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Relaxation and Recreation On Northeast Oahu

The gentle warm tradewinds, palm trees, and immaculate white sands of Lanikai Beach are the reasons it is consistently ranked as one of the top beaches on the planet. Certainly it is one of Oahu’s finest beaches and a great Oahu vacation destination.

Surrounded by quiet, upscale neighborhoods, Lanikai Beach is only about 1/2-mile long yet very enjoyable due to its soft sand and the protective offshore reef that creates crystal blue waters good for kids and with plenty of colorful fish. A good beach access is located at Mokulua Drive and Kaiolena Drive (see Google map).

The postcard-perfect beach is great for swimming and snorkeling, or just relaxing in an atmosphere that is world’s away from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki.

Surprisingly there are actually very affordable Lanikai vacation rentals available in this area as well as great deals on Lanikai beach rentals.

Ocean Fun, Night Life and Historical Attractions In Waikiki

No visit to Hawaii is complete without a stop in Waikiki. You can surf the famous waves in front of the old hotels, see Hawaiian music along the shoreline, and even visit many attractions that give you a sense of the rich traditions of culture and history of Hawaii. This whole area used to be fishponds and taro patches. Now it is Hawaii’s most valuable real estate and the gathering place of people from all over the world.

A nice way to start the day in Waikiki, before you join the throngs of people along the main stretch of Kalakaua Avenue, is to take a walk in beautiful Kapiolani Park. This expansive park on the eastern end of Waikiki was dedicated by King Kalakaua to his wife Queen Kapiolani. The park used for horse races and polo games as well as music and festivities, as it is today.

Kapiolani Park is set beneath Diamond Head State Monument which has a nice 1 1/2 mile hike to the summit giving you a great view of Waikiki.

Stay nearby, check out our Diamond Head vacation rentals

Across from Kapiolani Park is the Waikiki Aquarium where thou-sands of marine species are on display, and with great interactive exhibits for kids.

Not far away on the other side of Waikiki is the Ala Moana Shopping Center, which opened the same year Hawaii became a state in 1959. At the Ala Moana you will have the choice of visiting hundreds of shops and eateries.

Most of your day, however, can be spent right in the heart of Waikiki eating great food, laying on the beach, surfing and swimming, and of course people watching.

Hot Tip: Don’t want to stay in the city your entire vacation? Stay in a Kailua vacation rental or Lanikai beach rental. Both destinations are just a short drive to Waikiki but feel a world away.