Waikiki

The 2½-mile strand called Waikīkī Beach is perhaps the most famous in the world. Although it's one continuous piece of beach, it's as varied as the people who inhabit the Islands. Whether you're an old-timer looking to enjoy the action from the shade or a sports nut wanting to do it all, you can find every beach activity on the sand. There's an enchantment here that cannot be fully explained, and one that, though diminished by high-rises and traffic, has not yet disappeared. You'll fall in love with Diamond Head, the sensuous curve of the shoreline, and the strong-footed surfers like moving statues in the golden light.