Gessica's blog

While it packs a wallop when it comes to fame and glamour, Waikiki is only a smidge over one mile in size. Waikiki is perfect for the Hawaii resident that wants to be close to the action – within walking distance to some of the finest dining and eclectic shopping in the state. Once a vacation playground for Hawaiian royalty, Waikiki was originally swampland that was turned into taro plantations. At that time, Waikiki’s borders spread as far as Manoa Valley and, as early as 1450, it was named the seat of Oahu’s government. In the 1700s, the Big Island’s King Kamehameha The Great and his army landed their canoes on Waikiki Beach, overpowering Oahu Chief Kalanikupule’s army, eventually driving them further inland and over the Pali cliffs. Today, the biggest battle on Waikiki beach is for the perfect spot under the tropical sun, amid Oahu’s over 6 million annual visitors.