Diamond Head's stark silhouette stands as a symbolic sentinel over Waikiki. This is the story of Waikiki, wonderfully illustrated with historic and contemporary photographs. Hawaiian chiefs ruled Oahu from Waikiki until the advent of European trade in the early 1800s. Later, Waikiki became an agricultural backwater when the center of commerce was moved to Honolulu where the deep harbor could accommodate European ships.

During the Victorian era both Hawaiian royalty and haole society made Waikiki a playground. Thus began its gradual return to prominence in a new context---as a twentieth century visitor destination. Waikiki today is a magical metropolis that glitters with the glamour of an urban resort, while maintaining a casual tropical ambiance.