Located along Oahu’s southern shore is perhaps one of the most famous beach vacation destinations in the world: Waikiki. The beachfront neighborhood is full of luxury hotels and resorts, high-end shopping destinations, a plethora of fancy restaurants and more than one beach. The coastline that stretches from Diamond Head to Magic Island is home to nine distinct beaches, each of which is prettier than the last. Today, however, we’re not talking about a traditional beach but a man-made lagoon sure to impress.
Nestled on the grounds of the Hilton Hawaiian Village — but still open to the public, of course — is the Duke Paoa Kahanamoku Lagoon, a shallow, man-made wading pool that’s perfect for keiki and anyone who loves calm waters.
Heather R/TripAdvisor
Developed in the 1950s alongside Henry J. Kaiser’s Hawaiian Village development project and named after our favorite famous surfer and Olympic swimming champion, Duke Kahanamoku, this picturesque lagoon features fine white sand and some of the clearest, turquoise waters on the island — but that wasn’t always the case.
Bernard Spragg. NZ/Flickr
The lagoon became stagnant, murky, and undesirable for swimming as it aged, and in 2006, the lagoon underwent renovations for approximately $15 million. The introduction of a new water circulation system, as well as a smaller size and more shallow waters, the pond became one of the area’s most desirable swimming spots.
Travis.Thurston/Wikipedia
With a small island, boardwalk, and swaying palm trees, this giant saltwater swimming pool might just be one of the most picturesque spots along the Hawaiian coast.
Travis.Thurston/Wikipedia
Though surrounded by sand on all sides, the water here is circulated regularly and kept clean. One look at this crystalline water and you’ll be a fan for life.
Bernard Spragg. NZ/Flickr
Beyond the sand, you will find nice grassy areas with shade perfect for a post-swim picnic. Oh, and did we mention that you’ll also have phenomenal views of Diamond Head and the Pacific Ocean?
Travis.Thurston/Wikipedia
As with all Waikiki area beaches, the sunset views are also truly second to none. We seriously can’t get over the cotton candy skies and palm trees reflecting in the calm waters of this man-made lagoon.
Rosa Say/Flickr
If you haven’t checked out the Duke Paoa Kahanamoku Lagoon, you’re missing out.
beautifulcataya/Flickr
Have you been to the stunning
Heather R/TripAdvisor
Bernard Spragg. NZ/Flickr
Travis.Thurston/Wikipedia
Rosa Say/Flickr
beautifulcataya/Flickr
Duke Paoa Kahanamoku Lagoon lately? Do you agree that it deserves a spot on our Hawaiian Islands beach bucket list? Sound off in the comments below.
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