Yin and Yang Beach Destinations: Waikiki Beach and Waimanalo Beach Park Oahu, Hawaii
Waikiki Beach is considered by many to be the most well known beach in the world with Waikiki, the neighborhood, attracting over 5 million visitors a year. One thing a lot of people don’t know is that Waikiki Beach is actually made up of numerous smaller beaches stretching approximately two miles from Duke Kahanamoku Beach fronting the Hilton Hawaiian Village Resort to San Souci Beach fronting Kapiolani Park. Waikiki Beach draws tourists and locals alike making it a very busy place.
Waikiki Beach is best characterized by the term “plenty”. Plenty of people watching, plenty of activities, plenty of variety, plenty of everything except parking! With gentle waves and a sandy shoreline Waikiki Beach is an excellent place to learn to surf or boogie board. It’s also one of the few places where novices can try outrigger canoeing. Of course, if all you want is to sunbathe, relax, and enjoy a tropical drink, you can do that too.
Waimanalo Beach Park
On the other hand, Waimanalo Beach Park is primarily a local beach, which means most vacationers are missing out on what Fodor’s calls “one of the most beautiful beaches on the island” with a wide stretch of soft white sand, turquoise water, gorgeous views, and gentle waves breaking on the shore. Since locals frequent this beach, weekday visitors pretty much have the beach to themselves.
Waimanalo Beach Park is where Magnum PI and Baywatch Hawaii were filmed and where James Michener wrote the novel Hawaii. (http://tinyurl.com/4886jf8) It’s not surprising that this beach has been described as reminiscent of “old Hawaii”. Even with all its charm, Waimanalo Beach Park also has the amenities people desire including restrooms, showers, lifeguards, and parking.
Despite the very different character of Waikiki Beach and Waimanalo Beach Park they are only 18 miles, approximately a 30 minute drive, apart.
To many joyful beach experiences!
— Lisa Dworkin
Crowded Waikiki Beach photo courtesy of http://tinyurl.com/4f6lpq3
Aerial Waikiki Beach photo courtesy of http://tinyurl.com/4tn6ary
Waikiki Beach at night photo courtesy of http://tinyurl.com/47r2yo3
“Crowded” Waimanalo Beach photo courtesy of http://tinyurl.com/45h52x3
Waimanalo Beach photo courtesy of http://tinyurl.com/4mo59v5
Sunrise at Waimanalo Beach photo courtesy of http://tinyurl.com/4tlq4zu
