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Actually, Waikiki beaches are very nice and in addition to Ala Moana Beach, the one next to the New Otani Hotel (Kaimana) is another good choice. It's at the other end of Waikiki right next to Kapiolani Park where there's plenty of greenery. I lived right behind that park and it was very peaceful and quiet (sister just returned and says it's still pretty much the same) with a good mix of local families and visitors, gentle enough water and a hop, skip and jump to Diamond Head. It's no big deal to hop on a bus or rent a car and head to greener pastures for the day. Also used to spend a lot of time at Ft. DeRussey beach on opposite end - there's a park right behind it also.