Kahanamoku Beach: The connected twin of Waikiki Beach
The western end of the Waikiki beach is known as Kahanamoku Beach. It fronts the Hilton Hawaiian Village and the Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon. The beach is named after Duke Paoa Kahanamoku (1890-1968), who is perhaps the most remembered and respected Hawaiian surfer, a champion Olympic swimmer and a master of canoeing. He epitomized Hawaiian athleticism and helped the surf sport reach unbelievable popularity worldwide. That's why he is also known as "The Father of Modern Surfing."
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Duke Kahanamoku Beach is the widest stretch of Waikiki Beach. In 2012, the beach was named the #2 beach in America according to the annual list of "Dr. Beach." Dr. Stephen Leatherman, an internationally known coastal scientist, has selected the annual Top 10 Beaches since 1991. Fifty criteria are used to evaluate beaches, which include water and sand quality as well as safety and environmental management.
Kahanamoku Beach lies between the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor to the west and the Hilton Hawaiian Village’s catamaran pier to the east. A shallow reef protects the beach and provides a popular swimming area for families with children. Kahanamoku Lagoon is adjacent to Kahanamoku Beach where its shallow sandy bottom slopes to a depth of fourteen feet at its center. Kaisers, one of Waikiki’s well-known surf sites, is on the west margin of the boat channel that passes through the reef.
The bonus that we don’t know, but all need
The man-made 5-acre Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon is also a fun place to explore. Here lies the park and lagoon complex, where you can swim in calm waters or picnic on the grassy area under one of the palm trees. Located in the center of Kahanamoku Beach is the Hilton Pier from where Atlantis Submarine tours depart.
