Ala Moana Beach Park

1201 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814
100 acres | 40 hectares

About Ala Moana Beach Park

Golden Sands and Blue Waters

Nestled between Waikiki and downtown Honolulu on Oahu, Ala Moana Beach Park spans a generous 100 acres of prime Hawaiian coastline. The park's crown jewel is its half-mile stretch of gold-sand beach where you can swim, sunbathe, or simply wiggle your toes in the warm Pacific sand.

The beach is protected by a shallow reef offshore, creating a calm open ocean swimming area that attracts around 4 million visitors each year. Just a heads-up though - the ocean floor drops off rather quickly, so if you're not confident in your swimming abilities, it's best to stay in the shallower areas. Thankfully, lifeguards keep watch daily, adding an extra layer of safety to your beach day.

Beachside benches provide resting spots with ocean views
Beachside benches provide resting spots with ocean views

Calm Waters and Family-Friendly Swimming

If you're traveling with little ones or just prefer calmer waters, this beach is a good option. Ala Moana Beach is famous for its tranquil, clear waters that create a natural swimming pool feel. The gentle conditions make it well-suited for floating on your back, swimming laps, or trying your balance on a paddleboard.

The park also features Magic Island, a human-made peninsula with a shallow lagoon that feels like nature's kiddie pool. Protected by breakwaters, this sheltered cove creates tide-pool-like conditions where children can splash around safely and adults can enjoy a peaceful dip without battling waves.

View of the park's vast beach
View of the park's vast beach

Recreation and Relaxation

Beyond the beach, Ala Moana offers sprawling grassy areas shaded by majestic banyan trees and swaying palm trees - ideal spots to spread out a blanket for a picnic or fire up one of the park's BBQ grills. For the more actively inclined, you'll find tennis courts, volleyball courts, and basketball courts scattered across the grounds.

The paved jogging trail that loops around the park stretches for about three miles, offering a scenic workout with refreshing ocean breezes and beautiful views. On any given day, you might spot yoga classes, tai chi groups, or fitness bootcamps taking advantage of the expansive lawns.

Shady trees provide respite from the sun near the water
Shady trees provide respite from the sun near the water

Scenic Beauty

Ala Moana offers some beautiful views. From certain vantage points, you can take in the deep blue ocean, Honolulu's urban skyline, and even Diamond Head crater in the distance. As evening approaches, find a comfortable spot to witness what many consider some of the most breathtaking sunsets on the island, with the sun sinking into the Pacific in a display of orange and pink hues.

The palm trees silhouetted against turquoise waters make this park a popular spot for wedding photographers and social media pictures.

Visitors taking in the breathtaking scenery at sundown
Visitors taking in the breathtaking scenery at sundown

Rich History

Before becoming the treasured park it is today, Ala Moana was once a swampy marshland. In the 1930s, it was transformed through an ambitious land reclamation project. The park was officially dedicated in 1934 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who aptly named it "The People's Park."

Today, it's one of Hawaii's most historic and frequently visited public spaces, used by both locals and tourists. Throughout the year, the park hosts meaningful cultural events, including the poignant Memorial Day Lantern Floating Ceremony, where thousands gather to honor loved ones.

Palms lean into the wind on the beach
Palms lean into the wind on the beach

Visitor Information

You can enjoy the park daily from 4 AM to 10 PM. All the basics are covered with clean public restrooms, outdoor showers to rinse off the salt and sand, and food options when hunger strikes. If you're looking for a taste of local flavor, L&L Hawaiian BBQ serves up authentic plate lunches at reasonable prices right in the park.

One word of advice about parking - it can get tight, especially on weekends and holidays, so arriving early is your best bet for snagging a spot. The park's location right next to Ala Moana Shopping Center makes it easy to combine a morning of retail therapy with an afternoon of beach relaxation.

All Features & Facilities

Active Recreation

Basketball CourtTennis CourtVolleyball Court

Nature & Wildlife

Open Grassy AreaShadeWalking Trail

Water Features & Activities

BeachLake

Visitor Services

Parking LotRestrooms

Food & Gathering

Concession AreaDrinking WaterGrilling AreaPicnic Area
View of the park's vast beach
View of the park's vast beach
Couple holding hands by the ocean
Couple holding hands by the ocean
Evening light filters through trees onto grassy lawns
Evening light filters through trees onto grassy lawns
Tall palm trees stand against blue skies at the beachfront
Tall palm trees stand against blue skies at the beachfront
Pathways offer scenic routes through the park
Pathways offer scenic routes through the park
Shady trees provide respite from the sun near the water
Shady trees provide respite from the sun near the water
Grassy area with scattered trees
Grassy area with scattered trees
View of Honolulu's skyline across the turquoise waters
View of Honolulu's skyline across the turquoise waters
Lush green lawn with swaying palms
Lush green lawn with swaying palms
Dramatic sunset skies above the ocean
Dramatic sunset skies above the ocean
Beachside benches provide resting spots with ocean views
Beachside benches provide resting spots with ocean views
Pristine white sand beach bordered by graceful palm trees
Pristine white sand beach bordered by graceful palm trees
Walking path along the shore with Honolulu skyline in distance
Walking path along the shore with Honolulu skyline in distance
The sandy beach during off-season
The sandy beach during off-season
A large parking lot is located in the park's east section
A large parking lot is located in the park's east section
Visitors taking in the breathtaking scenery at sundown
Visitors taking in the breathtaking scenery at sundown
Sprawling trees provide shade throughout this grassy area
Sprawling trees provide shade throughout this grassy area
Palms lean into the wind on the beach
Palms lean into the wind on the beach
Expansive lawn and beach area with views of Honolulu
Expansive lawn and beach area with views of Honolulu
Lifeguard tower watches over the beachgoers
Lifeguard tower watches over the beachgoers
Magic Island Lagoon with Diamond Head rising majestically in background
Magic Island Lagoon with Diamond Head rising majestically in background
Sunset creates warm silhouettes through the trees
Sunset creates warm silhouettes through the trees
Coconut palms dot the green fields aong the waterfront
Coconut palms dot the green fields aong the waterfront
Surfer riding waves in golden waters at sunset
Surfer riding waves in golden waters at sunset
Visitors enjoying the magical evening view of the bay
Visitors enjoying the magical evening view of the bay
Share your photos of this park

ParkMagnet Score

Great Park

Park Size

100 acres | 40 hectares

Opening Hours

Monday:4AM-10PM
Tuesday:4AM-10PM
Wednesday:4AM-10PM
Thursday:4AM-10PM
Friday:4AM-10PM
Saturday:4AM-10PM
Sunday:4AM-10PM

Weather

Top Restaurants Near Ala Moana Beach Park

JINYA Ramen Bar - Honolulu

312 feet

1118 Ala Moana Blvd Ste 100, Honolulu, HI 96814

Modern Japanese restaurant serving authentic ramen with rich tonkotsu broth and quality appetizers in a stylish setting.

Website

Tangö Contemporary Cafe

443 feet

1288 Ala Moana Blvd #120, Honolulu, HI 96814

Modern eatery serving creative dishes blending Scandinavian, Asian, Hawaiian and American flavors in Kaka'ako.

Merriman's Honolulu

528 feet

1108 Auahi St #170, Honolulu, HI 96814

Upscale Hawaiian restaurant featuring fresh local seafood, creative dishes, and live music entertainment.

Hawaii Yacht Club

531 feet

1739 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96815

Waterfront dining venue offering delicious cuisine with spectacular ocean views and friendly service.

Website

Namaste Indian & Nepalese cuisine

0.3 miles

1778 Ala Moana Blvd STE 213, Honolulu, HI 96815

Authentic Indian and Nepalese restaurant serving flavorful curries, momos, and traditional dishes with friendly service.

Website

Sushi ii

0.4 miles

655 Ke’eaumoku St #109, Honolulu, HI 96814

Inventive sushi rolls and fresh sashimi served in a cozy strip-mall location with excellent omakase options.

Website

Top Hotels Near Ala Moana Beach Park

Ala Moana Honolulu by Mantra

978 feet

410 Atkinson Dr, Honolulu, HI 96814

Relaxed hotel featuring ocean views, outdoor pool, and convenient access to Ala Moana shopping.

Website

Prince Waikiki

0.2 miles

100 Holomoana St, Honolulu, HI 96815

Modern high-rise hotel featuring luxury rooms, multiple dining options, spa services, and stunning marina views.

Website

Paniolo at The Equus

0.2 miles

1696 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96815

A polished boutique hotel featuring casual rooms, an outdoor pool, and a laid-back cafe with bar.

Website

Hilton Vacation Club The Modern Honolulu

0.3 miles

1775 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96815

Contemporary harborfront resort with sleek accommodations, multiple dining options, and dual pool areas.

Website

Ilikai Hotel & Luxury Suites

0.4 miles

1777 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96815

Upmarket harborfront hotel featuring outdoor pools, stunning ocean views, and convenient beach access.

Website

Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort

0.5 miles

2005 Kālia Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815

Beachfront resort featuring high-rise accommodations with spa services, dining options, and recreational activities.

Website

External Links

Interactive Park Map

Preparing map...
Field
Parking