Mafic island Waikiki is a volcanic landform located in the Pacific Ocean, specifically on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. This island is known for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant culture. It is a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year. Waikiki is renowned for its pristine beaches, clear turquoise waters, and legendary surf breaks. It offers an ideal setting for various water activities such as swimming, snorkeling, surfing, and paddleboarding. The beach is lined with numerous luxury resorts, hotels, and shops, catering to the needs of tourists.
The beach is lined with numerous luxury resorts, hotels, and shops, catering to the needs of tourists. The mafic island Waikiki is also home to the iconic Diamond Head State Monument, a volcanic crater that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding area. The hike up to Diamond Head summit is a must-do activity for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Magic Island
Honolulu is a photographer’s dream. Between stunning beaches, gorgeous waterfalls, huge waves on the north shore, and the urban cacophony of Waikiki, there is no shortage of photographs. With so many options, it can be difficult to know where to start.
If you are staying in Waikiki, one easily accessible location is Magic Island. I recently spent a few hours exploring Magic Island, a small man-made peninsula near the harbor. I was impressed by the variety of shots that this location offered.
My primary reason for visiting this location was to try and capture a twilight shot of Waikiki. I scouted out locations in the afternoon and eventually decided on a spot on the east side of the peninsula. I wanted to create a panoramic stitch of the shoreline. Actually capturing the shot provided some unexpected challenges. Each shot required a 30 second shutter speed. In addition, I was shooting towards an active harbor. In between shots I had to wait for passing boats since otherwise the lights on the boats created unnatural streaks in the water. For these reasons, it took seven minutes to capture the seven shots in this panorama. Seven minutes is a long time during twilight when light and color are constantly changing. However, in the end I was pleased with the result.
After dusk quite a few spectators started staking out spots along the eastern shoreline. Every Friday night the Hilton Hawaiian Village runs a fireworks show. I waited around after twilight for the show to start and was able to capture some nice images of the fireworks from the same location.
View fullsizeHilton Hawaiian Village Friday night fireworks.
In addition to night vistas, Magic Island offers some great views and shots during the day as well. I particularly liked the waves crashing into the rocks on the southwest face of Magic Island. I stacked a polarizer on top of a 6-stop neutral density filter to enable a long exposure and capture the water with motion blur. The waves varied widely so taking multiple shots yielded different looks.
Other subjects of interest during the day were more shots of the Waikiki skyline, the Magic Island lagoon, palm trees, banyan trees, and boats passing by on their way to and from the harbor.
View fullsizeA rainbow arches over Waikiki during the day.
View fullsizeWaikiki skyline and Diamond Head during golden hour. This is an 8-shot panoramic stitch.
These days, Ala Moana Beach Park welcomes roughly 4 million people each year who take advantage of the locale’s serene shoreline and easy-to-access entry points. It also is the site of popular events like the annual Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawaii.
Aside from its natural beauty, Waikiki is also known for its vibrant nightlife and entertainment scene. The streets are filled with restaurants, bars, and clubs, offering a range of dining and entertainment options. Visitors can enjoy live music, hula performances, and traditional Hawaiian cuisine. Additionally, Waikiki is a hub for shopping, with numerous high-end shops and boutiques offering a range of designer brands and local crafts. The International Market Place is a popular spot for souvenir shopping and exploring the vibrant cultural scene. Overall, mafic island Waikiki is a destination that combines natural beauty, outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and vibrant nightlife. Its unique blend of volcanic landscapes, stunning beaches, and cultural heritage make it a must-visit place for travelers from around the world..
Reviews for "Mafic Island Waikiki: Your Perfect Family Vacation Destination"
1) Ashley - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with my stay at Mafic Island Waikiki. The rooms were small and outdated, with old furniture and stains on the carpet. The noise from the street was unbearable, it felt like the windows were paper thin. The staff was not very friendly or helpful either. Overall, I do not recommend this hotel if you're looking for a comfortable and relaxing stay in Waikiki.
2) Jake - 1 star - My experience at Mafic Island Waikiki was terrible. The room I was given had a musty smell, and there were ants crawling on the bathroom countertop. The bed was uncomfortable and the pillows were lumpy. The Wi-Fi connection was extremely weak and kept disconnecting. The hotel amenities were also lacking, with a small pool and limited dining options. I would not stay here again or recommend it to anyone.
3) Megan - 2 stars - I had high hopes for Mafic Island Waikiki, but unfortunately, it fell short. The hotel lobby was nice, but the rooms were in need of a renovation. The bathroom had cracked tiles and the shower water pressure was weak. The noise from the neighboring rooms and the hallway was constant, making it hard to get a good night's sleep. The location was convenient, but there are definitely better options in Waikiki for a similar price.