Diamond Head in the distance

Waikiki

As far as ugly mornings go, today’s a cracker. The surf is knee high onshore mush and it seems to be raining quite consistently. Taking photos of that pretty picture wasn’t high on my to do list.

Instead I’d like to talk about Waikiki beach on the South Shore of Oahu. Waikiki is the main beach of the Hawaiian capital, Honolulu. It’s kinda a blend between the Gold Coast and Bondi. It’s packed. Big time. Hi-rise hotels and shopping malls line the beach leading you to the Diamond Head volcano. Most importantly it’s where surfing began. There’s fun little waves out front, perfect for beginners…you can ride a wave for 200-300 metres. In the winter it doesn’t get big as all the action is around the opposite side of the island – the North Shore. Waikiki and the crowds are not for everyone…but if you’re heading to Hawaii I’d suggest 1 or 2 nights to check it out before heading to the quiet parts e.g. North Shore, Maui or Kauai. The shopping is epic and since our dollar is on parity you can go nuts! Stay at the Royal Hawaiian, The Surfrider or The Modern.

Have a productive day indoors :: uge

Waikiki, some blocks have over 1,000 rooms

This is what you do with all your broken boards

This is where surfing all started, Waikiki Beach

Waikiki contrasts

Waikiki, Hawaii. Curves

This is more my pace, North Shore

9 thoughts on “Waikiki

  1. Uge…… I love it when you flit around the world on your site.
    It makes me feel like I have taken a holiday. Thanks for the interesting bits.
    Advice to myself … Take a break and get away.
    Steph

  2. Uge,

    I have to agree about recommending people try Waikiki. It is such a great place to start surfing for the first time. I had a lesson from Mike of Star Beachboys (on the beach next to the Police Station) and I have been hooked ever since. (Yep, Mike is a common name)

    As you say, Uge, the waves run for a long time and they are very forgiving.

    I just love this video of the surf just on the corner of Waikiki at Diamond Head. The ride seems to last forever:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVVGIEEmSGc

    Love your work.

    Mike

  3. In spite of all the tourism in Waikiki over the years the Aloha spirit is still there, something the Gold Coast sadly lacks..

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