Rick Egged
President of Waikiki Improvement Association
Aloha and welcome to Waikiki.
Balmy weather, white sand beaches, gentle trade winds and fun activities for every age … snorkeling, sailing, parasailing, body boarding, catamaran and outrigger rides. As the sun sets there are sunset cruises, restaurants, clubs and great shopping.
Waikiki is the best place to be in the summer!
Waikiki, the traditional home of surfing, features one of the most highly regarded surf contests, the China Uemura 30th Annual Longboard Surfing Classic on July 31 to August 3 at Kuhio Beach.
The Tinman Triathlon on July 27 at Queen’s Beach was inspired by the Ironman Triathlon on Hawai‘i Island. The Tinman Triathlon was started by four guys who wanted to experience doing a triathlon but could not spend months of full-time training, thus the race and the non-profit Tinman Unlimited were established. The Tinman challenges and inspires all participants by offering safety, fun and pride. It is not meant to be an “elite” race but a triathlon for every interested athlete.
Waikiki honors the legacy of Duke Paoa Kahanamoku every year on the occasion of his birthday week. Duke is fondly remembered as the greatest waterman who ever lived and Hawai‘i’s “Ambassador of Aloha.” Held in his honor, Duke’s OceanFest takes place Saturday, August 16, through Sunday, August 24. Now in its 13th year, the nine-day event features a variety of competitions and events that were close to Duke Kahanamoku’s heart: Longboard Surfing, Stand-Up Paddling, One-Mile Ocean Swim, Lifeguard Competition, Surfboard Water-polo, Paddle Boarding, Beach Volleyball and Beachfront Lu‘au and other events.
The festivities commence on August 16, with a lei draping and ceremony at Duke’s statue that is open to the public. Duke’s birthday celebration is on August 24 and is one of many of the week’s highlights; which also include the KINE Lu‘au, Hawai‘i Waterman Hall of Fame Awards Dinner and much more.
There is great fun and beauty at Waikiki and other O‘ahu beaches, but don’t forget to check on local conditions and be safe. You can check online, just Google Hawai‘i Beach Safety or go directly to www.oceansafety.soest.hawaii.edu.
