We are going to Waikiki next month. I read where tourism has been down. Can anyone who has been there recently, tell me if was crawling with people or if it is still quiet. Things should definately be quieter next month when we go, but I was curious to know just how busy it is now.

Westbound arrivals to Hawaii are back to normal, although eastbound (Asian) arrivals are still down somewhat.

I have been to Waikiki about 10 times since 9/11. The crowds seem back in full force. I was there twice in late July, it was packed and lots of fun.

Good grief! Mary-where do you live?

It must be wonderful to be able to get to Waikiki so often.

I think Mary lives in Honolulu !

I think Mary works in one of the hotels on Waikiki ;-)

I live on a neighbor island and travel to Honolul at least once a month to visit friends, shop, get a dose of the big city, and visit my daughter at college!

If your daughter's not using her room right now can I come stay with you?!

We spent the afternoon in Waikiki on alayover from the BI. It was packed and crazy. It was interesting to see but I can't fathom spending even one night there with a family - although I would have loved it in my single college days.

We were there in July and crowds were manageable. Differ with the previous post about family - my kids loved it! They took surfing lessons with instructors who made certain they had a good time. As to crowds the only exception would be Haunema Bay (20 minutes from Waikiki) which was crowded with the parking lot full by about 9:30. If your kids are water rats like mine, they can have a great time in Waikiki and close by

just came back from Hawaii. Spent 3 days in waikiki. I was shock that the beach was so quiet compared to couple years ago. Went there at around 7:30, almost had the beach for myself. Went there at around 9 one day, the crowd was not too bad. Went there at night on Friday, boy, couldn't find a parking space. I guess it depends on when and where. If you go further up closer to Diamond head, the water is superb and not as crowded.

Just back from Hawaii. Waikiki was crowded by Hilton Hawaian Village but not too bad elsewhere. Have a great time and make sure you hike Diamondhead.

Thanks for all your replies. We are leaving Sept 15th. We were there around the same time in 2000 and it was jammed with people. I have been curious as to how the crowds have been since 9/11.

Dave,
I did climb diamondhead the last time we were there and nearly died. I was walking and huffing and puffing at one of the steep parts. While I was walking I took a big swig of water and choked until I nearly passed out. I was gasping for air as my throat closed up on me. I could hear my husband screaming my name and many people gathered around me to see if they could help. Everything started going black on me but I had enough sense to look toward the sky and then my throat opened back up and I could breathe again. It took me a while before I could get going again, but I did it right up to the top. I even did the 99 stairs after that all the way to the top.

I don't think I will ever drink water while walking or while climbing diamondhead again. As a matter of fact I will never climb diamondhead again. That was so scary and what a story I came home with.