1920s
Waikiki became a hotspot for live music and entertainment. The Royal Hawaiian Hotel, which opened in 1927, hosted the best musical acts from around the world. Some of the most famous performers to grace the stage at the Royal Hawaiian included Bing Crosby, Louis Armstrong, and Nat King Cole. The shows at the Royal Hawaiian were known for their high production values and dazzling costumes.The 1930s brought Hollywood to Waikiki. The tropical paradise became a popular location for movie productions, with stars like John Wayne, Elizabeth Taylor, and Elvis Presley filming movies on the beaches of Waikiki. One of the most famous movies to be filmed in Waikiki was the 1953 classic "From Here to Eternity," which starred Burt Lancaster, Montgomery Clift, and Deborah Kerr. The iconic scene of the two lovers kissing on the beach while the waves crash around them was filmed on the shores of Waikiki.
In the 1960s, Waikiki became the center of the surfing world. The beaches of Waikiki were the birthplace of modern surfing, and legendary surfers like Duke Kahanamoku and Greg Noll made Waikiki their home. The town became a hub for surf culture, with surf shops, surf schools, and surf competitions popping up all over Waikiki.
Today, Waikiki is still a vibrant hub of entertainment and culture. The live shows at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel continue to draw crowds, and the town is home to a number of other live music venues and theaters. Waikiki is also a popular location for film and TV productions, with shows like "Hawaii Five-0" and "Magnum P.I." filming on location in the town. And of course, Waikiki is still a top destination for surfers and beachgoers from around the world, who come to experience the beauty and excitement of this iconic Hawaiian town.