Waikiki Beach

Waikiki Beach is the most famous beach in Hawaii, and while it is undeniably touristy, it remains a genuinely excellent family beach destination -- if you know which section to go to. The 2-mile stretch of sand is not uniform; different sections offer dramatically different experiences for families, and knowing the layout makes or breaks your visit.

The best section for families with young children is Kuhio Beach, located at the Diamond Head end of Waikiki near the intersection of Kalakaua Avenue and Kapahulu Avenue. Here, a series of concrete groins and a seawall create a protected lagoon where waves are minimal and water depth rarely exceeds waist height at low tide. The sandy bottom is clean, the water is warm year-round (75-82F), and lifeguards are stationed nearby.

This is the section where local families bring their own kids, and you'll see toddlers happily splashing while parents relax. The main tourist section near the Royal Hawaiian and Moana Surfrider hotels is more crowded and has larger waves -- fine for older kids but stressful with little ones.

For older kids and teens, Waikiki is the birthplace of modern surfing and one of the best places in the world to learn. Multiple surf schools operate along the beach offering 90-minute group lessons for around $80 per person (kids as young as 5 can participate). The gentle, rolling waves at Canoes and Queens surf breaks are ideal for beginners -- instructors push kids into waves and most stand up within the first 30 minutes.

Boogie boarding is equally popular and cheaper -- rent a board for $10/day from the stands near the Kapahulu Groin.

Logistically, Waikiki is one of the most convenient beaches in Hawaii for families. Restrooms and outdoor showers are available at multiple points along the beach. Dozens of restaurants, convenience stores, and shave ice stands line Kalakaua Avenue just steps from the sand.

The Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Aquarium are both within walking distance, making it easy to combine a beach morning with an afternoon activity. Parking is the biggest challenge -- the Honolulu Zoo lot on Kapahulu Avenue ($1. 50/hour, max $7.

50/day) is the best deal and just a 3-minute walk. Hotel valet parking runs $40-60/day.

The beach has a few free evening attractions that families should not miss. The Kuhio Beach Torch Lighting and Hula Show happens every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 6:30pm -- a performer lights tiki torches along the beach and then local hula dancers perform a free 30-minute show. On Friday nights, the Hilton Hawaiian Village puts on a fireworks show at 7:45pm visible from anywhere on the beach.

Both are special, free experiences unique to Waikiki.

Sun protection is critical. Hawaii's UV index is consistently extreme, especially between 10am and 2pm. Reef-safe sunscreen is required by state law (no oxybenzone or octinoxate), so buy compliant brands before arriving or at Long's Drugs on Kapahulu Avenue. Rash guards are even better than sunscreen for kids who will be in and out of the water all day.