Ala Moana Beach Park
Ala Moana Beach Park, Oahu
Nestled between downtown Honolulu and Waikiki, Ala Moana Beach Park (view panorama)× is a favorite spot for both locals and visitors looking for a laid-back beach day. It's less crowded than Waikiki, making it a perfect escape to relax, swim, and soak up the Hawaiian sun without the crowds.
Stretching over half a mile, the beach offers calm, crystal-clear waters thanks to a protective coral reef just offshore. This makes it an ideal place for families with kids, long-distance swimmers, and anyone trying out stand-up paddleboarding or getting comfortable in the ocean for the first time. Recently added buoys help keep things organized, with paddleboarders using the area closest to the reef and swimmers sticking to the calmer waters near the shore.
Believe it or not, Ala Moana Beach Park (view panorama) × was once a wetland and a city dump back in the 1920s. The beach itself is man-made, created when the Dillingham Dredging Company needed a place to deposit excess sand. By the 1950s, the park began to take shape and has since become one of Honolulu’s most loved coastal getaways. Though a boat channel was originally dredged through the reef to connect the nearby harbors, boats no longer use it today.
While the water is generally calm, the ocean bottom drops off quickly in some areas, so newer swimmers should be cautious. If you're looking for the easiest and most comfortable place to get in the water, the eastern end of the beach—closest to Diamond Head—is the best bet. That side has a sandy ocean floor with no sharp reef or rocks, unlike the middle and west sections, which can be a little rougher underfoot.
Spanning about 100 acres, the park is more than just a beach. It offers plenty of grassy space, towering banyan and palm trees, and great facilities, including restrooms, showers, tennis courts, and a music pavilion. It’s a favorite local spot for jogging, fishing, sunbathing, and all kinds of water activities. Magic Island, the man-made peninsula next to the park, offers beautiful walking paths and great sunset views. Lifeguards are on duty every day, adding peace of mind for families and solo travelers alike.
Ala Moana Beach Park is the kind of place where you can spend a few hours or the whole day. It’s easy to reach, right across from Ala Moana Center, and offers a peaceful place to unwind in between exploring Oahu’s many attractions. From early morning swims to watching the sun set behind the city skyline, Ala Moana offers a classic island experience with a local touch.
Ala Moana Beach Park Overview
- Long and wide sandy beach
- Ideal for long-distance swimming, fishing, swimming, surfing, snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding and relaxing
- Great surf spots offshore at the edge of the reef
- Plenty of picnic areas
- Great for outdoor activities, such as walking, jogging, playing tennis and other games
- Favorite beach among stand-up paddleboarders
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