Surf's Up: Waikiki Beach Walk

If you’re vacationing in Waikiki, Hawaii, it’s probably a safe bet that not a lot of time will be spent away from the beach and under the Hawaiian sun. But if you need a day away from the rushing water, we suggest traversing the Waikiki Beach Walk, an eight-acre area along the popular Lewers Street. The Beach Walk is a mecca for relaxation with beachfront rooms, an eclectic mix of shopping, and a deep assortment of dining opportunities—anything from crab-stuffed mahi mahi at The Ocean House Restaurant to a mai tai at Coconut Willy’s.

Photo Credit: Surfboards (John A. Rizzo/Getty)

Waikiki—Hawaii's Ultimate Hotspot

Hawaii's most popular tourist destination is a shiny, well-manicured beachfront neighborhood with block after block of sand/grass beaches lining the ocean side of the street, and skyscraper hotels shoulder-to-shoulder on the other. It's cliché, it's condensed...and for people who want a walkable, tropical, cheap vacation, it's perfect.

You can take your pick of family-friendly attractions. Favorites include the Honolulu Zoo, Waikiki Aquarium, and underwater excursions on Atlantis Submarines. Tweens and teens can learn how to surf with Hans Hedemann or Waikiki Beach Activities. Stand-up paddleboarding is a good alternative for people who like to be out in the ocean but want something slightly more stable than a surfboard. Waikiki Beach Services offers group and private lessons.