Enjoy water sports in Honolulu.
A vacation to Honolulu, on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, can provide a relaxing break. Visitors can sunbathe on the city's many beaches, dine on international cuisine at quality restaurants, or party at lively nightclubs. If you are looking for a more active vacation, however, take advantage of the water sports offered at several of Honolulu's hotels.
Hilton Hawaiian Village
The Hilton Hawaiian Village occupies 20 acres of the widest stretch of Waikiki Beach and is described by "Frommer's" as a lively and activity-filled location. The hotel's six outdoor swimming pools include a 10,000-square-foot Super Pool, which features a children's pool and a 5,000-square-foot Paradise Pool with waterslides and waterfalls.
Water sports rentals at the hotel include stand-up paddle boards, surfboards, boogie boards, kayaks and aqua cycles. Every morning the Hilton presents a complimentary 30-minute Surfing 101 class that includes a demonstration of surfing techniques. Other activities include a submarine dive and a catamaran cruise.
The hotel's 2,860 rooms are spread throughout five towers that each have their own restaurants and shops; Frommer's notes that this division "reduces the chaotic, impersonal feeling" that you can get from a resort of this size. Facilities include a spa, fitness center and chapel, and dining options include the Bali Steak and Seafood restaurant, and an evening outdoor luau.
Moana Surfrider
Known locally as "the first lady of Waikiki," the Moana Surfrider has been in business since 1901 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The hotel is located in the center of Waikiki Beach and has its own stretch of beach along with an outdoor swimming pool. The Moana Surfrider offers outrigger canoe rides and surf lessons, and boogie boards and surfboards are available for rent.
Most of the hotel's 793 rooms have ocean views, and oceanfront suites have two lanais, or balconies, for viewing both sunrise and sunset. Facilities include an on-site spa and guests have complimentary access to the fitness center at the Sheraton Waikiki, a two-minute walk away. Dining options include the Banyan Courtyard, which features live entertainment nightly and is described by "Fodor's" as the "best place on Waikiki Beach to watch hula and have a drink."
Royal Hawaiian
The bright pink, Spanish and Moorish Royal Hawaiian is located at the far end of Waikiki Beach and is known locally as the Pink Palace. The hotel is surrounded by lush gardens and its interiors are decorated with Hawaiian craft displays. The hotel's Helumoa Playground features two outdoor swimming pools with two whirlpools and a 15-foot high by 70-foot long water slide.
The Royal Hawaiian can arrange surfing lessons and canoe rides for guests, and offers surfboard and boogie board rentals. The hotel can arrange excursions to the Hawaii Water Sports Center, where guests can Jet Ski, wakeboard and scuba dive, and to the Hawaiian Adventures Water Park. Other activities include ukulele lessons, hula classes and lei making.
The Royal Hawaiian's 527 rooms feature either palm motifs, or in the historic wing, four-poster canopy beds and period furniture. Facilities include an on-site spa and complimentary access to the fitness center at the nearby Sheraton. Guests can enjoy cocktails at the Mai Tai Bar, dine at the seafood restaurant Azure or participate in the Monday evening luau.
Tags: Royal Hawaiian, Waikiki Beach, Facilities include, fitness center, Moana Surfrider, outdoor swimming, access fitness