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Imagine a tropical paradise where translucent turquoise seas lap up on golden sandy beaches while you sip cocktails under the cool shade of your beach umbrella. Welcome to Waikiki. This city, on the island of Oahu, is where dreams come true. You can relax and take it easy or enjoy an array of leisure opportunities and tourist attractions. The best hotels Waikiki accommodates will offer superb beach views, spacious guestrooms and the wonderful spirit of Hawaii that makes the islands such a special vacation destination.

Over 65,000 tourists a day visit Waikiki and a major draw is its famous beach that offers golden sands and the clear waters of the Pacific Ocean. Waikiki Beach spans the shoreline of the city and visitors can enjoy beach sports, water sports or a simple spot of sunbathing. The waters create perfect surfing conditions for the experienced enthusiast or those wanting to try this addictive pastime for the first time. Half of the beach is dedicated to surfers who ride the long, rolling waves. In such an ideal environment, it is fun to try something new, so ask the friendly staff at hotels Waikiki provides for their recommendation for a surfing school or instructor. Within no time, you will be conquering the waves yourself.

The area has its origins as a vacation destination back in the 1800s. Although the Hawaiian royal family used the area for their leisure in the early 1800s, the first guesthouse was opened in 1893. Today, visitors can appreciate the architecture of the first Moana Hotel, which is the oldest on the island. The name comes from the Hawaiian word for 'ocean' and the hotel is on the National Register of Historic Places. This hotel is just one of the many Waikiki hotels offering upscale accommodation and elegant dining, outdoor pools and luxurious spas.

One of the first tourists to vacation in this area was the novelist, Robert Louis Stevenson in 1894. Stevenson was a travel writer and one can imagine how the beauty and atmosphere of the city captured his senses in much the same way it does for contemporary visitors. Among his many literary works, Stevenson penned the classic novel, "Treasure Island" and surely this unique destination provided him with the inspiration. Today, the area has a range of hotels and with such a wonderful selection you will find yourself spoilt for choice.

There are many attractions besides the beach and the nearby Honolulu Zoo is a perennial favorite with visitors. Almost 1,000 different animals reside in the 42 acres and visitors can view a huge range of species, including animals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. Popular sights include those gentle giants, the Indian elephants and the tallest animal in the world, the inquisitive giraffes. Cheeky chimpanzees, graceful black swans and all manner of animal life are on display here. The zoo aims to help the endangered animals of the world and many that reside here are now at great threat in the wild due to poaching and de-forestation. These include the orangutan, the Komodo dragon and the white-handed gibbon. Twilight tours of the zoo, which allow visitors to see the animals from a different perspective, are available each Saturday evening for children over five years old and adults. A visit to the zoo at any time though will be fun and rewarding for children and adults alike.

A popular tourist attraction that focuses on marine life is the Waikiki Aquarium. Located conveniently on Waikiki Beach, it is the third oldest in the United States and encourages visitors to learn more about this fascinating subject. Over 3,000 specimens from more than 500 species are housed here, along with endangered Hawaiian monk seals. The aquarium uses interactive displays and family-friendly exhibits to ensure children stay entertained and learn at the same time. The aquarium is located near to Kapiolani Park, which offers 300 acres of outdoor activities and entertainment. The park accommodates The Waikiki Shell, an outdoor concert venue. Why not ask the helpful concierge at any of the hotels Waikiki offers to help arrange an itinerary and any advance bookings that are advantageous?

If some retail therapy is in order, you will find a tempting range of stores and boutiques in the city. The streets around the shoreline are packed with vendors selling all manner of beachwear and accessories. The Royal Hawaiian Center is a premier shopping destination with four floors of stores and boutiques. Luxury names such as Kate Spade, Juicy Couture and Cartier offer a tempting range of items. Why not treat yourself to a lovely souvenir of your time in this tropical paradise?