular for a thrilling sail are sunset cruises; Onshore instruction on surfing basics; An exceptional Hawaiian Fire Surf School instructor. |
