Founder of HawaiiGuide & certified travel expert with 20+ years of experience in Hawaii tourism.
Oahu Beaches
Waikiki-Honolulu Beach Park
As a viable alternative to the crowded shores of Waikiki Beach, Ala Moana also features many highlights: a yacht club, three concession stands, a large mall across from it, and an additional half-crescent beach called Magic Island. Ala Moana offers shady trees, picnic tables, tennis courts, and more.
No wonder many Honolulu residents deem this beach as their favorite spot. The turquoise blue, shallow water lures locals and tourists alike. People appreciate this spot for its ocean sports like snorkeling and stand-up paddle-boarding.
Directions to Ala Moana Beach
Take the free shuttle runs between Waikiki and Ala Moana Beach. The free open trolley leaves from various pick-up and drop-off points in Waikiki, usually every 30-40 mins. While on the trolley, take pics as it passes by many attractions.
Beach Facilities
Ala Moana Beach Park provides many amenities to ensure a delightful and comfortable experience. Look forward to accessing :
- Plenty of restrooms and outdoor beach showers scattered across the park
- There are plenty of large shady trees in the park hovering near the picnic tables, benches, and BBQ grills.
- Lifeguards on duty throughout the day
- Several eateries
- Picnic tables, benches, and BBQ grills sprawled across the beach.
- Walking paths
- Tennis courts and music pavilion
- A large parking lot
Enjoying Ala Moana Beach Park
Beach Activities
Kid-friendly Ala Moana Beach Park: White buoys mark the beach's quieter, far western end. Parents find the water close to this shore ideal for children to splash and play since the water comes waist-deep.
Jog or Walk: Take a stroll or jog along the park grounds to enjoy the best views of the ocean surrounding the Waikiki Beach skyline and Kewalo Basin! Don’t miss the sailboats and canoes as they speed into the sea.
Spectacular sunsets: We recommend several spots for the best sunsets. First, stroll along the peninsula on the right side of Magic Island. Watch as the dusk falls against the rolling waves and surfers still riding. Alternatively, watch the sunset kiss the waters from the edge of the Bermuda grass that runs off into the beach.
Rent bikes in the park: Rent a bike from the area and have an incredible time! It only costs $3.50 per ride. So, cruise around the beach park, from Aloha Tower Market Place to Waikiki.
Marine Life: Protected by the reef, this white sandy beach gives way to leisurely float along the edge and observe tropical fishes, corals, and turtles.
Surfing: We recommend heading to the south side of Ala Moana for killer waves. To reach these waves, paddle 200 yards to the reef. Then, walk another 200 yards across the raised reef to a 400-yard paddle to get the high tides.
High-end views: Unobscured by high-rise buildings along its shores, Ala Moana boasts views of Diamond Head and Waikiki to the east and the west, Downtown Honolulu, and the mountains of western Oahu.
Nearby Activities and Sights
Ala Moana Shopping Center: Hawaii's version of entertainment paradise is now open for business! The Ala Moana Mall hosts 400 shops and restaurants - from Louis Vuitton or Fendi to Flip Flop Shops. It also houses 65 more stores in its new Ewa Wing, so you'll never run out of shop time here.
Kaka'ako Shopping Area: You can find all kinds of fabulous boutiques, from high fashion designers to jewelry stores. If you're looking for fashionable clothes or trend-right accessories, head down to Auahi street, where many options are available at every corner!
Waikiki Trolley: The Waikiki Trolley offers four routes to explore Honolulu's attractions. Some of your tour options include Scenic Tour, Historic Tour, Shopping Tour, and the Island Tour.
Ala Moana Beach Park can't be missed.
FREE DOWNLOAD
2025 Oahu Guidesheet!
Includes the top must-see & do attractions, best times to visit, where to stay briefing, airport detail, a monthly weather summary, and where to find the most noteworthy local ono 'grindz' (best eats) on the island.
