Waikiki, Hawaii

Waikiki, Hawaii :

Overview
Waikiki is no longer a paradise just for the upper-crust. More than 100 years have passed since Waikiki was the exclusive playground of Hawaiian royalty and their chosen friends. Now, cheap hotels and package tours allow just about anyone to visit. These days, however, the playground is of a different sort. From throbbing nightclubs to quiet parks, from long-boarders to the lions at the zoo, Waikiki has something for everyone. One can walk from one end of the island to the other in 20 minutes, but 20 days is not enough to experience all Waikiki has to offer.
It all begins at the yacht harbor where every boat imaginable, from sporty, racing numbers to salty-dog blue cruisers, lines the water. It is here where Hawaiian canoe clubs train and stately yachts strut their stuff. Next door, the Hilton Hawaiian Village stages hula shows to welcome the weekend and blasts fireworks visible from miles away. The beach is wide, the water is safe and any beach toy imaginable is available to rent.
However, not enough visitors find time to visit the other end of Waikiki, where 200 acres of parkland wrap around the base of Diamond Head Crater and there's always a quiet spot in the shade. This is where the locals come to jog in the park, swim at Sans Souci Beach or barbecue dinner with family and friends.

Child-Friendlinessrating:3 of 5more:Waikiki offers loads of activities for kids, but certain areas are strictly for adults.Swimmingrating:4 of 5more:Shallow areas and sea walls ensure safe swimming year-round.Sandrating:3 of 5more:The sand is clean and pleasant, but some washes away during winter.Atmosphererating:2 of 5more:Waikiki may seem tacky and overbuilt, but there's plenty of charm if you know where to look.Non-Beach Activitiesrating:4 of 5more:With entertainment from disco to Diamond Head, no visitor will be bored in Waikiki.

Wailea, Hawaii

Overview

Maui is the only Hawaiian island to be named after a demigod, and that comes as to no surprise to fans, as this tropical escape is heavenly. As the Hawaiians say, "Maui no ka oi," or "Maui is the best." Visitors seeking a blend of Hawaiian hospitality and culture in an upscale environment will revel in the many fine points of Wailea. The beach is laid out in golden crescents bordering warm, gentle waters perfect for swimming. 

Many resorts in this area are so self-contained in fact that they operate like mini-villages, with a variety of activities, restaurants and shops available just a short walk from your room. Though it is easy to be content simply reclining on the beach all day, nature lovers and thrill seekers can explore the nearby national parks and hike to out-of-the-way waterfalls for the perfect romantic picnic. Even seasoned shoppers will be delighted with the nearby Shops at Wailea.

It's not just humans that find Maui hard to resist - each year pods of Pacific humpback whales travel from Alaska to sun themselves in the warm waters off the coast of Maui. Local companies offer tours, on traditional whale-watching cruises as well as sea kayaks, for those who want to get more close and personal with the colossal sea creatures.

While Wailea may seem, at some turns, like a millionaire's paradise not open to the public, all the beaches are accessible to everyone and offer public restrooms and showers, as well as parking. Beach lovers who would prefer to stay in a more secluded or less developed part of Maui can still enjoy the golden beaches of Wailea and a sunset mai tai at one of its many restaurants, without the hefty price tag.

 

Child-Friendlinessrating:5 of 5more:A wide range of children's and family activities keep kids busySwimmingrating:4 of 5more:The water is clean, warm and generally calm.Sandrating:4 of 5more:The golden sands are perfect for strolling or sandcastle-building.Atmosphererating:5 of 5more:A luxurious, tropical setting where it seems anything is possible.Non-Beach Activitiesrating:5 of 5more:Plenty of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, golf and tennis, as well as small towns to explore and good shopping.