Ala Moana Beach Park is, by far, Honolulu's most popular local beach and park destination. Honolulu residents enjoy this beautiful park from morning to sunset. Ala Moana Beach Park is a place to relax, exercise, and to reconnect with friends and family. The beautiful surroundings are a draw for residents who visit the park throughout the day. While this beach park is only a few minutes away from world-recognized Waikiki Beach, the two beaches are quite different. Waikiki Beach is adored by the constant flow of new visitors who come to Oahu from all over the world. Ala Moana Beach Park, on the other hand, is more of a local hangout right in the heart of Honolulu. Many of the same people come to the beach park on a regular basis. On any day, you can find area residents enjoying the calm water and the park space that surrounds the beach. With plenty of parking, restrooms, showers, and even a snack bar, Ala Moana Beach Park is as convenient, as it is beautiful.
Ala Moana Beach Park and Magic Island
Ala Moana Beach Park - Top 10 Reasons to Visit!
1. The Beach
Ala Moana golden sand beach is over a half-mile long. Since it is a fairly large and wide beach, there is plenty of space for everyone. It is rarely crowded so residents can truly relax in the sun. Most of the sand at Ala Moana Beach is soft and soothing. There are a few spots where coral is present, but it's easy to avoid these areas.
Ala Moana Beach with a view of Waikiki and Diamond Head.
2. The Park
Ala Moana Beach Park sits on of 100 acres of land, which includes the beach. The park includes a variety of plants, trees, large grassy areas, and a natural lagoon. Beautiful trees run along the paths and provide shade and natural beauty, while the grassy areas are perfect for play areas, and gatherings. The size of the park offers plenty of privacy, despite the fact that it is located right in the busiest part of Honolulu. A man-made peninsula that extends out to the ocean, is called Magic Island. It is also part of Ala Moana Park. Magic Island is a great place to catch views of Waikiki, Diamond Head, and Ala Wai Harbor. It is also a beautiful area for a relaxing stroll along the ocean.
Ala Moana Beach Park has open and shaded areas, with many varieties of plants throughout the park. View of Park Lane Ala Moana.
3. The Location - Check out the VIDEO
One of the best parts of Ala Moana Beach Park is its location. It is the most convenient park on Oahu, and it happens to be in the most popular areas of Honolulu, the Ala Moana and Kakaako neighborhoods. Thousands of residents who live close to the park, can easily make their way to the beach without having to drive, or at least drive far. Having this beautiful park right in the city is really a treat for so many. The actual location is in between Kewalo Harbor, and the Ala Wai Canal in Waikiki. With the addition of new condos at Ward Village, and Park Lane Ala Moana directly across from the park, this beach park will become a favorite for many more. The location and popularity of the park is a big draw for people who are considering moving closer to the heart of the city. Desiring a more convenient location, buildings like Waiea, Anaha, Waihonua, Ko'ula, The Park at Ward Village, to name a few, are extremely popular with residents looking for new condos in Honolulu. These condo buildings not only provide the updated, new, and luxurious living many desire, but also the incredible lifestyle that comes with living in this part of Honolulu. Ala Moana Beach Park is a piece of this puzzle and a huge benefit to the residents living nearby.
Ala Moana Beach with Kakaako and Ward Village condos in the background.
4. Miles of Running/Walking Trails
The paved sidewalk around Ala Moana Beach Park is about 2.75 miles with additional paths that run across the park in several locations. Guests of the park enjoy these trails on a daily basis. At all times of the day, you can spot people running and walking all over the park. The paths are also wheelchair and mobility scooter accessible so that they can be enjoyed by all. The scenery around the park is beautiful and different at all locations. In one visit, park guests can see the ocean, watch sailboats leave the Ala Wai Marina, and enjoy the mature tropical vegetation that covers the entire 100 acres of the park. Treadmill running will never be the same after a walk/run at Ala Moana Beach Park.
Trails throughout the Park.
5. Fabulous for Swimming
Since the natural coral reef stretches from the tip of Magic Island on one side, to the end of the park on the other end, the area between the reef and the beach is a natural lagoon. The lagoon is a fabulous spot for distance swimming, or just a fun time relaxing in the ocean. It's deep in some areas for more advanced swimmers, who desire to do close to half-mile laps in the ocean, and very shallow by the beach for those who just want to play in the water. The reef breaks the surf, so the water inside the lagoon remains calm 99.9% of the time.
Ala Moana Beach Park is great for swimming, whether it's for fun or as part of an exercise program.
6. Calm Water for Paddle Boarding
The natural lagoon at Ala Moana Beach is also a perfect spot for paddleboarding. The length of the lagoon allows for a leisurely paddle or a good workout for more experienced paddlers. Just as with swimming, it's easier to paddle without the big ocean swell. Since the reef breaks much of the surf, paddle boarding inside the lagoon is very enjoyable. The water is calm. On any day, there are multiple people paddleboarding across the lagoon. It's a good spot for learning how to paddleboard, and with plenty of parking by the beach, getting the board to and from the water is easy. There are showers at different spots to help wash the saltwater off too.
Ala Moana Beach Park is one of the best spots for paddleboarding in Honolulu.
7. Surfing In The City
In how many places in the world can one go surfing in the morning and still make it to work on time? The list is small. Fortunately for us here in Honolulu, we are lucky enough to be on that list of places where surfing can be easily incorporated into a daily routine. The surf just outside the reef in ocean waters outside of the Ala Moana Beach lagoon is a popular surfing spot. Just be careful — the coral is sharp. Knowing where to go in, so you can avoid getting cut is key. It's best to get local advice from a veteran surfer.
A popular surfing spot in waters off of Ala Moana Beach Park.
8. Ocean View Picnic Areas
Ala Moana Beach Park is definitely a favorite for picnics. Weekends and holidays are especially busy with families and friends gathering at the park to spend the whole day enjoying the weather, the ocean, good food, and great company. Bringing supplies, beach chairs, tents, BBQs, coolers, and tables, is easy. With all the space that Ala Moana Park offers, everyone can set up their picnic area, and have a great spot for the day. Ala Moana Beach Park is a gathering place for residents from all of Honolulu and surrounding areas. It's a beautiful area!
Picnics at Ala Moana Park are a local favorite tradition.
9. Paved Bike Trails
Owning a bike in the core of Honolulu is not a necessity. With Biki Bike rentals, it's easy to go for a bike ride. Visiting Ala Moana Beach Park on a bicycle is a relaxing experience. Paved trails that loop around and crisscross the park, allow bicycle riders an opportunity to have an enjoyable by the ocean. The canopies of large trees provide shade and a visually pleasing bicycling experience.
Ala Moana Beach Park is a great place for a relaxing bike ride.
10. Public Tennis Courts
Tennis anyone? With multiple public courts, it's easy to keep up with your tennis skills. Anyone can sign up for court time at no cost. The courts have good lighting for anyone who can't play during the day or simply chooses not to because it may be too hot outside. While a few of the Kakaako condo buildings have tennis courts, like the Hokua, the Anaha, or the Ko Olani, not everyone has that opportunity. Having access to public tennis courts, allows all Honolulu residents to practice and enjoy the game with free court time. This is yet another reason why people love living in this part of Honolulu. The convenience is unmatched.
Public use tennis courts at Ala Moana Beach Park.
BONUS - Magical Sunsets
Ahhhh... I can't end this list without mentioning the amazing sunsets that can be seen from Ala Moana Beach Park on a regular basis. Staying at the park long enough to watch the sunset, is a magical experience. Our Hawaiian sunsets are breathtaking!
The sunsets at Ala Moana Beach Park are often mesmerizing.
If you have any questions about Oahu real estate, please don't hesitate to contact me. Kinga Mills
