Welcome to Waikiki, Oahu, famous for its stunning natural sights, breathtaking city lights, endless white sand beaches and unique historical gems.  A trip to Oahu would be incomplete without an excursion to these hot spots in the heart of Honolulu. With White Sands Hotel as your base, you’ll enjoy a central location that makes it convenient to explore Waikiki and beyond.

Located just a few minutes away from our Waikiki hotel is beautiful Waikiki Beach, famous for its white sand shore, glistening blue waters, and gleaming Hawaiian sun. Spend a day in the surf and sun and you’ll find yourself renewed, rejuvenated, and ready for the island adventures that lie ahead. Venture one block from the hotel to the International Market Place, renowned for a unique shopping experience and Polynesian performances, where you’ll find unique souvenirs and local crafts along with live Hawaiian music and hula.

USS ARIZONA MEMORIAL AND PEARL HARBOR
Known for its historical relevance, the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor commemorates the final resting place of the battleship’s crew, who perished on December 7, 1941.  Take a guided tour of the Memorial, watch a documentary film about the Pearl Harbor attack, and view exhibits and a museum in the Visitor Center.

DIAMOND HEAD
The most famous natural landmark in Hawaii, Diamond Head is an iconic 763-foot extinct crater rising above Waikiki on Oahu’s south shore. Hike the challenging trail to the summit, and you’ll be treated to awe-inspiring and breathtaking panoramas of Oahu’s coastline and the endless blue Pacific Ocean. Come prepared with plenty of water, sunscreen, a pair of sensible shoes and a thirst for adventure.

WAIKIKI BEACH
Grab your beach gear (don’t forget the sunscreen!) and head to the beautiful, white shorelines of Waikiki Beach. Famed for long rolling break waves (ideal for longboarding, tandem surfing and beginner surfers) and spectacular views of both Diamond Head and the Pacific Ocean, it’s no wonder that Waikiki Beach gets over 4 million visitors a year.  Take a surfing lesson, learn to paddle an outrigger canoe, or just soak up the sun and play in the blue waters of the Pacific.

ALA MOANA SHOPPING CENTER
The largest shopping center in Hawaii and the largest open-air shopping center in the world, Ala Moana Center is the premier destination for visitors seeking Hawaii shopping adventures. Featuring over 290 stores and restaurants that range from trendy designer labels to local fashion boutiques, from fast stop-and-eat food stands to an array of fine dining options, Ala Moana Center offers something for everyone.

HANAUMA BAY
A volcanic cove that means “curved bay” in Hawaiian, this marine embayment is an ideal spot for the whole family to enjoy swimming and snorkeling.  Featuring a protected cove with a diverse population of marine life and a rich coral reef, the bay is famous for an abundance of colorful fish and green sea turtles, since Hanauma is a nursery ground for young turtles.

DOLPHIN ENCOUNTERS
Swim among these magnificent creatures as they frolic in the Pacific Ocean and learn first-hand about dolphin behavior and their oceanic playground.

HONOLULU ZOO AND WAIKIKI AQUARIUM
Learn about Hawaii’s wildlife by paying a visit to the Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Aquarium. The Honolulu Zoo is home to over 1,230 animals, including a number of species that are unique to only the Honolulu Zoo and the Hawaiian Islands. On a visit to the Waikiki Aquarium, find yourself in the presence of over 3,500 marine animals and creatures. You can even interact with a number of these creatures in shallow pools!

POLYNESIAN SHOWS AND LUAU GALORE
If you’re looking for unique Hawaiian Island entertainment, don’t miss the island’s famed luaus and exciting Polynesian Shows. At a luau, you can you catch a great show, savor a delightful all-you-can-eat buffet, take lei making workshops and hula lessons and watch a royal court procession. You can also find a free Polynesian Experience by Poly Pride Productions at the Waikiki Shopping Center that promises to take onlookers on a “rhythmic journey through the Pacific Islands.”