IF THERE is a topic that has been most tackled in all of this drifter's travelogues, it would be the beach. The love for pristine, azure waters, talcum white sands is yet to be deciphered.

A visit to the past lives must be in order. Maybe it will be realized that either I must have been a fish on shallow waters or better yet, a mermaid.

What's your take on the Mindanao crisis? Discuss views with other readers

Why is it that in any of the places that this planet can offer I would always choose to be in a beach? I am still searching for the one that I can say: "This is it!" -- drop everything and decide to live in one for good.

To be honest, I have said that a hundred times until I find myself in another heavenly shoreline somewhere in this planet. If there is such a term as Beach Polygamy, I am guilty beyond reasonable doubt.

In the constant search for beaches to swim in, sand to lie on and sun to bask in and say this is a Bora Tan, or an Ibizenco Tan, I just added one on the list -- the Waikiki Tan (sorry editor Nelson, I just have to say it and show gratitude -- thanks to PAL).

To decline on the invite for a chance to get that Hawaiian tan would be blasphemous. Thus, I took the trip and added one more beach to my not so long list of must-swim, must-tan beaches. Waikiki Beach is the latest addition.

Waikiki means: "spouting fresh water" in Hawaiian for springs and streams that fed wetlands that once separated Waikiki from the interior. And on the south shore of the island of Oahu, Hawaii, I found my fresh water in one of the best and renowned beaches in the planet -- Waikiki Beach.

It has been said, "Never has a beach been as fabled as Waikiki. Since the 1950s, this beach has been a tourist destination extraordinaire."

Before this place has become a Hollywood staple for glamourama beach scenes, it was the area for retreat for the Hawaiian royalty in the 1800s. Only the sands will bear witness as to how many feet - locals tourists, Hawaiian to Hollywood royalty - have walked on its immaculate shoreline which is actually fairly short.

The beach is one and one-half miles of exquisite white sands and crystal clear blue waters and half of the beach is marked off for surfers. The Waikiki surf has a long rolling break, making it ideal for surfing. It is no wonder that the beach hosts events in a year, from surfing competitions, canoe races to outdoor performances.

Not everyone can surf, but here, you can learn. Within the park, boards and lessons are accessible. Sun worshipping, snorkeling, diving, beachcombing, or take a tourist submarine ride or enjoy the magnificent view of the dormant volcano Diamond Head, do as you please.

But when night comes, it's time for sumptuous dining, shopping, dancing, watching the different shows or just strolling around the street parallel to the beach, Kalakaua Boulevard.

Today, the neighborhood and beach are considered the heart of the tourist industry, Hawaii's tourist mecca with millions come to visit annually. There is an abundance of both high-rise luxury resort hotels (think Hilton and Hyatt and more) and historic hotels dating back to the early 20th century (like the Moana Surfrider and the Royal Hawaiian). There are about 81 hotels and 52 resort condominiums in this small area known as the Waikiki District. But who's counting?

Before you leave, make sure you say hello to Duke Paoa Kahanamoku (that famous statue between Kalakaua Avenue and Kuhio Beach Park), an Olympian who introduced the Hawaiian Crawl to international swimming. This "Duke" is an Olympic gold(s) medalist in swimming, a surfer of international caliber, andÿ a sheriff of Honolulu for 26 years. The Kahanamoku statue was unveiled in 1990, one hundred years after his birth.

Waikiki is so much like Boracay, but in a more cosmopolitan way in terms of amenities. But if there is something extraordinary about the place, it's the relaxed lifestyle. It's so cool to walk around in your board shirt, board shorts and flip-flops, day in and out.

Maybe I will go back to Hawaii and spend more time in this paradise and ge to explore the islands more. The 4-day Hawaiian dream may have been quick but I take home loads of fond memories of Waikiki Beach and Hawaii! I can say I have visited and fallen in love with another beach destination- a famous one at that!
Trivia: Because of erosion, Waikiki Beach underwent replenishment projects. In the 1920s and 1930s sand was imported from Manhattan Beach, California.

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(November 20, 2008 issue)
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