Daydreaming about your next Hawaiian vacation? If you’re wondering about a vacation rental on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu, there are several properties a short walk from Waikiki Beach. Located on the southern shore of Honolulu, the beach is approximately a two-mile stretch with several notable attractions along the way. Whether you choose to sunbathe on the sand or dive into the Pacific Ocean, below are a few fun facts to share with fellow beachgoers about the area. 

3 Interesting Facts About the History of Waikiki Beach

1. The First Tourists in the Area Were Hawaiian Royalty

Although people of various socio-economic groups book vacation rentals along Waikiki Beach today, that was not always the case. In the early 19th century, missionaries in Hawaii preached that areas for work, home, and leisure activities should be separate. By the mid to late 1800s, Hawaiian royalty had begun visiting Waikiki Beach as a tranquil respite from the stresses of everyday life. Many built cottages made of native grasses along the shore. 

2. The “Father of Modern Surfing” Trained on Waikiki Beach

Born August 24, 1890, in downtown Honolulu, Duke Kahanamoku is considered the “father of modern surfing.” His family moved to Waikiki when Kahanamoku was young, and he swam and surfed in the waters off the beach, developing his skills. By the age of 21, he beat the 100 yards freestyle world record. On December 23, 1914, he surfed in the first-ever surfing exhibition, held in Sydney, Australia. He later introduced board surfing to the continent. He was inducted into the Surfing Hall of Fame in 1966. 

3. The Landscape Changed in the 1920s

By 1920, the wetlands in Waikiki were considered a health hazard. The area was drained of the toxic water when the Ala Wai Canal was built, with construction completed in 1928. Beginning northwest of Kapahulu Avenue and spanning the length of Waikiki, today the canal serves as the starting point to the bustling stretch of vacation rentals and restaurants along the beach. 

For future getaways, choose a vacation rental close to Waikiki Beach, and contact Marina Hawaii Vacations in Honolulu. The company has one-, two-, and three-bedroom condos to choose from, making it easy to find a spacious, comfortable temporary residence in the tropical paradise whenever you are ready. See the beach property rentals online and call (808) 946-0716 to ask questions. Waikiki Beach and the warm sun await you!