Every inch of Hawaii is a slice of paradise, but Waikiki will find a special place in your heart. With its natural beauty, luxurious niceties, and bright cultural attractions, it's one of the state's finest places to relax and enjoy everything that's great about Hawaii. Here are some of the top attractions you'll find in the Waikiki area.

1. Waikiki Beaches

When you picture Hawaii, the first thing that comes to mind, is, of course, the beach. Waikiki has some of Hawaii's best beaches, from laid-back retreats to ocean adventure sites. Those looking for a relaxing experience will prefer Kuhio Beach, situated near Kapahulu Pier with a natural rock wall to shelter beach-goers from the wind and sun. Queens Surf Beach is great for a less crowded experience, be it a picnic or some early morning waves. Those staying at one of Waikiki's many resorts prefer the conveniently located main stretch of Waikiki Beach.

2. Island Tours
Whether up in the hills or deep in the ocean, Waikiki offers visitors plenty of intriguing tour options. Submarine tours get you close-up views of the marine habitats right off the island shores, full of colorful fish and vibrant undersea alcoves. Those who wish to keep their feet on dry land will get the most out of the stunning views at Diamond Head, providing gorgeous lookout points with panoramic vistas.

3. Museums
Waikiki is conveniently close to many of Hawaii's top museums. This includes fine art spaces like the Honolulu Museum of Art and the Shangri La statue and topiary gardens. You can catch a foreign film at Doris Duke Theatre and then stop off for a bite to eat at the Pavillion Cafe. For a museum with a more historic bent, the U.S. Army Museum displays artifacts from early Hawaiian history all the way through the state's incorporation into the U.S.A.

4. Animal Attractions
There's plenty of gorgeous wildlife on any regular walk around Hawaii, from white pigeons to large sea turtles. For a little more variety, the nearby Honolulu Zoological Society houses hundreds of different species, including tropic rarities like the Komodo dragon, orangutans, and birds, as well as majestic African creatures. The Waikiki Aquarium is also a great place to see local wildlife, thanks to its proximity to a living reef ecosystem. Many rare creatures difficult to spot in nature make their homes at the aquarium for all to see.

5. Kalakaua Avenue
In between stunning tours of Hawaii's natural beauty, you'll want some comforts of the city. The bustling thoroughfare of Kalakaua Avenue is brimming with shops, restaurants, and convenient hotels, like the Moana Surfrider, that get you close to the best attractions around Waikiki. You can shop at the Seaside Market Place, the Waikiki Shopping Center, and the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center.

To be in a prime Hawaiian destination like Waikiki is for many people a dream. Being close to the beach, the topical landscapes, and the unique island adventures is incredible no matter how many times you visit. Any time of year, Waikiki is a little piece of heaven.