Hawaii assigns USD13 million to restore Waikiki Beach
The Hawaii Legislature has earmarked $13 million in funds to help save sinking Waikiki Beach.
The funds will go toward safeguarding the crumbling Royal Hawaiian seawall and other infrastructure amid fears the iconic beach will eventually disappear under rising sea levels.
Lawmakers say it is money well spent for the visitor hotspot, which generates significant tourism revenue.
"Today, it is one of the most renowned beaches in the world and is also tremendously important to the Hawaii brand image," said Hawaii Tourism Authority president Chris Tatum.
Work will start from late summer or early fall on the seawall between the Waikiki Sheraton and Royal Hawaiian hotels as well as rebuilding a seawall at Kuhio Beach.
A report published two years ago said up to 20,000 people on all of Hawaii’s islands could be impacted by chronic flooding, while ports and low lying airports are vulnerable to rising water levels.
"There used to be a wait-and-see sentiment among some but there has been a shift in overall perception, and people seem to feel that we can’t wait any longer to address these challenges," said Dolan Eversole of the University of Hawaii.
"This is the largest appropriation for beach improvements on Oahu in recent memory. It allows us to move forward on several projects that have been discussed on and off for decades," Eversole added.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026