different Waikiki Beaches?

[MOMofONE]

Is there a huge difference in the beaches of Waikiki in terms of sand, surf, and facilities?
My daughter wants to boogie board, we may do a surf lesson, and we of course just want to sun & swim. We will have 3 days and so could go to different portion of Waikiki each day.

I think there is Ala Moana, Fort DeRussey, Kuhio and then Diamond Head area. Also the Hilton Lagoon?
Which part do you head to and why?
Thanks!
Tina

[Suebee]

I usually go to the Fort DeRussey beach. That is because I usually find less crowd. Also because we are military and can stroll right onto the property of the Hale Koa.
I dont usually see people right out there boogie boarding there. There is a playground there, fountain, shaved ice, etc.

I am just not a fan of the beaches there just because of the sand. Its very corally...not a fine grade. I also don't love the drop-off with my little ones. Its not a relaxing day at the beach there for us.
We take our kids to Ko Olina Lagoons instead. They are man made beaches/lagoons and are perfect for families. They are raked so very clean too. Not crowded as parking is limited. But no surfing there.

NCL Star 1/04
What's Next? Alaska 2005 - Ask me about an official CC group!

[spleen93]

If you need waves (for the boogie boarding, surf lessons) ... you'll need to go to the Waikiki/Kuhio beach area probably - best mix, I think for what you're looking for. Fort DeRussey may be a little big for you guys. Diamond Head also has good surf but also probably too big for you guys. Hilton Lagoon will be too flat.

Ko Olina lagoons that Suebee's talking about is WAY outside Waikiki - all the way on the west side of the island. Parking can be somewhat limited. Takes about 45 minutes to an hour to get there from Waikiki depending on traffic.

Spleen

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[kden]

If you have a car,go to the east side of the island. There you will find miles of wonderful sand beaches and places to boogie board, or just relax.

[MOMofONE]

spleen or Suebee- what was the beach in Waikiki that was just "redone"? Is it better there in terms of the sand vs. corally stuff? Guess too many tourists took home that "little bit of Waikiki"!
And what is Sand Island Rec. Area? Is this the property that you need Military ID to access?

Thanks for tips on wave action - we don't want to REALLY surf, so yes, looking for the teeny ripples, just so we can SAY we surfed! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]
My daughter always says, on the way to the beach "I want MONSTER waves for boarding!" but, if the waves are rough when we get there, she lasts 10 minutes and says "It's brutal out there. I'm going to build a sand castle until they calm down." ! LOL

thanks kden - Yes, we intend to grab our rental and "Get outta Dodge!" ASAP after ship docks. Hope to hit Kailua & Lanikai first, then Hanauma Bay late afternoon on way to our hotel in Waikiki.
Any recommendations for other East beaches appreciated.
In fact, we will be checking out North side on way to PCC next day. We planned to stop at Haleiwa & Waimea State beaches but open to suggestions.

[spleen93]

You do NOT want to go to Sand Island ... it's an industrial area and I certainly wouldn't want to swim there ....

Kuhio Beach was relatively recently redone. It's about the same. You have to remember that Waikiki Beach at this time is an artificial beach ... so much sand has been lost to erosion that they have to truck sand in to make up the deficit.

On the east side, Waimanalo Beach/Bellows is a good place to hang out. If you want to snorkel and if it's not winter, Shark's Cove (Pupukea) is a great place to visit as well.

Spleen

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[CaribbeanBound]

Makapuu (past Sandy's Beach, near Sea Life Park) is by far our favorite place to boogie board.