Waikiki Beach Walk: Restaurant, Retail, Hotel and Entertainment Complex

Central plaza of Waikiki Beach Walk.

Second level walkway.
(above photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

Over seven years ago this corner of Waikiki was a collection of dated and crowded streets and cramped hotels built in the 1950s and 1960s. After a $535 million redevelopment, this eight-acre area bordered by Kalakaua Avenue, Lewers Street, Kalia Road, Beach Walk and Saratoga Road has emerged as a vibrant gathering place called Waikiki Beach Walk.

The name is almost a misnomer since the heart of Waikiki Beach Walk straddles two sides of Lewers Street and not Beach Walk the street. The pedestrian-friendly project is comprised of restaurants, shopping, a central plaza, wide sidewalks, tropical plants a water fountain and buildings renovated into upscale hotels. One block was completely demolished to make way for a new 350-foot tower.

Yesterday I finished an excellent staycation at the Embassy Suites Waikiki Beach. The hotel's Aloha and Hula Towers rises above the complex's central plaza. Occupying the east side of Waikiki Beach Walk is Wyndham Vacation Ownership. Also within the project limits are newly built Trump International Hotel Waikiki and the renovated Outrigger Reef on the Beach, the hotel brand's flagship property. Adjacent to the Waikiki Beach Walk hotels is luxury property the Halekulani Hotel and its sister hotel the Waikiki Parc and the Outrigger Waikiki Shore condo/vacation rental.

Among the 47 tenants on two levels are some popular restaurants: Yard House known for its extensive collection of beers, Roy's Waikiki featuring Chef Roy Yamaguchi's Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine, and Ruth's Chris Steak House. Need something fast and cheap, head over to Subway, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf or ABC Stores. Specialty retailers offers a collection of gift and clothing stores.

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Chairs and tables for Cheeseburger Beachwalk on the complex's
second level.

View from the second level of the central plaza.
(above photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

Key to the design of the central plaza is providing a space for entertainment and play. Waikiki Beach Walk features a regular Sunday showcase of free music performances as well as yoga classes on Wednesdays.

It appeared that Waikiki Beach Walk was the new hangout for local residents and visitors alike. But after the downturn in the economy, the complex like hotels and other shopping centers in Waikiki struggled to keep its tenants busy. Over its first five years in operation Waikiki Beach Walk has seen a turnover of its retail and restaurant spaces mainly on its second level. It's saving grace is being the prime restaurant and shopping option for the complex's on-site hotels.

Still Waikiki Beach Walk is a beautiful addition to Hawaii's most popular visitor destination. It's an inviting complex that complements the neighboring hotels and is almost like an extension of the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center. It has rejuvenated this corner of Waikiki, a trend that has extended to other properties on Kalakaua Avenue.

Visit waikikibeachwalk.com for more information. Valet parking available at the Embassy Suites porte cochere (enter from Beach Walk) for $6 with same-day purchase from any Waikiki Beach Walk shop or restaurant. Additional parking available at Wyndham Vacation Ownership (enter on Lewers Street).

The pedestrian-friendly walkways of Waikiki Beach Walk.

The shops on the east side of Lewers Street.

A water feature at Waikiki Beach Walk. The wording on the fountain
features Hawaiian words and its translation: I hear the sweetly voiced
water, let it ripple, let it rise. The sign advertises the Waikiki Beach
Walk's Sunday Showcase.

The walkway of Waikiki Beach Walk segues into the west end of the
Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center.

A plumeria tree among the tropical plants at the complex.

The Embassy Suites Hula Tower is located conveniently above
the heart of Waikiki Beach Walk.

The Embassy Suites Aloha Tower rises above Waikiki Beach Walk.
(above photos: TheHopefulTraveler)

Buy Hawaii Macadmia Nuts and More in Bulk at Costco

Macadamia Nut Almond Roca (left) stacked beside a display of
Mauna Loa Macadamia Tetra Pack Assortment (36 count, favor size, $15.99)

More selections of macadamia nut selections at Costco.

Island Princes Mele Macs (36 oz, $15.69)

If you're a visitor to Hawaii or a resident meeting friends or family overseas or on the mainland, you can't go wrong by picking up macadamia nuts and chocolates from any island Longs Drugs or Walmart. Each store has an aisle or section devoted to these goods including Kona coffee and other local specialties and souvenirs. Important note: A membership is required at Costco; payment for purchases is via cash or American Express credit and charge cards.

But if you need to purchase these products in bulk because you have a long gift list, then head over to one of Hawaii's seven Costco locations. They are still packaged conveniently for carry-on or to place in checked bags. During the holidays and usually sold from October to December these items are specially packaged for gift giving and in past years have included locally produced shoyu (soy sauce), oils and cookies.

I was at the Costco located in Kona on the Big Island while visiting for business and here are some pictures of the products this store offers and some of the prices. Some Costco stores will carry specialities only manufactured on that island such as Kauai Coffee at the Lihue Costco and during the holidays, the Kona location carried Kona Gold Rum Co's Macadamia Nut Rum Cakes. It should be repeated again that these items are bulk or large size. So it may be to your benefit to shop at other Hawaii retailers if you would like to buy these products in smaller sizes. Look for bulk packaging of Kona coffee in the Costco coffee aisle.

These are the Costco locations in Hawaii (click on the location name for more info, maps and hours):
Iwilei (Oahu), Kahului (Maui), Lihue (Kauai) and Kona (Big Island) are conveniently located near their island's airports. The Kapolei (Oahu) Costco is located near the resort town of Ko Olina. Other Costco locations on the island of Oahu are in Hawaii Kai and Waipio.

Hershey's Kisses with Macadamia Nuts available only in Hawaii.

Mauna Loa Coconut Macadamias ($12.99)

Mac Farms of Hawaii Kona Coffee Mac Nuts (28 oz, $11.59)

Mauna Loa Macadamia Dry Roasted & Salted (six 4.5 oz cans, 18.99) 

Mauna Loa Macadamias Island Classic Assortment 

Two-pack Hawaiian Sun Guava Jelly. If you purchase these, place them
in checked bags only. Do not carry-on or risk of them being confiscated by
airport security.