by John Bryant

Created on: July 10, 2008   Last Updated: July 12, 2008

Wakiki is the most famous beach in the world, a wonderful stretch of white sand filled with sunbathers and surfers from around the world and backed by restaurants, bars, shopping, and museums. Its visitors can stay busy 24/7, partying all night long and sleeping on the beach the next day! Not as well known, however, are the two parks just east and west of Wakiki which offer their own fun attractions and, just maybe, bring visitors into contact with real Hawaiians.

Kapiolani Park is nestled between the eastern end of Wakiki and the base of Diamondhead Crater. One might begin a visit to the park by walking entirely around Diamondhead, named by European sailors who thought the reflections they saw from its slopes were diamonds'. This walk allows one to peer into the grounds of the very expensive homes on the beach and to stop to watch the surfers and windsurfers in the royal blue waters below Diamondhead. In winter, whales which spend their summers in northern waters and winters in the Hawaiian islands can often be seen swimming about just off the crater. The beautiful lighthouse on the eastern side of the crater no longer serves sailors but is now home to the senior Coast Guard admiral in Hawaii. Visitors who don't mind a little exertion can enter the crater on its west side and climb a path to its rim for a fantastic view of the ocean below and straight down Waikiki Beach!

The park is a beehive of activity, particularly on the weekend. The Waikiki Shell is an open air concert facility in which world famous entertainers frequently perform. The audience may enjoy the performance in seats in front of the stage or behind the seats, reclining with friends and family in a grassy area on blankets or straw mats. And be certain great performers are willing to perform in Hawaii! Recent movie releases are shown almost nightly in the winter in a very casual open air theater on the beach at the southwest corner of the park. Anything better than watching a great movie while wiggling your toes in Waikiki's sand?

Kapiolani Park is also home to the Honolulu Zoo (www.honoluluzoo.org) and, across the street, the Wakiki Aquarium (www.waquarium.otted.hawaii.edu). Both are world class and everyone, particularly children, will enjoy a visit. The aquarium has 2,500 organisms representing more than 420 species of aquatic animals and plants. The zoo is the third oldest public zoo in the U.S. and was founded in 1904, becoming part of the University of Hawaii in 1919. Walking anywhere in

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