For several decades, Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon, the fetid body of water fronting the Hilton Hawaiian Village Resort (or part of it, since that place is HUGE), has long been an unsightly eyesore. Infested with jellyfish, coated with slime and cursed with water visibility of roughly 6 inches, the lagoon was not for swimming and not for smelling either. After a long renovation effort, the Hilton people are unveiling the new and improved lagoon, expected to open to the public in a month or so. Many mahalos to Hilton for the $15-$20 million cleanup, which involves sinking multiple wells to circulate clean seawater through the lagoon and make the water crystal clear.

The bottom has been cleaned and lined and covered with sand and rocks. The wide beach around it has been swept and 60 shade-bearing coconut palms have been planted, along with other native Hawaiian flora. This will be one fine swimming hole, no deeper than five feet, and perfect for keiki with no waves or currents, when it opens to the general public. Many people in Hawaii are fond of slamming the hotel industry (me included, when warranted) but they rarely issue praise when its due. Hilton might get a marginal financial gain from this move but, for the most part, its just a nice gesture that will benefit not just visitors but others. It also cements the HHV's place as one of the best family resorts on Oahu. With the swimming lagoon, they've got both a big fresh and saltwater pools. I'll be down there, particularly in the early mornings when the sun is still low, with the keiki, splish-splashing away.

—Alex, 10/21/07