If Locals Do One Thing Before Tourism Opens Up In Hawaii, It Should Be A Visit To Waikiki
By Megan Shute|Published October 06, 2020
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Megan Shute
Author
With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
The Hawaiian Islands are home to one of the world’s most famous beach destinations: Waikiki. Located within Honolulu city limits and bound by Ala Wai Canal to the north and west, Kapahulu Avenue to the east, and the Pacific Ocean to the south, Waikiki is the most popular destination in Hawaii for beach-bumming, shopping, dining, entertainment, and activities, and is packed with luxury resorts and hotels. And right now — with a global pandemic essentially halting all outside travel — now is the perfect time for locals to experience Waikiki without the crowds!
Prior to March 2020, the world-famous Waikiki Beach drew millions of tourism to its white sands and turquoise waters each year, accounting for approximately 42 percent of the state’s tourist industry revenue — roughly $2 billion annually.
Waikiki once attracted thousands upon thousands of visitors on any given day and if has been said that tourists in the 3.4-square-mile district outnumbered local residents more than three to one.
Without all of the tourist crowds, Waikiki is an idyllic playground for locals — much like it was for Hawaiian royalty in the 19th century. That’s right: the beaches, streets, shops, and restaurants are currently wide open for locals to explore and enjoy.
...or visit one of the area’s hip shops or unique restaurants without any wait time, a day spent in Waikiki will make you feel as though you’re on a relaxing beach vacation.