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WAIKIKI
(text and photos excerpted from
Wikipedia- the free encyclopedia)
 Waikiki Beach is the shoreline fronting Waikiki and one of the best known beaches
in the world.
The
neighborhood extends from the Ala Wai Canal (a channel dug to drain former
wetlands) on the west and north, to Diamond Head (Lēʻahi) 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.
 Today 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 Surf rider Hotel and the Royal Hawaiian Hotel).
 As seen in the
picture, Waikiki Beach
is noted for its magnificent view of Diamond Head. The frequently visited tourist
beach, easily accessible by an alley next to the Royal Hawaiian Hotel,
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.
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".
Across the street from the beach fronting the hi rises and hotels exists a
collection world class retail shops, restaurants and nightlife.
DIAMOND HEAD
 Diamond Head is one of Hawaii's most famous
landmarks. Originally named Laeahi by the ancient Hawaiians who felt it looked
like the "brow of a tuna", it received it's more famous name from
British sailors who saw its calcite crystals in the lava rock glimmering in the
sunlight. A hike to the summit is moderately difficult but is rewarded by
amazing views of Waikiki and eastern Oahu.
Kapiolani Park is the site of historic Diamond
Head, the 42-acre Honolulu Zoo, and the Waikiki Shell, which is
home to many outdoor concerts and shows. King Kalakaua created Kapiolani Park in the 1870's. This beautiful
500-acre park is listed on the State's Historic Register as many of its
exceptional trees date back over 100 years. On weekends there are art shows and
craft shows. There are tennis courts, soccer fields, an archery range, and even
a 3-mile jogger's course.
 KAHALA
Kahala is one of Oahu's most
prestigious residential areas, and is home to what is now called the Kahala
Resort, that still offers the peace and serenity of the neighboring islands
with the convenience of Waikiki only 10
minutes away just as it did when it was opened in 1964
by Conrad Hilton.Kahala also hosts the
well know Kahala Mall were the shopping has been described by some as chic and
unencumbered.
HAWAII KAI/PORTLOCK
 Is the largest of the
communities East of Honolulu.Originally,
this area was developed by Henry Kaiser as Beach front and Marina front homes and condos. Due to recent
development there are new high rises and condos that stretch far back into
Kalama valley.The Hawaii Kai Marina is
where you can scuba, snorkel, parasail or charter a boat for the day. The Towne Center
has much to offer in the way of restaurants, retail stores and movies.
This area also home to Sandy
Beach where kite flying and parasailing as well as body boarding are the
popular activities, and Hanauma
Bay, where the snorkeling
is world famous.
WAIALAE
IKI /HAWAIILOA
 These are hilltop communities
that offer some of the most spectacular views and cool hilltop trade wind
breezes. Some of the newer developments on Waialae Iki and the neighboring
ridge of Hawaii Loa are high end gated communities.
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