Directly in front of the Hilton Hawaiian Village Hotel at the western end of Waikiki, Kahanamoku Beach features a breakwater and pier with coral running between them. This provides a nice swimming area that is relatively safe for kids. The pier at Kahanamoku Beach is used to provide water taxi service for submarine cruises and catamaran boat cruises.
Great For: Swimming, sunbathing, surfing, people watching.
Highlights: The nice grassy area fronting Kahanamoku Beach provides a great place to relax amidst all the hustle and bustle of Waikiki.
Need to Know: Kahanamoku Beach is named after the legendary Hawaiian hero Duke Kahanamoku (1890-1968) who was an Olympic swimming champion and later became a movie star as well as the Sheriff of Honolulu.
Lifeguard: A lifeguard tower is located at Central Waikiki Beach near the Waikiki Police substation.
Facilities: Restrooms, showers, and food concessions are located at numerous spots along the beach on Kalakaua Avenue.
Access: Along Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki.