Ala Moana Beach Park

Oahu, HI Print   Leave a comment

Description

Ala Moana Beach is a pretty city beach with calm, quiet water. A large chunk of reef keeps big waves out. Swimmers come here to do their early morning laps. Children play and build sandcastles in the sand. It's fun to see the Waikiki skyline from the water while you swim, and children like to watch all the planes that fly by on their way to Honolulu Airport. There's a large system of jogging paths amongst palm-dotted lawns adjacent to the beach, along with grassy areas to BBQ or picnic. A boardwalk runs the length of the beach. On weekends this area is packed with local families set up for a day at the beach. At night the views of the shimmering Waikiki skyline are gorgeous. This area is not quite as safe as Waikiki or as tourist-friendly, and the sand and water aren't as clean.
On the east end is Magic Island, a cove that was made by developers but never used. It's less crowded than Ala Moana Beach and is also great for a swim. A rock wall keeps large waves out. From the pathway, kids can watch the sailboats glide past on their way to Ala Wai Harbor and the surfers jump in to swim out to the summer surf spot called Bowls. It's wonderful to sit on one of the benches, watch the surfers, feel the breeze, and enjoy the gorgeous postcard views of Diamond Head. Japanese brides and grooms often come here to get wedding photos taken with great views behind them.
Because the circular road that leads to Ala Moana Beach runs right along the boardwalk and beach, teens like to "cruise" through here in their cars on Friday and Saturday nights.
If you're hungry, cross Ala Moana Blvd to Ala Moana Center. The 3rd floor has great views of Ala Wai Harbor. Enjoy the tropical atmosphere at the Mai Tai Bar or a yummy meal at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. The first floor has a noisy food court with a ton of fastfood options.

Photo Gallery

A man leaves the water after an early morning swim.	Great views of Diamond Head and the Waikiki skyline. These are even better at night!	Stand up paddler with Magic Island peninsula behind.
Boardwalk.	A boy sits by the boardwalk.	The calm, shallow water is great for children.
The east-going zak and the west-going zak.	Ala Moana Beach is very popular with early morning lap swimmers.	Lifeguard shack.
Young woman taking a break on the beach.	Oh Diamond Head, you are beautiful.	Must be nice to enjoy the view from one of these residential high rises.
Joggers on Ala Moana Beach.	Cute bridges at Ala Moana Beach Park.	View of Ala Moana Beach from the Kalia Tower at Hilton Hawaiian Village.
Dusk at Ala Moana Beach Park, as seen from Kalia Tower in the Hilton Hawaiian Village.

Directions

Pull off Ala Moana Blvd into Ala Moana Park Dr, the loop that lines the beach. There's plenty of parking except on weekends. Come early on weekends. There is also more parking in a huge lot near Magic Island.
There are showers and restrooms.
Mai Tai Bar, Ala Moana Center, call (808) 947-2900.
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Ala Moana Center, call (808) 949-4867.
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Overall Visitor Rating:

Editor 06/14/2012 10:36	Hi Gladys, There are a lot of buses that run in the Waikiki and Ala Moana area. They are very frequent. You can check the website www.thebus.org
gladys 06/13/2012 22:42	how do i get there by riding the bus
Editor 07/29/2011 14:36	Hi Eric, Yes, the Honolulu Lawn Bowls club is at Ala Moana Beach Park. Here is their website: http://www.honolululawnbowls.com/ Have fun!
Eric 07/28/2011 05:44	Is there a Bocce court there at the park?
Kim 10/15/2009 14:00	One of the most lush, pretty beaches I've seen. The sand is pure white and the water warm. Beware if you who burn easily - the white sand will speed things up and before you know it - you're red as a lobster. I was burned so bad there last year I could barely open my eyes the next day.