<P> The Waikīkī skyline is now dotted with an abundance of both high - rises and resort hotels . The beach is actually fairly short, with half of it marked off for surfers . For some distance into the ocean the water is quite shallow, although there are numerous rocks on the bottom . As with most ocean beaches the waves can have some force, particularly on windy days . The surf at Waikīkī is known for its long rolling break, making it ideal for long boarding, tandem surfing and beginners . </P> <P> Waikīkī's main thoroughfare is Kalakaua Avenue, named after King Kalakaua, which houses most of the high - end hotels (Royal Hawaiian, Sheraton, Hyatt, Moana Surfrider Hotel), most of the luxury designer brand stores (Apple Store, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Burberry, Dior, Tiffany & Co., Fendi, Cartier, Gucci, and Coach) and popular surf clothing brand stores (Quiksilver, Billabong, Volcom). Waikīkī's other main thoroughfare, Kuhio Avenue, named after Prince Kuhio, is better known for its restaurants, cafes and grocers, along with its clubs, nightlife and prostitution . </P> <P> Over time, Waikīkī beach has had problems with erosion, leading to the construction of groynes and beach replenishment projects . For example, in the 1920s and 1930s sand was imported from Manhattan Beach, California, via ship and barge to Waikīkī . Importing stopped in the 1970s . Officials are looking for ways to sustain the existing sand by eliminating loss due to tidal flow . Subject to permits, a partial restoration was completed in the spring of 2012 . The proposed project imported sand from nearby shoals and widened the 1,700 - foot (520 m) long beach by about 37 feet (11 m) between the Royal Hawaiian Hotel concrete groyne and the Kūhiō Beach crib wall . The project restored the beach to its 1985 shoreline . </P> <P> Waikiki Beach has had contamination problems with sewage spills . </P>

Where does the sand in waikiki come from