The most famous beach of the Pacific is only a stones’ throw from Honolulu. Bordered by Diamond Head to the east and Ala Wai Yacht Harbour to the west, the entire area, which is covered with buildings and palm trees, only measures 1.8 square km. More than five million tourists cram into this small space every year, and its hundreds of hotels, restaurants and stores employ more than 39000 people.

Modern Waikiki took root in 1922 when the Ala Wai Canal was dug to divert the streams, which flowed into Waikiki, and the water was drained out of the swamps. Six years later, Waikiki became an artificial island. Over the course of several years of successive construction, a concrete watershed was eventually built.

The world surfing record was achieved here by the eminent Duke Kahanamoku, Hawaii’s patron son and multiple Olympic medal winner.