| 19.
Building Murals |
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Toward the Ewa (west) end of Waikiki is the Royal Aloha Condominium with this mural on the ocean-facing end.
Murals like this a fairly common in and around Honolulu. At first they were novel and attractive. Now that
there are so many, some people now think that more should not be allowed. |
| 20.
Waikiki Landmark |
|
The newest highrise building in Waikiki is the Waikiki Landmark in a triangular block
at the "Ewa" end. It's prominently located where Ala Wai Boulevard, the main thoroughfare along the back of
Waikiki, crosses Kalakaua Ave, the main hotel and shopping street along the front. Bordered along the
boulevard by the Ala Wai Canal, the building is open and clearly visible on the Kalakaua approach and from the
new Hawaii State Convention center cater-corner across the canal (from where the picture at the left was
taken). The twin towers are unique in the way they are joined at the top.
The pictures above were taken counterclockwise starting at the Hawaii State Convention Center, as shown in
the inset.
A few close-ups of the Waikiki Landmark.
|
| 21.
View of the Hawaii State Convention Center |
|
After crossing Kalakaua Ave., the new Convention Center is visible across the canal. Although the main entry
is located on the opposite side of the complex, this side facing waikiki is the "official" front. Below the
sharp roof projections are tiers of wide stairs used primarily for special receptions and ceremonies. For
more about the Convention Center, check out the Downtown Honolulu Tour. |
| 22.
Honolulu Prince Hotel |
|
The newest hotel in Waikiki is the Honolulu Prince at the far Ewa end just before the Ala Wai Canal between
Waikiki and the Ala Moana district. The two towers overlook the Ala Wai Boat Harbor (#1). The opposite side
(#2) faces Ala Moana Boulevard and features a waterfall over a portion of the facade. Windowed elevators run
up and down the outside of the towers. The hotel has fabulous views of the boat harbor, the ocean, the entire
length of Waikiki Beach, and Diamond Head in the distance. |
| 23.
Ala Wai Boat Harbor |
|
At the far Ewa end of Waikiki, at the mouth of the Ala Wai Canal, is the Ala Wai Yacht Harbor. This is a
well-kept, attractive harbor with many luxury yachts and sailing vessels.
|
| 24.
Hilton Hotel and Lagoon |
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Turning back toward Waikiki Beach we see the well-known Hilton Hawaiian Village where
for years Don Ho has been a main attraction. The complex consists of two towers, lower buildings, and a
variety of shops and other facilities. It is the only hotel in Waikiki to have a pier. It is from here that
people depart for the Atlantis submarine (Atlantis Submarine Tour).
Looking Diamond Head across the lagoon (picture on the left). A straight-on view of the ocean side of the
closest tower with its distinctive tile design (middle). A view to the right (right).
|
| 25.
Fort De Russy |
|
The U.S. Army's Fort DeRussy near the Ewa end of Waikiki provides a welcome break in the wall of hotels that
line the beach in this area. The Army Museum of Hawaii and Fort DeRussy Beach (both stops on the
Atlantis Submarine Tour) are on the ocean side.
The Fort DeRussy property stretches from the ocean all the way to Kalakaua Ave., which is quite a distance at
this point. The sign (#1) is located at the corner of Ala Moana Boulevard and Kalakaua. Farther along in the
direction in which we are traveling is the memorial (#2) fronting Kalakaua.
Looking back along Kalakaua (#3) we see the base of the Waikiki Landmark visited a few stops ago. The lamp
posts with flower pots are a fairly new addition to the street scene. Farther along is a very pleasant open
area (#4) with beautiful trees (#5), paths, and other park features. There is no actual fort at Fort DeRussy.
The property is mostly unbuilt and open to the public. It's often cited as a very large and valuable property
that in Waikiki could be put to much greater productive use rather than being simply held by the Army. It
does, however, provide a great park environment, and it's very well kept, and it's open to the public.
A view toward the tennis courts (#6) -- another toward Waikiki hotels at the beach (#7). The
U.S. Army's Asia Pacific Center for Security Services (#8) is nicely nestled in the palm trees near
the middle of the property. |
This concludes the circle tour of Waikiki. We hit most of the highlights, except many of those contained within the
hotels themselves. There are many shows and events that may be just as interesting as beaches and landmarks. But
for that, you'll just have to see those you yourself during the remainder of your stay.
