In the 1950s Hawaii was a newly discovered mecca for rank-and-file tourists seeking a place in the sun for their vacation. Economy airfares put the Hawaiian Islands within reach of the middle class and visitors increasingly chose Honolulu over Miami Beach.
To counteract this shift in tourist dollars, some Miami Beach hotel operators attempted to give their guests a touch of Hawaii by renaming their properties and adding Hawaiian themed floor shows and luaus.
The Waikiki Resort Motel was located at 18801 Collins Avenue in Sunny Isles. The 60-room Waikiki was designed by architect William Friedman and built in 1953. It initially cost $24,000 to build, but after two additional buildings were added the Waikiki grew to 342 rooms and had a beautiful 300-foot beach front.
I stayed at this motel on vacation as a child in the late 60s. Do you know if its still there or when it was torn down if its gone?
I’m told that ALL the low-rise motels in that area are now long gone, and have been replaced by high-rise condos.
Ain’t progress grand?
I used to go to Waikiki as a kid during late 80′s through the mid 90′s. It was the best , lots of great memories. We would stay for a week every year during August during my birthday. This was the best Birthday gifts I have ever received, Thank you Mom and Dad.
It’s still there. between the Trump towers. Stayed there 2 weeks ago, 25 years since last
A bit down hill, but still ok.
i am from quebec canada and the firs time i went in miami in 1970 for two weeks we stayed at the wikiki motel it was fantastic
thanks
My father worked there in the 60s and 70s and we spent our summers there. I haven’t been to Miami Beach in over 30 years so I know not if its still there although I tend to believe it’s not. I moved to the real Waikiki actually!