Waikiki is two miles of beach backed by the most famous resort strip in the Pacific, with Diamond Head rising at the eastern end like a theatrical set piece. The sand is imported — the original beach was largely eroded by development — but the water is warm, the waves are gentle enough for beginners to learn surfing on longboards in an afternoon, and the setting is undeniably dramatic.
The beach is divided into informal sections: the Kahanamoku Beach at the western end near the Hilton Hawaiian Village, the main strip in front of the Royal Hawaiian and Sheraton Waikiki, and the calmer Kuhio Beach at the eastern end near the police substation. Surfboard and outrigger canoe rentals are available along the main section. The beach is genuinely crowded in winter (December-February) when the Australian and Japanese winter season drives visitor numbers up significantly. Go early morning or late afternoon to find a comfortable spot.