Waikiki 208 FORT DERUSSY Outside of the Hale Koa Hotel’s resort, Fort DeRussy offers a full day of fun, with 72 acres of beachfront property – including Waikiki’s largest and widest beach. Park in the lot across from the Hale Koa Hotel or the smaller lot near Saratoga Road (special pricing with I.D. for military and DOD). Then, enjoy a day at the beach, the park or enjoying the museum on site. Open to the public, the state beach in front of Fort DeRussy is known as one of the nicest. Rent a beach chair, a stand-up paddle board, surfboard, kayak, snorkeling set, boogieboard and more from the Dive Oahu (diveoahu.com). Looking for refreshments? Look no further than Koa Oasis (halekoa.com/dining-drinks/koa-oasis). Want to partake in beachside athletics? Two beach volleyball courts, pickle ball and racquetball courts are located on Fort DeRussy; reservations are not required and military and DOD patrons receive preferred use privileges. The U.S. Army Museum of Hawai‘i (hiarmymuseumsoc.org) is also located on the Fort DeRussy installation. Free admission (donations appreciated) leads to extraordinary exhibits bringing army history to life. Fort DeRussy also houses the Fort DeRussy Army Chapel, with a welcoming Protestant service on Sunday, and the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies, a U.S. Department of Defense institute that supports the U.S. Pacific Command. DIAMOND HEAD AND KAPIOLANI PARK On the opposite side of Waikiki from Fort DeRussy, lies the iconic Diamond Head crater (dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/oahu/diamond-head-state-monument), known as Lēʻahi in Hawaiian. For one of the best views of Oahu and beyond, hike to the tip of the crater. Park in the Diamond Head State Monument (no charge for those with a Hawaii ID), and get ready for a family friendly hike. Bring water for the heat, a hat for the sun and comfortable shoes for the paved path with stairs. Online reservations are required for non-Hawaii residents. After a hike up Diamond Head, venture down for some more activities in Kapiolani Park. Parking can be found on both side of the park – some metered and some not. This large park holds festivals and fairs almost weekly. There are tennis courts, workout equipment, many open fields, and an abundance of restroom facilities. Walk across the street to take a dip in the pristine Waikiki waters. Bordering Kapiolani Park are two great places for animal lovers, including children. The Honolulu Zoo (honoluluzoo.org) has elephants, tigers, lions and more! Enjoy an afternoon or morning at this well-maintained zoo with a variety of animals, both large and small. On the oceanfront, the Waikiki Aquarium (waikikiaquarium.org) has a variety of marine life – from coral to jellyfish to Hawaiian monk seals. They also have a unique gift shop and event space. One of many bronze markers on the Waikiki Historic Trail. Credit: HTA/Tor Johnson 2 3
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