We've all seen glimpses of iconic the Waikiki Beach and it's breaking waves in many episodes of the popular TV show Hawaii Five-0 and it's just as good as (or even better than) you'd imagine. The playground of Hawaiian royalty in the 18th century,Waikiki is the focal point of the country's tourism industry, it's most famed attraction and a beacon for any firts time visitor. A gorgeous, crescent-shaped one at that,and nearly a kilometer stretch of white sand with breaking surf just right for surf or body boarding beginners, the beach is accessible from all points along Kalakaua Avenue,which sort of reminds you of Manila's old Roxas Boulevard, spectacular sunset scene and all. Highrise hotels line the boulevard and provide breathtaking views of the bay,the dazzling white sand and blue sky punctuated by white clouds and the turquoise sea dotted with colorful sailboats and other passing watercraft. The beaches can be quite crowded in some places but, then again, you have nearly three kilometers to explore and find a space you can call your own

There are lots of things to do for the entire family. Bathe in the sun: take a dip in the warm Pacific waters, people watch,or simply take in nature's magnificent all-day show with a refreshing cocktail in your hand. You can also learn to surf ( there are one hour beginner lessons offered practically everywhere), sail on a catamaran, paddle your own banca- looking outrigger canoe, join in with ( or just watch ) a game of beach volleyball,or just explore the beach from end to end with a friend or loved one, either on the sand or along the footpath by the Avenue lined with idyllic palms and banyan trees.You can even hop on board one of the popular Waikiki trams that ply the avenue for a leisurely motorized tour.

Diamond Head

If Rio has Sugar Loaf Mountain and Cape Town has Table Mountain, Honolulu has Diamond Head Crater as it's defining geologic feature. The 250 meter extinct volcano top is a natural national monument that defines the city's unique skyline,a stark contrast to the steel and glass structures in the city center. An observation deck up on the crater's fronting the Pacific Ocean provides a stunning postcard view of the city below, like a dense clump of headless mushrooms squeezed in between the deep blue sea and the green foothills farther inland, framed by the vazt,asure sky and white clouds in the background. A short but steep and highly rewarding hike up the crater run provides even better panomaric vistas.

Ala Moana

Even if you're not a shopaholic,you wouldn't want to miss visiting the largest open air shopping center in the world, would you? Just west of Waikiki is the Ala Moana Center, which,with approximately 186,000 square meters or retail floor,is the biggest shopping mall on the islands and the 15th largest in the entire United States. You'll have to reserve a whole day to see everything ( without lingering anywhere), because it's just one part of a whole shopping and commercial district.

There are over 300 additional shops and restaurants on the mall's four levels,plus a food court in the Makai Market wing of this huge,sprawling complex. Even if you're not buying anything, taking a leisurely stroll along the main promenade - just people watching and window shopping - can easily take up a whole afternoon. At the center of the mall is the Ala Moana Centerstage, a popular public amphitheater where you can sit and watch a fire dance or hula show, or if you're lucky,a taping of one of the local TV talents shows. And ladies,if you really want to get some shopping done, you can always drop off the cranky hubby and the kids at the adjacent Ala Moana Beach Park, which has lots of green picnic spots and a beach with relatively calm waters safe for kids.

Pearl Harbor