Ala Moana Beach Park
The Basics
Ala Moana Beach Park’s calm, shallow water is ideal for swimming and wading, making this a particularly kid-friendly spot. There are surfing and stand-up paddleboard rentals and lessons available, though many beachgoers just choose to relax on a beach towel or watch the vivid sunset from shore. Picnic tables for self-catering are located near the beach.
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Things to Know Before You Go
Ala Moana Beach Park is ideal for beachgoers of all ages.
There are lifeguards on duty, showers, restrooms, and picnic tables available.
Don’t forget your towel, sunscreen, and drinking water.
How to Get There
Conveniently located between downtown Honolulu and Waikiki, Ala Moana Beach Park is easily reached on foot, by bus, or by car. There is a large, free parking lot fronting the beach, but spots fill up by afternoon, especially on weekends.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
Ala Moana Beach Park is open year-round during daylight hours. It can get crowded on weekends and holidays, so arrive early to snag a good spot on the sand. Oahu has a mild, tropical climate with hotter days in summer and a rainy season typically from November to March.
Magic Island
Just next to Ala Moana Beach Park is a man-made peninsula officially named Aina Moana but known locally as Magic Island. Originally built in 1964 to house a resort that never materialized, today Magic Island is a public park and a favorite spot for walking, jogging, and enjoying the view—in fact, many claim that Aina Moana is the island’s top sunset watching spot. There is a small beach with a lagoon for swimming, but the water can be rough and not as calm as Ala Moana Beach Park.
- Ala Moana Center
- Duke Kahanamoku Beach
- Honolulu Museum of Art
- Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives
- Honolulu Hale
- Kawaiaha'o Church
- Ali'iolani Hale
- Hard Rock Cafe Honolulu
- King Kamehameha Statue
- Hawaii State Capitol
- Iolani Palace
- Duke Kahanamoku Statue
- Aloha Tower Marketplace
- National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific
- Honolulu Chinatown