Waikiki Beach, Honolulu

Had my camera stolen, the cop brushed it off as "just another theft", maybe he's part of the same ring of meth heads that hang around the beach 24x7 across the Aston hotel. DO pay attention to your surroundings, DO NOT leave your stuff unattended not even for one minute. The beach is kind of dirty. Very expensive food, paid $4 for shaved ice!!!

I live in Honolulu and my family still goes down to Waikiki beach sometimes to enjoy the surrounding parks and activities. Check out my blog. for other fun activities with kids.

It's okay for what it is, I suppose. Smallish waves--good if you've got small children with you--an area that's got pretty good waves for a beginner boogie boarder. The beach is packed during the tourist-y times of the year and the sand is grittier then I like but tolerable enough. Oahu has so many better beaches though. Beaches with less people, better facilities, and better sand and waves. I figure if you've already flown thousands of miles to get to Hawaii, you might as well go like 15 more miles to get out of the city and chill at a better beach. Just sayin'. When it comes to the homeless people and the prostitutes: look people, Waikiki is like any other popular tourist destination in the US except better because its in Hawaii. But if you don't like the idea of homeless people or prostitutes don't book a trip. Its not like there are hookers and homeless people everywhere, but you'll see some of both. Yeah there are some panhandlers, just begging for your money, but a lot of the time they're doing something: selling things, performing, just trying to earn a couple bucks so they can eat or whatever. Prostitutes come out at night unfortunately. And even then the prostitutes in Honolulu aren't all drugged out and disgusting nor do they harass people. The ones I've seen aren't hanging out of their clothing either. They're usually naïve young girls from the mainland who thought they'd be able to afford living in Hawaii--because seriously, who doesn't want to live in Hawaii? In the end it doesn't work out for several reasons: jobs are scarce, housing is expensive, food is also very expensive. Unfortunately, instead of just admitting defeat and going home they end up selling themselves. It's incredibly sad. Please don't think I'm defending prostitution, because I'm not. I just think people should be realistic and have a little empathy.

The best thing I have encountered since I have been here helping my daughter move is the Best Western Hotel by the airport. The staff here are the most friendly and helpful that I have seen. I lived here 23 years ago and it has changed. It has become crowded and I have visited Waikiki with my daughter and have been disappointed with the way it is now. I guess if you close your eyes to the way it looks now then you won't be disappointed. Hickam AFB has changed its appearnce for the better though...

Just got back earlier today. I was very surprised that when we went for a walk at 130 am there were alot of people on the back street. And more tomy surprise there were a couple hookers standing on the corner like it was just okay. I guess it happens everywhere but we spent like 200.00 a night someone could of atleast sent them down the street thats terriable to me. So my advice is go out early and dont go out for walks at night.

I really had second thoughts about going to Waikiki. I was told it was just like "LA". I loved it! The weather was perfect. There was lots to do and see. We were there 6 days and could have stayed longer. If you want seclusion and peace and quiet then that's not the place for you. For us it was a perfect mix. Must eats...Dukes, had a great dinner and good breakfast, North Shore - The shrimp truck, excellent, they also have a Thai truck, even better and of course shaved ice. Enjoy!

Waikiki is one of the most naturally splendid beaches in the world, so it's no wonder why it got so popular. If you like to be around restaurants, shops, lots of people and see a lot of excitement then this is the place for you. The waves are no doubt the most perfect ever for learning to surf, because the come very regularly, are mellow, and break for a very long distance. This is a magical place, witht he views of diamond head, but if you're looking for an authentic romantic beach experience try another beach on Oahu. This is good for young people, teens, and people who like shopping. But it gets very crowded. If you want to experience it all to yourself, get ther early, about 9am or so. Most of the crowds don't arrive till later in the day.

The beach bathrooms and showers are pathetic. The bathrooms stink and are almost not functional. The beach is crowded.

i'm a little sad that people are mad about the homeless in waikiki or at the other places honolulu. cuase to me it a just a part of hawaii i'v been there 5 times and there has always been homeless roming around. people froget that honolulu is a big city not just a tourist destination. it not there fualt that the price to live there is crazy. if you hate spending all the money on hotel and have to deal with homeless then you should spend the money to help them out cause their not going any where.and besides the fact waikiki is over poupulated as it is if i cant make it north shore when i want to go the beach ill go to ala moana its way less crowed and i dont have to deal with stupid tourist. one good thing about waikiki is that you do get a good view of diamond head.

wow.. I was pretty disappointed to see so many homeless folks wandering around Kapiolani park near Waikiki beach - not safe at all and quite a filthy experience. I'm not sure I'll return if this has become the norm, especially given the amount of $$ you have to drop to stay in Waikiki