Ala Moana Beach Park

Ala Moana Beach Park

Located within the Waikiki & Honolulu Region on Oahu

03-03-2025

John C. Derrick

Founder & certified Hawaii travel expert with 20+ years of experience in Hawaii tourism.

Oahu Beaches

Waikiki-Honolulu Beach Park

Located just west of Waikiki, Ala Moana Beach Park is a fantastic alternative to the crowded shores of Waikiki Beach. This spacious, family-friendly park features a wide stretch of golden sand, calm turquoise waters, and plenty of recreational activities. Locals love Ala Moana for its laid-back vibe, while visitors appreciate the stunning views and convenient location.

Magic Island, a man-made peninsula on the park's eastern end, offers additional space for relaxation, scenic walks, and picture-perfect views of Diamond Head and the Honolulu skyline.

Directions to Ala Moana Beach

Ala Moana Beach Park is easily accessible from Waikiki:

  • By Car: Drive west on Ala Moana Boulevard from Waikiki. Parking is available in the park’s large lot.
  • By Bus: Several TheBus routes stop near the park. Route numbers may vary, so check the current schedule.
  • By Waikiki Trolley: The Pink Line Waikiki Trolley stops at Ala Moana Center, just across the street.
  • By Bike or Walk: Many visitors walk or bike along Ala Moana Boulevard to reach the beach.

Beach Facilities

Ala Moana Beach Park is well-equipped with amenities, ensuring a comfortable visit:

  • Restrooms & Showers: Several restrooms and outdoor showers are available throughout the park.
  • Shady Picnic Areas: Large trees provide ample shade near picnic tables, benches, and BBQ grills.
  • Lifeguards: On duty throughout the day for added safety.
  • Walking & Jogging Paths: A wide pathway circles the park, which is popular with walkers and runners.
  • Tennis Courts & Music Pavilion: Free public tennis courts and a pavilion for occasional events.
  • Parking: A large, free parking lot with plenty of spaces.

Enjoying Ala Moana Beach Park

Beach Activities

  • Kid-Friendly Swimming: The water here is calm, thanks to the offshore reef, making it ideal for children to splash and play. The far western end of the beach is especially popular with families.
  • Jogging & Walking: Take a scenic stroll or run along the park’s paths while enjoying breathtaking ocean views, including the Waikiki skyline and Kewalo Basin.
  • Sunset Watching: The best sunset views can be found on the right side of Magic Island, where you can watch surfers catching the last waves of the day. Alternatively, relax on the grassy areas and watch the sky change colors.
  • Bike Rentals: Biki stations are available near Ala Moana Beach Park, making renting a bike and exploring the area easy. 
  • Marine Life Spotting: While the swimming area is calm, floating near the reef may reveal tropical fish and even sea turtles.
  • Surfing: Advanced surfers can find great waves by paddling out about 200 yards past the reef break. This surf spot, known as "Bowls," offers some of the best waves in Honolulu.

High-End Views

Ala Moana Beach Park is one of the few beaches in Honolulu unobstructed by high-rise buildings. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of:

  • Diamond Head and Waikiki to the east
  • Downtown Honolulu to the west
  • The mountains of western Oahu

Nearby Activities and Sights

  • Ala Moana Center: One of the largest open-air shopping malls in the world, featuring over 350 stores ranging from luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Chanel to local surf shops and boutiques. There are also plenty of dining options.
  • Kaka'ako: A trendy neighborhood with boutiques, street art, and local designer shops. If you want unique fashion or accessories, check out the shopping along Auahi Street.
  • Waikiki Trolley: Take the Pink Line for a quick ride to Waikiki or explore Honolulu on other scenic routes.
Ala Moana Beach Park can't be missed.

Ala Moana Beach Park can't be missed.

Grab Your Free Travel Guides!

Oahu Intro Visitor Guide
+ Our Summary Guidesheet!

Includes the top must-see & do attractions, best times to visit, a monthly weather & visitor summary, and our tips on how to save when booking your car rental, tours, and activities. Plus, grab our free Oahu Summary Guidesheets. Check out our Updated Oahu Visitor Guides.

Nearby Places to Eat

Whether you want a casual meal or an upscale dining experience, these options are close to Ala Moana Beach Park:

Casual Bites

  • L&L Hawaiian Barbecue – A local favorite for plate lunches with kalua pork, loco moco, and more (inside Ala Moana Center).
  • Honolulu Coffee – Known for their Hawaiian-grown coffee and acai bowls (inside Ala Moana Center).
  • Goofy Cafe & Dine – Serves healthy Hawaiian-inspired dishes, about 5 minutes from the park.

Upscale & Sit-Down Restaurants

  • The Signature Prime Steak & Seafood – Located in the Ala Moana Hotel, offering steak and fresh seafood with incredible views.
  • Mariposa – Inside Neiman Marcus Ala Moana, perfect for fine dining with an ocean view.
  • MW Restaurant – A local favorite for modern Hawaiian cuisine, a short drive from the park.

Ala Moana Beach Park is the perfect mix of relaxation, recreation, and convenience. Whether you’re looking to swim, surf, shop, or enjoy a sunset, this Honolulu gem has something for everyone!

342x150 Beach Chair

Ala Moana Beach Park Reviews

Guidereview:
A (based on 1,553 visitor reviews)

Geolocation Data

Geographic Coordinates

Latitude: 21.2880348
Longitude: -157.8463912

Open in Google Maps

beach_access Lifeguard
Yes
multiple_stop Length
Roughly a half-mile long
bathtub Facilities
Showers & Restrooms
outdoor_grill Dining
Picnic Areas and nearby restaurants
pool Activities
Swimming
Sunbathing
Snorkeling
Body Boarding
SUP Boarding
Short Hikes
Recommended Tours Nearby

Affiliate Disclosure: We may earn commissions from some travel partners (like Amazon or Expedia) which helps us maintain this site. These links are at no extra cost to you and don't impact our honest & unbiased recommendations. Remove all the ads →

Free Oahu Visitor Guides »+ Download Our 2025 Oahu Guidesheet!