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Waikiki Beach is the shoreline fronting Waikiki and one of the best known beaches in the world.
Waikiki beach at nightThe neighborhood extends from the Ala Wai Canal (a channel dug to drain former wetlands) on the west and north, to Diamond Head on the east. The name means spouting fresh water in Hawaiian for springs and streams that fed wetlands that once separated Waikiki from the interior. Waikiki has long been a place of relaxation. In particular, the area was a retreat for Hawaiian royalty in the 1800s.
Waikiki beach looking towards Diamond HeadToday the neighborhood and beach are considered the center of the tourist industry in Hawaii, with an abundance of both high-rise resort hotels (including the Hilton Hawaiian Village, the Halekulani hotel, the Hyatt Regency Waikiki, and the Sheraton Waikiki) and historic hotels dating back to the early 20th century (such as the Moana Surfrider Hotel and the Royal Hawaiian Hotel).
Waikiki beach at sunsetWaikiki Beach is noted for its magnificent views of the dormant volcano Diamond Head, it's usually warm and cloud-free climate and its surfbreak. The frequently visited tourist beach, is actually fairly short, with half of it marked off for surfers. For some distance into the ocean the water is quite shallow, although there are numerous rocks on the bottom, so waders should watch where they put their feet. As with most ocean beaches the waves can have some force, particularly on windy days. The surf at Waikiki is known to its long rolling break, making it ideal for long boarding, tandem surfing and beginners. The beach hosts many events a year, including surf competitions, outdoor performances, hula dancing and outrigger canoe races.
Over time, Waikiki beach has had its problems with erosion, leading to the construction of groins and beach replenishment projects. For example, in the 1920s and 1930s sand was imported from Manhattan Beach, California, via ship and barges to Waikiki.The importing of sand has said to have stopped in the 1970's and officials are looking to way to sustain the existing sand by eliminating loss due to tide flow.
Since 2001, there have been free movies on the beach. Many tourists from around the world can view a movie on an outdoor 30 foot screen. This particular free movie event in Waikiki is called "Sunset on the Beach".
Waikiki is home to public places of note, including Kapiolani Park, Fort de Russy Military Reservation, Kahanamoku Lagoon, Kuhio Beach Park, and Ali Wai Harbor.
