Pay homage to 'the father of modern surfing' on Kuhio Beach, where a bronze statue of Duke Kahanamoku honors the Olympic swimmer and native Hawaiian son. Spend some time learning about local sea life at the Waikiki Aquarium, home to green sea turtles, Hawaiian monk seals, and a giant clam display. Tear yourself away from the sun and surf to visit the Honolulu Zoo, which houses about 1,000 different animals. Waikiki is a beach and water lover's paradise, and Waikiki hotel deals sometimes include lessons for surfing and other water sports. Flights to Honolulu get you as close to Waikiki as possible, and then it's only a 9-mile drive from the airport to Waikiki Beach. Even cheap hotels in Waikiki are near the beach, which makes it a popular vacation spot. Once a home for Hawaiian royalty, Waikiki is renowned for its beaches and is the location of many of Honolulu's hotels and resorts. Waikiki is located on the southern shore of Honolulu, the capital of Hawaii.
