Latest news with #WaikikiBeach
Daily Mail
9 hours ago
- Climate
- Daily Mail
Shocking video shows swimmers and sunbathers IGNORING tsunami warning on Hawaii's Waikiki Beach
Video has emerged showing people brazenly ignoring the blaring tsunami sirens sounding on Hawaii 's Waikiki Beach. While some on the iconic beach in Oahu heeded the warning on Tuesday, others were completely unfazed and kept swimming or hanging out on the sand. An 8.8 magnitude earthquake off Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula triggered tsunami alerts across Hawaii, Alaska and the west coast of the mainland United States. Some beachgoers who chose to evacuate Waikiki and move deeper into Honolulu were shocked that swimmers chose to possibly put themselves and others at risk by sticking around. 'I went straight home,' Oahu resident Rami Abdallah told Hawaii News Now. 'I just feel like when there's a tsunami warning, people should be very serious about it. They shouldn't think it's a joke because it's life-threatening if it does happen.' Asher Kwon, another Oahu resident, said he's seen videos of tsunami and agreed that they were 'no joke.' 'Me personally, I wouldn't be on the beach. I felt kind of scared for those people, just in case something did happen,' Kwon added. Suzanne Lee-Wen, who was visiting the area, said anyone staying on the shore was 'daring.' 'You never know when the swells could've come in, and it was a little dangerous,' Lee-Wen said. Some residents also criticized those who appeared to be cheering from their high-rise balconies as the first waves were forecast to hit, as many social media videos showed. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued the first tsunami warning for Hawaii at about 2:45pm local time on Tuesday. Waves were expected to hit Kaua'i's north shore first at around 7:10pm and reach the other islands in the state by 7:17pm. The center then downgraded the initial alert at 10:38pm and assured residents that a major tsunami wasn't coming. Honolulu only ended up experiencing waves that were about one foot higher than normal sea levels, while Kahului, Maui, saw waves as high as 5.7 feet. Molly Pierce, the Honolulu Department of Emergency Management public information officer, explained that emergency alerts are timed as 'three hours before wave arrival, two hours before wave arrival, one hour before wave arrival, and then 30 minutes before expected wave arrival.' All tsunami advisories were canceled in Hawaii on Wednesday afternoon. 'Tsunami wave heights across the state of Hawaii are now below advisory levels and are continuing to diminish,' the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said. 'Small sea level changes and strong or unusual currents may persist for several additional hours in some coastal areas.'
Independent Singapore
06-06-2025
- Independent Singapore
Skip the crowds: The world's most disappointing beaches, and the hidden gems to visit instead
SINGAPORE: If you're looking forward to some vacay time and are dreaming of the sun, sand, and sea, welcome to The Independent Singapore's list of which beaches to avoid, and where to head instead to get some much-needed R and R. We get it. Who among us hasn't found themselves in the middle of yet another work meeting that could have been an email, daydreaming of the next time they can watch the sun go down over the ocean, cool drink in hand? But what you don't want is for your dream destination to turn into a nightmare when the beach you get to is dirty, noisy, overcrowded, and full of long queues. Fortunately, the software firm Cloudwards published an analysis of TripAdvisor reviews from 200 of the world's most popular beaches, helping us see past idealised travel brochures so we can sidestep those that fall short of the tropical paradise we dream of. Beaches to stay away from Waikiki Beach. Sorry to say this, but give Hawaii's most iconic beach a skip, at least for this year. On Cloudwards' complaint index, Waikiki Beach scored an unbelievable 100/100. The problem isn't the beach itself, of course. As with most things, it's the human element. Hawaii's tourism push has been a little too successful, as evidenced by 67.3 per cent of complaints involving overcrowding. Nearly 10 per cent complained of noise, and 15.9 per cent said it was dirty. Not-so-fun fact: beaches in the US took up four of the top 10 spots on Cloudwards' list, including Venice Beach (California), which came in second place with 89.7 points, and Clearwater Beach (Florida), which landed in fourth place with 65.5 points. Closer to home, Singaporeans may want to avoid Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, where overcrowding is also a big complaint. White Beach, in Boracay, Philippines, has quite a reputation for its amazing sunsets and party vibe, but people are finding it too crowded, noisy, and dirty. Similarly, PhraNang Cave Beach in Thailand is in the top 20, and again, the problem is that it gets so full of visitors that you can wave goodbye to the relaxing vacation you dreamt of. Where should we go instead? If the sun, sand, and sea are what your little heart longs for and you want to give the crowds, noise, and rubbish a miss (who wouldn't?), here's where you can go. Lang Tengah Island, Malaysia. This hidden gem of an island is often overshadowed by its more popular siblings, Redang and Perhentian Islands. Think secluded shores, powder-soft sand, pristine waters, and for snorkelers and divers out there, magnificent sea life. Nacpan Beach, Philippines. If you don't mind going rustic (think homestays instead of resorts), this beach in Palawan is gaining quite the rep for white sands and turquoise waters. Its remoteness is exactly what makes it so relaxing. Nyang Nyang Beach, Indonesia. Believe it or not, there's a part of Bali that's still unspoiled by tourists, in large part due to the steep climb down it takes to get there (and the climb up isn't for the faint of heart, either). Solitude seekers will get their fill, and adventure lovers will enjoy the abandoned shipwreck on its shores. We call it a win-win. /TISG Read also: New study says Singapore is the safest country in Asia for travellers, while the Philippines is the least safe
News.com.au
02-06-2025
- 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.
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Travel + Leisure
29-05-2025
- 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.
