Waikiki, Hawaii – A Vibrant Neighborhood
A popular surf beach, high-rise hotels, and designer boutiques line the shores of Waikiki. This lively neighborhood buzzes with nightlife and attractions after dark. While in Waikiki, take a stroll through the Honolulu Zoo and see wandering peacocks and Komodo dragons. Or take in the sights at the Waikiki Aquarium, home to an impressive reef exhibit. No trip to Hawaii would be complete without taking in the sites of this colorful neighborhood.
Moana Surfrider
The iconic Moana Surfrider in Waikiiki, Hawaii, is perhaps the most famous hotel on the island. Built in 1901, the property features a great blend of old and new design elements. The lobby is full of Japanese wedding parties, business travelers, and family pods. The hotel has two wing designs – the Banyan wing is the oldest, and is reminiscent of a plantation. The lobby’s refurbished interior spaces and amenities reflect the resort’s history. The hotel offers complimentary WiFi and computers, and the Banyan Classic Ocean Club category provides guests with access to drinks, snacks, and late-night snacks.
The Club Lounge is an attractive space with plenty of seating areas and TVs, but a lack of power outlets makes it feel more like an airport lounge. Outside, you can enjoy the weather in a lush courtyard or relax on one of the hotel’s many pools. The Moana Surfrider is just a short walk from Waikiki’s famous restaurants and shops. In addition to the Club Lounge, Moana Surfrider in Waikiki is close to a variety of activities and restaurants.
Royal Hawaiian Resort
The colorful exterior of the Royal Hawaiian has captivated visitors since 1927. Located right in the heart of Waikiki, the resort is surrounded by lush tropical gardens. Its Abhasa Spa offers massages in its garden cabanas. The hotel also features two outdoor pools, including the Malulani Pool. The grounds include a waterfall and hot tubs. Additional amenities include valet parking, concierge service, laundry and limousine services. The Mai Tai Bar serves fresh cocktails on the beachfront, while the Surf Lanai restaurant provides breakfast.
The Royal Hawaiian is part of the Luxury Collection and is a Marriott Bonvoy hotel. Its location in the heart of Waikiki puts you in an ideal position for exploring Waikiki, Oahu, and Hawaii. Its modern amenities are complemented by the vintage charm of the hotel. The hotel is steps away from shopping centers and Ala Moana Boulevard. A short walk away is Duke Kahanamoku Beach, where you can enjoy scuba diving and kayaking.
International Market Place
Open air shopping center in Waikiki, O’ahu, International Market Place is one of the largest in Hawaii. First opened in 1956 as a commercial, retail, and entertainment center, it was recently renovated and reopened on August 25, 2016. Previously referred to as IMAP, this mall features over 150 shops and restaurants. International Market Place also features an outdoor food court. The International Market Place was home to the first outdoor food court in the United States.
The International Market Place in Waikiki is a posh shopping mall that also has many outdoor dining options. Locals love the market for its variety of fresh local foods and handmade crafts, as well as for designer items. Although there is a high-end selection of goods, there are also some local businesses. Among these are Roy Yamaguchi’s Eating House 1849, Goma Tei Ramen, and Kahakule, which sell authentic Japanese cuisine.
Honolulu Zoo
The Honolulu Zoo is located in Honolulu, Hawaii’s regal Queen Kapiolani Park. The zoo is the United States’ only monarchy-established zoo, and it houses over 1,230 animal species in specially-designed habitats. Animals from the tropics, the sea, and Africa can be found here.
The Zoo is large and well-maintained, and many endangered species are on display. The black rhino, komodo dragon, and nene are just a few of the birds you can see. The Zoo also has a wide variety of native Hawaiian plants, including the Kou plant, which is used for dye and wood as well as medicinal properties. You can also buy some cute souvenirs at the gift shop. While it can be a bit crowded, parking is reasonably priced.
Waikiki Aquarium
The Waikiki Aquarium is a major attraction in Honolulu, Hawaii. Founded in 1904, the aquarium is the second-oldest continuously operating public aquarium in the United States. The aquarium is also the second-largest aquarium in the world. Its goal is to showcase marine life and to promote conservation efforts. The Waikk was once the only aquarium in the world that focused solely on marine mammals. It is now part of the University of Hawaii at Mnoa.
A special exhibit at Waikiki Aquarium is the Sea Turtle Exhibit, which contains approximately 1000 gallons of water. The Waikiki Aquarium supports a conservation effort for the endangered Green Sea Turtle. The turtle eggs are raised in captivity for a year. During that time, visitors can learn about the life cycle of these animals and how to prevent future threats to their habitat. Besides watching the turtles, visitors can also learn about their nocturnal habits.