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Tired of the view from your cubicle? Let's continue our tour
of Oahu! The pristine beaches of the Hawaiian
Islands are a major reason why tourists flock to this tiny island chain in the
middle of the Pacific Ocean. Fortunately for
TechnoTourist, I had the privilege of visiting two great beaches - Waikiki Beach
and the North Shore - in addition to a
few others whose names are a mystery to me. But before you trade your keyboard
for a surfboard, remember that even beauty has its challenges. Let's go!
Waikiki
Beach
 Waikiki Beach,
located along the southern shore of the island of Oahu,
is amazingly beautiful. When we flew into Honolulu,
Waikiki was on our right. When we left, it was
on the left. Today, it's still on our
minds. In photos, the Diamond Head Crater (see Part 1 of this series) flanks
Waikiki on the right, while the hotels and shopping area of downtown Honolulu
flank it on the left (Pearl Harbor is even further to the left).
Waikiki Beach is across the street from many hotels, shopping
centers, and restaurants. It's amazing
that such beauty exists so close to such madness. The beach can get crowded as
the day goes on, so if you prefer peace and quiet, it's best to come early or
seek out one of the island's many other beaches. While serious surfers prefer the
island's North Shore (see below), beginners can learn on Waikiki's
gentler waves. If surfing isn't your thing, movies are even shown on a large
outdoor screen on the beach.
Even paradise has its share of problems. For Waikiki, it's erosion issues. Fortunately, beach
replenishment and groin construction have helped keep Waikiki
in tip-top shape. Sand was shipped in from both Manhattan
Beach and from California.
So, if you're thinking about taking some authentic Hawaiian sand home as a
souvenir, think again. Also, remember that you'll have to fill out a Customs
form when returning to the continental U.S.
from Hawaii.
North
Shore
Oahu's North
Shore stretches for nearly
20 miles. Known for its colossal waves, the North Shore
is a haven for serious surfers. Tiny cottages on stilts dot the streets, but
the beach is the main attraction. Major surfing competitions are held on Oahu's
North Shore. Although TechnoTourist checked the
place out, I didn't attempt to swim in the water.
For all of you Lost fans, a secluded part of the North Shore
is also used to film the popular TV show! Unfortunately, however, I visited Oahu a few years before Lost was in production, or
I certainly would've tried to check it out. Looks like I'll have to go back to
Hawaii someday. But, first, let's have some pineapples.
Editor's Note: Click here for Part 1, where TechnoTourist visits Diamond Head and Pearl Harbor. Look for Part 3 of this multi-part series
soon, right here on CR4.
Resources:
http://live.waikikitimes.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waikiki
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Shore_%28Oahu%29
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Re: TechnoTourist Visits Hawaii (Part 2)
