Latest news with #WaikikiBeach
News.com.au
4 days ago
- General
- News.com.au
Two famous Aussie beaches on disappointing list
When tourists think of Aussie beaches often the two that spring to mind are Bondi and Manly – and while they are both known for their scenic and vibrant atmosphere, they've also found themselves on a not so popular list. Australia is renowned for having some of the best beaches in the world given its vast coastline, natural beauty and cultural significance. But according to recent research conducted by Cloudwards, Bondi Beach and Manly Beach formed part of the top 20 most complained about beaches worldwide. It 'meticulously' examined TripAdvisor reviews for 200 of the world's most popular beaches to determine 'which sandy shores are leaving visitors feeling salty'. It then ranked the beaches from 1 – being the most complained about, to 100, the least complained about. The study focused on four main areas of criticism – cleanliness, overcrowding, long queues and noise disruption. Coming in first was Waikiki Beach in Hawaii, followed by Venice Beach in LA and Playa Manueel Antonio in Costa Rica. They had a complaint score of 100, 89.7 and 73.5, respectively. Bondi Beach ranked ninth while Manly Beach secured the 20th spot. According to the study, Bondi has a complaint score of 57.1, a 'dirty' rating of 13 per cent, 'overcrowded' percentage of 75.9 and 'noise disruption' of 3.4 per cent. Manly's complaint score is 47.4, has a 'dirty' score of 10.2 per cent, is 76.5 per cent 'overcrowded' and a 'noise disruption' of 4.1 per cent. According to the study, the more negative reviews, the higher the overall complaint score. Bondi and Manly were the only two Aussie beaches to feature on the list, while four American beaches featured in the top 10 and 39 were in the top 100. Meanwhile, earlier this year Tourism Australia released its best Aussie beaches list for 2025, The Bay of Fires beaches beat over 12,000 entrants including Bondi and Manly beaches. 'This year's list showcases to the world what Aussies already know – that Bondi and Brighton are great, but it's worth the journey to see some truly unique beaches in regional Australia,' Trade and Tourism Minister Don Farrell said. 'There will be many families, just like mine, that love looking through the 'Best Australian Beaches' list every year to pick which ones they want to visit next. 'At times, the selections create plenty of debate, which I welcome, and I look forward to the feedback on this year's top 10,' he added.
%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2FTAL-header-exterior-sheraton-waikiki-honolulu-hi-SHERATNWAIKIKI0225-0f2c411209db4d02803ab2d8ccdf60fb.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
Travel + Leisure
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Travel + Leisure
I Lived in Hawaii for 10 Years and This Hotel—With the Longest Oceanfront Infinity Pool in the U.S.—Is the One I Always Come Back To
The resort is located on Waikiki Beach and within walking distance to popular dining and shopping destinations, including Royal Hawaiian Center and International Market Place. The Sheraton's adults-only Edge Infinity Pool is the longest oceanfront infinity pool in the United States. First-time surfers or stand-up paddlers can take lessons on the same waves legendary surfer Duke Kahanamoku used to ride. Travelers to Oahu have no shortage of hotels to choose from, from budget-friendly hideaways off the beach to an oceanfront mega resort. I've stayed at 15 resorts on Oahu—both in Honolulu and beyond the city—and I always come back to Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort for one simple reason: It has everything you need for a perfect stay. While staying in the center of bustling Waikiki may sound unappealing to some, I love being close to a long list of activities and restaurants—not to mention staying directly on an iconic beach—but also being able to tuck away into a secluded poolside cabana or float in the adults-only infinity pool. The first time I checked in and went up to my room, I remember opening the door to the balcony, stepping out, and thinking, 'This looks exactly like a postcard.' Waking up to the sound of the Pacific gently lapping the shoreline while drinking Kona coffee on my balcony was my definition of bliss. And the panoramic views of Waikiki Beach—where sunbathers and umbrellas dot the sand like colorful pieces of confetti—and iconic Diamond Head crater from nearly every vantage point of the property, are second to none. Located in the heart of Waikiki, the sprawling resort's location, steps from the beach and a short walk to award-winning restaurants, is a top seller for most travelers, myself included. Whether I wanted to browse the shops at Royal Hawaiian Center, grab shave ice or a coffee from Island Vintage, or take a sunset stroll up to Duke's for Hula Pie, I was within walking distance of it all, making the property a great home base for island exploration. The turtle statue inside the resort. Courtesy of Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort In 2020, the resort unveiled a $200-million years-long renovation that upgraded all 1,636 rooms and suites, as well as the property's retail spaces and public areas, but because of strict COVID-19 protocols, guests weren't able to fully enjoy it until mid-2022. While I loved the Sheraton before, the relatively new look is fresh and modern, with wood tones and soft hues. Here's my review of Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort, which turns 54 this year With 12 accommodation categories across nearly 1,700 rooms and suites, there's truly something for everyone here. I typically book the High Oceanfront Room (floors 10 through 19) because it offers the best value for my husband and me. All rooms have mini fridges, coffee makers, and lots of thoughtfully placed outlets for charging your phone, as well as Sheraton Sleep Experience beds. The bathrooms are on the small side, but come with everything you need (a hairdryer, shampoo and conditioner, and a toothbrush and toothpaste) plus a bidet on the toilet. Robes and slippers are available upon request for standard rooms. If I wanted to splurge, I'd book the Kai Ocean Suite, which has not one, but two ocean-facing balconies for taking in the views of Diamond Head and daily sunrises and sunsets. There's also a full living room for more space to spread out. Most room tiers have accessible options, which can be requested at booking. 'We have a variety of accessible rooms, as well as the two-bedroom Ohana Suite, making the resort family-friendly and ideal for multigenerational travel,' says Tom Calame, area general manager and managing director for Marriott International, tells Travel + Leisure . 'Families of all ages are spending meaningful time together, from young children to teens and grandparents.' The Kai Market is where guests can go for relaxed dining atmosphere. Courtesy of Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort The food options at the Sheraton are solid, starting with the continental breakfast at Kai Market, which includes plenty of fresh, tropical fruit, local favorites like Portuguese sausage, and a made-to-order omelet (get the crispy potatoes as a side)—my personal favorite menu item. RumFire, the property's open-air beach bar, is another must-visit. Don't miss the mai tai flight featuring locally made Kuleana Rum or one of the many zero-proof options, like Graveyards—a blend of calamansi juice, pineapple juice, and soda water. Edge of Waikiki, the hotel's pool bar, is my favorite spot for on-site dining. I love the Buddha Bowl, filled with greens, quinoa, beets, ube, and avocado, as well as the fresh poke offerings like the ahi poke flatbread topped with spicy aioli. The signature cocktails are all named after renowned Waikiki surf spots. 'We're excited to create culinary experiences that prioritize wellness, freshness, and local flavors, ensuring our guests feel rejuvenated,' Calame tells T+L. Aerial view of beachgoers enjoying a day at Waikiki Beach. Kaitlin Sawyer/Travel + Leisure In addition to beachfront access with chairs and umbrellas available for rent (not included in the $52 daily resort fee), the Sheraton Waikiki is home to three pools: the Edge Infinity Pool and Helumoa Playground family pool, the latter of which has two pools in one area. The swirly slide going into the Helumoa Pool. Courtesy of Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort The Edge Infinity Pool, the longest oceanfront infinity pool in the U.S., spans 130 feet and is open to guests ages 16 and up. Situated just a few feet above sea level, the pool also has unobstructed views of Waikiki and the Pacific. At Helumoa Playground, you can enjoy not one, but two, freshwater pools, a 70-foot-long waterslide, and two whirlpool spas. There's also a splash pad area for kids with plenty of chaise lounges for the whole family. While guests can reserve poolside cabanas at both locations (for a fee), I'm partial to those at the infinity pool because they offer the best views. They're worth the fee, especially if you're traveling with a group, as getting chaise lounges together can sometimes be difficult. Guest's can spend time on the Maitai Catamaran. Courtesy of Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort Guests can also book a surf or stand-up paddleboard lesson, as well as outrigger canoeing, through Waikiki Beach Services, which has been operating since 1955. So, what does that daily resort fee include? The Sheraton Waikiki offers hula classes several days a week, ribbon lei and kukui nut making, ukulele lessons, and lauhala weaving. Additionally, guests are granted two daily passes for meditation, water Zumba, and morning yoga, plus complimentary use of a GoPro Hero5, a 24-hour gym, and high-speed internet access. 'Sheraton Waikiki guests are also invited to sign up for The Royal Hawaiian hotel historical tour at our sibling hotel next door, The Royal Hawaiian,' says Calame. There isn't a spa at the Sheraton Waikiki, but both of the neighboring Marriott properties—The Royal Hawaiian and Moana Surfrider—have spas that are open to Sheraton guests. While I'm admittedly not a huge fan of massages, the Lomi Ho'okipa, a Hawaiian-inspired massage style that uses long, kneading strokes, at the oceanfront Moana Lani Spa at Moana Surfrider, is a must after a long flight, even for non-enthusiasts like myself. You can relax in a rocking chair and feed the fish at the Koi Pond. Courtesy of Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort Despite the Disney property about an hour away, the Sheraton Waikiki is a solid contender for one of the most family-friendly resorts on Oahu thanks to its rooms designed for families of all sizes, on-site offerings, and proximity to local activities. While the Helumoa Playground pool area is a major highlight, with plenty of space for parents to relax, other family-forward activities include daily cultural experiences, koi fish feeding (every day at 11 a.m.), and free access to shuffleboard, foosball, and pool tables. Parents wanting a break can also take advantage of Poppins child care for kids ages 3 months to 12 years, and self-service laundry facilities on floors 5 and 18 ensure any mishaps can be handled ASAP. The resort is also located near kid favorites like the Honolulu Zoo and Waikiki Aquarium. While both are technically walkable, little ones might need a lift to make it all the way to the aquarium, just over a mile away. The Sheraton Waikiki has accessibility features in all room types, including (but not limited to) roll-in showers, grab bars, and bath stools. The resort also has ramps and hearing accessible functions like visual fire alarms with strobe lighting. Like many resorts in Hawaii, sustainability is at the forefront to protect the Hawaiian islands' most valuable and precious resources: water and land. The Sheraton Waikiki is LEED Gold certified, which means it meets high environmental and sustainability standards, including energy efficiency, water conservation, and eco-friendly construction practices, as recognized by the U.S. Green Building Council. Beyond that, the Sheraton Waikiki was the first hotel in Hawaii to offer electric vehicle charging stations and is committed to coastal preservation efforts, including partnerships with local organizations to protect marine life and maintain clean beaches. The Sheraton Waikiki is in the heart of Waikiki, meaning you're just steps from world-class shopping, dining, and nightlife, and a short ride from Honolulu International Airport. The prime location offers excellent views of Diamond Head and direct beach access, which is great for easy morning swims and sunset strolls. It's also a short walk to top Waikiki attractions such as Royal Hawaiian Center, International Market Place, Kuhio Beach, and the Duke Paoa Kahanamoku Statue. Plus, the hotel's central position lends itself to easy tour pickups to explore other parts of Oahu, including Pearl Harbor and the North Shore. Sheraton Waikiki is a Marriott Bonvoy property, so you can cash in points for a stay—between 56,000 and 102,000 per night, depending on room choice and time of year. Every T+L hotel review is written by an editor or reporter who has stayed at the property, and each hotel selected aligns with our core values.
The Sun
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
I went to the exotic holiday islands that feature in Disney's new movie – with dinosaur tours and turtle beaches
'ISN'T this where the dinosaurs come and eat us?' I joke. We're ten minutes into our hiking tour of O'ahu — one of the eight main islands in the US state of Hawaii — when our buggy tyre goes flat. 7 7 7 Thankfully, despite Jurassic Park being filmed here, no dinosaurs ever roamed in Hawaii. After all, the islands were created a mere five million years ago, and the dinosaurs became extinct 60 million years before that. That doesn't stop me heading straight to Kualoa Ranch after our hike, for an e-bike tour of the exact spot where the famous movies were shot. Or so I thought. My guide crushes my excitement by declaring that just 96 seconds of Hawaii actually featured in the first film. Remember when Alan, Lex and Tim are hiding behind the tree trunk from the Gallimimus? Yeah, those 96 seconds. But my dismay ends quickly — the landscape is breathtaking. The ride takes me around the overwhelmingly beautiful hills, so green they didn't look real against the cloudless blue sky. I'd never been so glad to have the support of an electric bike. One particularly treacherous incline left me drenched in sweat, even with the additional pedal power. But as stunning as Hawaii is on land, it's the ocean (or in Hawaiian, moana — yes, really) where it truly comes to life. Turtles basking When temperatures soared past 30C, I headed to the famous Waikiki Beach to cool off in the waters. Four things to do on the Hawaiian island of O'ahu Known as the birthplace of modern surfing, it's also where shows such as Hawaii Five-O and Magnum P.I. were filmed. It has recently been the location of another major blockbuster, Disney's new live version of Lilo & Stitch. Dubbed the surfing capital of the world, the North Shore felt like I'd stepped back in time, with its laid-back community. The pristine stretch of sand was taken up by eager sunseekers as well as brightly patterned surfboards dotted around the beach. On the other end of the island is the quaint town of Haleiwa, which also features in the Disney movie. Dubbed the surfing capital of the world, the North Shore felt like I'd stepped back in time, with its laid-back community. I spent hours exploring the multicoloured wooden shops with barely any crowds, filling my bag with local art prints and jewellery. A must-visit is Matsumoto's, one of the region's oldest shaved ice stores (I recommend the guava and pickled mango combination). But a trip to the state of Hawaii shouldn't just stop at one island. Nearby Hawai'i — another island in this collection — offers a different kind of beach, the famous black-sand Punalu'u. 7 7 It is also one of the few places in the world where you can see turtles basking in the sun on the shore. Most only head to land to lay eggs, whereas the chill Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles are there to laze. Y ou have to stay a certain distance from them, but the nonplussed one we spotted gave us a relaxed 'wave' of the fin. Apparently that wasn't close enough for the cheeky creatures, however, as I found myself surrounded during a quick dip. Despite my attempts to move away, it was almost like they didn't know I was there, nudging me in the stomach while blissfully gliding beneath me. I thought this would be the highlight of my bucket-list trip. Boy was I wrong. Just behind the Outrigger Kona Resort were more majestic sea critters ready to greet us, and these ones are best seen at night. I geared up with a life jacket and oar, eagerly paddling out in the dark with my jocular guide. The magic happens when we turn on the lights, attracting plankton. It takes a few minutes before a manta ray comes right up to us for a midnight snack. Having slid into the water — again trying not to touch them — gripping the boat wearing snorkels we watch as they gracefully catapult below. In the following days, I walk the length of an active volcano, which has started to erupt for the first time in months. One manta ray turns into two, then five, before we realise there are at least ten below us. My laughs become slightly terrified screams as they graze me, mere centimetres away. Even my guide is impressed, saying the average number to see is barely three per night. Thrills are at every corner of these stunning islands. In the following days, I walk the length of an active volcano, which has started to erupt for the first time in months. Then I drive up 13,000ft to some of the world's largest observatories, spotting Saturn from the top of Mauna Kea. No wonder I have such an appetite every evening. 'Food is the love language of Hawaii,' a local server said. I could see that — the American-sized portions kept me well fed, with towering piles of rice and kalua pork. One of my favourite side dishes were their bright purple taro rolls. 7 7 And with fantastic coffee and chocolate (both grown on the island) it was enough to keep me going. Needing a more relaxed afternoon, I spent one of my final days exploring another retro town, with Hilo's Art Deco streets looking more like Miami. One of the more popular shops is owned by shirt designer Sig Zane, who explained how the scenery is often the inspiration for his patterns. 'We're living in heaven,' he said. Leaving the shop to see the bright- blue sea right in front of me, I was inclined to agree.
Forbes
28-03-2025
- Forbes
The Top 10 Beaches In The U.S.—According To A 2025 Tripadvisor Report
Waikiki Beach with Diamond Head in the background. Five of the 10 best beaches on Tripadvisor's top 10 beaches in the U.S. are located in Hawaii. Looking for a passport-free beach vacation? Beach-goers can find some sunny inspiration in Tripadvisor's annual ranking of the best beaches in the U.S., which, in 2025, slots a popular Florida stretch of sand in the No. 1 spot and heavily favors destinations in Hawaii, with five of the top 10 beaches located in the Aloha State. To compile its ranking of the best beaches in the U.S., Tripadvisor conducted an analysis of travelers' reviews who have visited the beaches. (Here's where you can see Tripadvisor travelers' rankings of the top 10 best beaches in the world, headlined by Elafonissi Beach in Crete, Greece). Here's the top 10 best beaches in the U.S., according to the Tripadvisor rankings. Siesta Beach ranks No. 1 in the U.S., according to a best beaches list from Tripadvisor. Not only is Siesta Beach the top in the U.S., but it also landed on Tripadvisors best beaches in the world list. Siesta Beach's powdery white-quartz sand and clear shallow waters make it a family favorite vacation spot, according to Tripadvisor. Other perks include lifeguards on duty, a cute beach town with oyster bars and cafes and kayaking tours where tourists can spot local wildlife like dolphins and manatees. Siesta Key is also known for its year-round Sunday night drum circle that syncs up with sunset. Poipu beach park in Kauai, Hawaii. The aerial view of Poipu Beach Park is especially beautiful because the park is made up of a series of golden sand crescents. Located on the southern side of Kauai, beachgoers at Poipu enjoy snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters, as well as boogie boarding, surfing and wading in the ocean. The crescent coves create a natural wading pool in the Pacific Ocean. The beach, one of the most popular in Kauai, is great for spotting humpback whales in the distance from from December to April. Poipu is one of the most popular beaches on Kauai, so visiting in the shoulder seasons from April to June or September to November, means fewer crowds. The Ka'anapali Beach on the west shore of the island of Maui in Hawaii. On Maui, the natural beauty of Maui's Ka'anapali Beach, which stretches for three miles, will certainly wow you. But for its next trick, there's a daily cliff diving ceremony that happens on Puu Kekaa, the beach's northernmost cliffs. At sunset, a cliff diver lights the torches along the cliffs and then dives into the water. It's a reenactment of a feat that was performed by Maui's revered King Kahekili. The beach, in its past life, was a retreat for Hawaiian royalty. La Jolla Cove La Jolla's stretch of rocky coastline is nicknamed the 'jewel of San Diego.' La Jolla Cove, in particular, is a deep bay that's surrounded by sea caves that make for great kayaking excursions. The calm waters invite snorkelers to duck underwater to spot traffic cone orange Garibaldi fish and sea stars. Stairs lead to the swimming area, and above the cove is a large grassy area perfect with picnic tables and public gazebos. Waikiki Beach in Honolulu. Located on the south shore of Honolulu, Waikiki Beach was once a playground for Hawaiian royalty. Today, it's a hotspot for surfers (and those wanting to learn the sport). You can rent surfboards and paddleboards right on the beach. Several high-rise hotels line the beach and high-end shops are just a couple of blocks away. After a day on the beach, pineapple soft-serve ice cream is a must. Clearwater Beach Pier at sunset. TripAdvisor reviewers are impressed by how well Clearwater embodies its name, as well as the soft white sand and family-friendly nature of the beach. At Pier 60, sunsets are celebrated every evening with a festival that brings out vendors and street performers. Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island in Georgia. Driftwood and fallen trees scattered across the beach make for a dramatic landscape, which is hauntingly beautiful. Soil erosion over time made it difficult for the tree to grow, which gave way to the unique landscape on this barrier island. Driftwood Beach is pet-friendly and has become an especially popular spot for photographers. Hawaiian green turtles relaxing at Punalu'u Black Sand Beach on the Big Island of Hawaii. Located on the Big Island, Punalu'u Black Sand Beach is a popular itinerary addition for those visiting Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. The beach is known for its stark black sand, which is due to the nearby volcanic activity, and it also is home to honu (Hawaii's green sea turtles). Tripadvisor recommends visiting in spring or fall when the weather is mild but the beach is less crowded. Bahia Honda State Park Bahia Honda State Park in the Florida Keys is a nature lover's paradise. This is a beach that's less about relaxing on the sand and more about filling your day's itinerary with adventure. Snorkel in the shallow waters just a few hundred feet from shore and you might spot Coral, tropical fish and spiny lobster. Or, come with binoculars to birdwatch. Beachgoers might also spot Atlantic bottle-nosed dolphins and sea turtles. The park actually has three beaches: Loggerhead Beach, which faces the Atlantic Ocean and has shallow waters; Sandspur Beach, which also faces the Atlantic and has parking along the beach; and Calusa Beach, which fronts the Florida Bay. Ho'okipa lookout and Ho'okipa Beach. Located on Maui's North Shore, Ho'okipa Beach Park is a known spot for windsurfers and even plays host to competitions. The white sand Beach is also a hot spot for surfers and a popular spot for those driving the Road to Hana that's located at mile 9. Visitors might even see green sea turtles resting at the beach.
