Take off your shoes, roll up your pants and wiggle your toes in the warm, golden sand. This is WAIKĪKĪ BEACH , a 2-mile stretch of shoreline known throughout the world. From Hilton Hawaiian Village, the beach narrows as you head toward Diamond Head, passing Outrigger Reef Waikīkī Beach Resort.
KŪHIŌ BEACH PARK captures a lot of activity. There are vendors selling almost anything you could possibly desire for a day at the beach. With Diamond Head still ahead, keep walking toward the quieter parts of the beach. At KAPI‘OLANI BEACH PARK , QUEEN’S SURF area is terrific for swimming and sunning. Ahead is WAIKĪKĪ AQUARIUM , then the beautiful and ghostly NATATORIUM WAR MEMORIAL , built in 1927 to honor the men and women of Hawai‘i who fought in World War I.
As a hard-earned reward on the walk back to your hotel, stop for a bite at HULA DOG KŪHIŌ (huladog.com) or RAINBOW DRIVE- IN (rainbowdrivein.com). At Hula Dog, you’ll find a unique take on the hot dog, where a Polish sausage is surrounded by bread thanks to a special bun design. Meanwhile, Rainbow Drive-In is an institution in the entire state. You’ll find the classic plate lunch at this Kapahulu Avenue eatery. Get the popular mix plate (barbecue beef, boneless chicken and mahi mahi) with a side of gravy and a slush float. HULA DOG KU¯HIO¯ 808-256-7008 RAINBOW DRIVE-IN 808-737-0177