Waikiki, famous for its beach breaks and home of legendary surfer and Olympic swimmer Duke Kahanamoku, attracts visitors from around the World. Did you know in early Hawaii, Waikiki was a much larger area than the 1.5 square miles it encompasses today? Old Waikiki, much of it swampland, included the neighboring valleys of Manoa and Palolo. Translated, Waikiki means “spouting water,” a reference to the rivers and springs that richly flowed into that area.
Waikiki History
It’s said that in the 1400s, Chief Kalamakua designed an irrigation system to take advantage of Waikiki’s abundant resources. Fishponds were built, and taro patches were planted. In the 1450s, Waikiki was established as the governmental center of Oahu. In the mid to late 1800s, Waikiki served as a vacation retreat for the kingdom’s royalty. Kamehameha IV, Kamehameha V, Lunalilo, Kalakaua, Liliuokalani, and Princess Kaiulani were among the dignitaries who maintained residences in the area, enjoying moonlight horseback rides, thrilling canoe races and carefree romps in the ocean. Foreign visitors began to visit Waikiki in the 1830s. In 1901 Waikiki began a climb to global recognition as a tourist destination with the building of its first historic architectural treasure The Moana Hotel, still in operation today. Tourism thrived during the late 1940s and 1950s with airlines providing regular arrivals and departures. Celebrities such as Elvis Presley visited performing concerts and filming movies. We all remember Hawaii 5-O!
Today Waikiki is a potpourri of world-class and well-known hotels, condos, rentals, and timeshares. There’s beautiful Kapiolani Park, Waikiki Aquarium, the Honolulu Zoo, newly renovated International Marketplace, many, many restaurants and eateries, shopping, boutiques, bistros and nightclubs, all offering a colorful variety of taste and talent. Everything is within walking distance! Go for a surf or swim in the sparkling blue ocean, stroll to your favorite seaside bar or jazz club, visit the giraffes at the zoo or hike famous Diamond Head Crater.
Thinking of Living in Waikiki?
Maybe a second home in Hawaii without the maintenance of a Single Family? Why not consider 1717 Ala Wai Boulevard, a high rise condo in one of the quieter areas of Waikiki. 1717 Ala Wai is a 31 story condo building on the Ala Wai Canal just across from the Convention Center. The 283 units here are 2 and 3 bedrooms with spacious floor plans and parking. Views of the Ala Wai Canal and the outrigger teams paddling up and down the canal are beautiful, one of Hawaii’s long ago traditions that still live on. Having gone through recent major upgrades, including spalling repairs and re-piping the main drain line, owners can now enjoy the beautiful renovated Pool, Recreation, and BBQ areas. Located within walking to everything Waikiki has to offer and just a short drive to Honolulu’s business district, the location is perfect for work or play.
Check out my listing at 1717 Ala Wai Blvd., the only available 2 bedroom currently for sale here, located on the 4th floor. Schedule a private showing or I’m happy to do a virtual walk through or Face Time with you. Just imagine, you can become a proud homeowner in Famous Waikiki! ~ Aloha
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