Oahu: Waikiki lagoon reopening soon

In Waikiki, the Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon has gotten much more than a face-lift this year. Thanks to a privately funded project by the neighboring Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa, its beauty now goes more than skin deep.

Once a “murky pond,” as the Honolulu Star–Bulletin called it, the lagoon is now replenished with fresh water from salt-water pumps five times a day. As a bonus for families with younger children, the waters of the lagoon are a mere 5 feet deep. The beautifully restored lagoon is surrounded by dozens of coconut palm trees and other Hawaiian flora and Pacific Rim plants, with a tiered waterfall and lighted boardwalk to enhance the mood.

When: The lagoon is expected to reopen to the public in about a month, to allow enough time for the new vegetation to take root before crowds arrive. Admission will be free.

What’s your fave swimming spot on Oahu? Share your secrets in the Comments section below.

Why Go: Rates this fall at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa start at $267.59 per night, including taxes and fees, for a garden-view room. If you’re a Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards member, you can earn double miles for your SWA flight to Hawaii upon check-in at the hotel, if you book the “Double Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Credit” package (it costs the same as the best available online rates).

Why Not: The Hilton Hawaiian Village is in the midst of a huge “Village Rejuvenation” project, which means that construction around the resort is ongoing. You might want to wait until renovations are complete to book your stay.

Connect/Disconnect: The hotel’s “Paradise Pass” gives guests unlimited high-speed Internet access, two bottles of water and use of the Mandara Spa fitness facilities for two people, all for $16.95 plus taxes per room, per day.

Contact: Hilton Hawaiian Village, (808) 949-4321, (800) 445-8667

Related links:
From the Honolulu Star-Bulletin: Lagoon comes to life
Oahu renaissance features many new Waikiki hotels
A surfin’ safari at Waikiki’s Hilton Hawaiian Village
Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa (review; add your comments here)

—Sara Benson

[Photo: Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa]

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This entry was posted on Wednesday, October 24, 2007 at 7:20 am by Sara Benson and is filed under Fall, Family & Kids, Hawaii, Islands & Beaches, News, Tips & Advice, Oahu, Outdoors & Adventure. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a comment, or trackback from your own site.