Waikiki is a Tourist Hotspot
31097
Travel & Leisure
May 15, 2007
amarticles-linda
Waikiki is a Tourist Hotspot
Waikiki means sprouting water in Hawaiian, named after the wetlands just behind the now famous strip. Today it is a tourist hotspot. The area covers only seven tenths of a square mile and yet on any given day 110 000 people crowd its beaches and streets, making Waikiki one of the most densely populated areas on earth. There is little here to remind you of the real Hawaii. Part of Waikikis attractions is world class people watching. You could sit for hours and never tire of the visions and sights. People from all over the world, with different tastes and cultures mingle here, wanting their own little piece of Waikiki. Waikiki Beach is worth a look due to its well known name and just to say you have been there. However, the beach itself is overrated and pretty low on the list of Hawaiis best beaches. Generally, all beaches in Waikiki are crowded, but the swimming conditions are good and it is a good place for novice surfing. Diamond Head is the most prominent structure in the Waikiki area. It was formed by one enormous volcanic explosion more then 350 000 years ago. Its name comes from wide eyed English sailors who found calcite crystals on its slopes and thought they had discovered diamonds. They later discovered the crystals were what were called Peles Tears and were worthless. However, the name Diamond Head stuck. The ancient Hawaiians called this structure Leahi and was considered a power spot. Human sacrifices were offered on the western slopes to the blood thirsty wargod, Ku. Today Diamond Head is a state monument and is definitely worth a visit. There is a half hour hike up to the rim that offers a superb view of the southern coast of Oahu. A good family outing is a visit to Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Aquarium for a look at the great collection of animals and marine life. The military base and the US Army Museum are also worth a visit. The museum houses massive artillery pieces from WWII. The displays trace the history of warfare in Hawaii back to the time of Kamehameha the Great. Probably one of the last links to ancient Hawaii in Waikiki can be found on the beach outside the Sheraton Moana Surfrider Hotel. The sacred stones of Ulukou stand on a raised stone platform. These are said to embody the healing and spiritual powers of four magician priests from Tahiti, who set them in place before returning home in the fourteenth century. The Kodak Hula Show is a free hula spectacular and is performed at the Regional Park a place where families come to escape the craziness of Waikiki.
Douglas Scott works for The Rental Car Hire Specialist. and is a free lance writer for The Waikiki Rental Site
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