They say you haven’t been to Hawaii until you’ve been to Waikiki, the bustling, beachfront neighbourhood on the island’s sunny south shore, a place featuring a mix of modern resorts and historic landmarks.

In this bustling leisure and shopping paradise, high-end shops and dive bars, upscale restaurants and hole-in-the-wall eateries greet the senses—and you don’t need an uber or taxi to see it or do things there.

The famous Fijian hit ‘Ciqomi au’ with its first famous line ‘Au a karikaria na nuku mai Honolulu’ accentuate the wonders of the famous Waikiki beach.

When informed that I was part of the Fijian media delegation to the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture earlier this month, I made it my point to plan a visit to the famous beach in the world which wows more than four million visitors every year with its breathtaking views

At the mention of Waikiki Beach, one automatically visualises images of dancing palm trees, Diamond Head, white sand, and the blue Pacific Ocean.

Even if you’ve never been there, you’d probably seen Waikiki in movies, television soaps and travel magazines.

Diamond Head, a historic landmark that overlooks the beach, was the site of a luakini heiau, an ancient ceremonial structure dedicated to the natives’ war god and used by the ancient Hawaiians for worship and human sacrifice.

In 1968, Diamond Head was declared a national natural landmark.

The crater, also called Diamond Head Lookout, was used as a strategic military lookout in the early 1900s.

Spanning over 475 acres (190 ha) (including the crater’s interior and outer slopes), it served as an effective defensive lookout because it provided panoramic views of Waikiki and the south shore of Oahu.

My media colleagues and I were lucky enough to experience the enchanting beauty and endless fun that the islands had to offer at Waikiki.

From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with the warm aloha spirit and stunning natural landscapes that truly took our breath away.

One of the highlights of our travel was a trip to Waikiki beach’s two-mile stretch, which is always bright and warm, with aquamarine waters and golden sands.

Some of the interesting facts about Waikiki Beach are:

Historical roots

Waikiki Beach was once a playground for Hawaiian royalty, serving as a retreat for Queen Ka’ahumanu and King Kamehameha. Its name means “spouting waters” in Hawaiian, a reference to the freshwater springs that once flowed into the area.

Surfing mecca

It’s renowned as a surfing hotspot, attracting surfers from around the world. Duke Kahanamoku, a legendary Olympic swimmer and surfer, popularised surfing at Waikiki in the early 20th century, helping to elevate the beach’s status in the surfing world.

Diamond head backdrop
One of Waikiki’s most iconic features is its stunning backdrop of Diamond Head, a dormant volcanic crater. The contrast of the lush greenery against the sparkling blue waters creates a breathtaking scene that’s synonymous with paradise.

Tourist hub

Waikiki is a bustling tourist destination, with a vibrant atmosphere filled with hotels, shops, restaurants, and nightlife. Visitors can explore the lively streets, enjoy cultural performances, or simply relax on the sun-drenched shores.

Underwater wonders

Beyond the allure of its sandy shores, Waikiki offers a wealth of marine life and underwater attractions. Snorkelling and scuba diving are popular activities, allowing visitors to discover colourful coral reefs, tropical fish, and even the occasional sea turtle or monk seal.

We literally had to be at Waikiki to actually bring to life the lyrics of the Fijian song, ‘Ciqomi au’ and for me it was definitely a tick on my bucket list.

During our trip there, at the back of our minds darted the irresistible idea that we had to do some shopping for our friends and family back home.

Shopping isn’t normally my kind of thing but when I am travelling to a new country, I always try to look around for souvenirs that might interest me.

Moreover, shopping abroad is very rewarding. For one, you can somewhat experience what it is like being a tourist.

Whether you are in a big city like Honolulu or somewhere attractive for that matter, you can shop around freely as though you are a local.

Hawaii, hands-down is one of the best all-round shopping destinations in the world; even if you’re not into shopping, there’s always something that will tickle your fancy.

It is an absolute mecca for shopping — there’s souvenirs, bargains galore, luxury items and must-have pieces everywhere you look.

From eclectic street markets and surf stores to Luxe designer apparel, there’s something for everyone.

You can collect memorable pieces that will keep people back home talking and remind you about your holiday.

While in Hawaii, after a long day’s work, I always found myself in a supermarket/grocery store and usually spent an hour inside walking up and down every aisle.

I don’t know why, but visiting a grocery store overseas is always one of my best activities. It gives me the proud feeling that I am an island tourist soaking up goodness.

When in Hawaii, I recommend you visit the Ala Moana Centre which is the largest mall in Hawaii — it’s said to be the world’s largest outdoor shopping centre.

Its open-air design, spread over four levels with koi ponds and tropical gardens, lets visitors enjoy Hawaii’s mild climate while they shop.

Found near Waikiki, Ala Moana Centre has more than 300 stores, dozens of restaurants, and two food courts.

One other place where we shopped and I would also highly recommend it to you if your happen to be in Hawaii is Ross Dress for Less which is a no-frills discount retailer found all across the island.

At Ross, you’ll get easily tempted to go from rack to rack to score a unique find.

Whether it’s a good pair of thongs to wear to the beach or a one-of-a-kind Hawaiian tote to bring home as a funky souvenir, those willing to put in the effort are usually rewarded with bargains.

With its motto, “good things come to those who wait score the rack” you can visit any Ross store located across Honolulu.

Hawaii also offers numerous tourist attractions that can make your trip incredible and unforgettable.

Make the most of your Hawaii trip by exploring as many places as possible.

As for me, the Aloha State is definitely worth a visit and I wouldn’t mind making a second trip one day.