From the west to east end (Ewa to Diamond Head), these are the beaches of Waikiki. Read this "Star-Bulletin" article about beach safety in Hawaii.

Kahanamoku Beach

Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii. Named for Duke Kahanamoku, who popularized surfing to the rest of the world, this man-made beach and the lagoon were finished in 1956.

Location :: In front of the Hilton Hawaiian Village, Ewa (west) end of Waikiki.

Access :: Kalia Rd, then Paoa Pl.

Services :: Rest rooms, surf board rentals, beach equipment, food and drink concessions, catamaran cruises.

Notes :: The Hilton is also known as the "Rainbow Hilton" because of the rainbow mural covering the makai end of the hotel. It was the opening credits of the TV show "Hawaii Five-0."

Fort DeRussy Beach

Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii. Owned by the US military and open to the general public.

Location :: In front of Ft. DeRussy and the Hale Koa Hotel.

Access :: There's a right-of-way through DeRussy from the street to the beach.

Services :: Rest rooms, picnic grounds, food and drink concessions.

Notes :: There's no "fort" on the grounds. It's a park-like setting amidst the hotels. There are a few buildings (U.S. Army Museum of Hawai`i) and a military-only R&R hotel.

Gray's Beach

Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii. Named for the small inn that stood here in the early 1900's. Read about the writer Earl Biggers and Charlie Chan.

Location :: In front of the Halekulani Hotel

Access :: Pathway between the Waikiki Parc and the Halekulani hotels.

Services :: Rest rooms, surf board rentals, beach equipment, food and drink concessions, outrigger canoe and catamaran cruises.

Notes :: Sandy bottom, gentle waves, shallow, good swimming. The Paradise and Number Three's surf breaks are off shore.

Royal Moana Beach

(Kahaloa and Ulokou Beaches), Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii.

Location :: Between the Royal Hawaiian Hotel and the Sheraton Moana Surfrider Hotel.

Access :: Off Kalakaua Avenue.

Services :: Branch police station, rest rooms, changing facilities, surf board rentals and lessons, beach equipment, food and drink concessions, catamaran cruises.

Notes :: Popular's, Queen's, and Canoes, surf breaks are off shore.

Kuhio Beach and Waikiki Beach Center

Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii.

Location :: Waikiki Beach Center down to about Kapahulu Avenue.

Access :: Kalakaua Avenue.

Services :: Rest rooms, concessions, lifeguards, snorkeling, surfing.

Notes :: The retaining wall ("Slippery Wall") creates a very gentle swimming area, which is great for kids. City's Waikiki Beach Cam and Kuhio Beach Cam

Queen's Surf Beach

Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii. Named after Queen Liliuokalani's beach house which used to stand here.

Location :: Between the Honolulu Zoo and the Waikiki Aquarium.

Access :: Kalakaua Avenue.

Services :: Rest rooms, showers, barbecue grills, picnic tables.

Notes :: A gentle beach.

San Souci Beach

(Dig Me Beach), Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii. Nicknamed "dig me" for all the bikinis on display.

Location :: Between New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel and the Waikiki Natatorium

Access :: Parking lot east of the Natatorium off Kalakaua Avenue.

Services :: Beach showers, but changing rooms are at the Natatorium.

Notes :: A gentle beach that attracts a lot of families with a coral reef for snorkeling further out, but triathletes often train out beyond the reefs. Writer Robert Louis Stevenson ("Treasure Island") lived here when he was in Hawii.