Spanning 100 acres, Ala Moana Beach Park is a great place to go and spend some time away from the busy city. Here, you can take a break and have a picnic in the shade, participate in the many activities on offer or cool off in the beautiful waters of the Pacific Ocean.
Head for the sands and soak up the sun on the 800-metre-long Ala Moana beach. This stretch of sand is one of the safest places to go swimming anywhere on the island, with calm waters created by the offshore reef making it a great spot whatever the weather. If you’re bringing the family, head for the beach’s eastern end, where kids can make the most of the soft, sandy beaches and the pleasant, safe waters.
The park is also ideal for an active getaway. Locals and visitors alike flock here to make the most of the great outdoors. You can head out into the water for a stand-up paddle boarding session, play in the tennis courts, or enjoy a long workout or a jog. Exercise equipment is available in the park and is free of charge. Try in-line skating or swim lap after lap in the deepwater channel just off the beach. Head out surfing on the fine waves, or try scuba diving and snorkelling to explore the coral reefs here.
Alternatively, for a more relaxing trip, enjoy some quiet time beneath the banyan trees in the park. Join the freshwater turtles which amble through the ponds here in this beautiful, tranquil spot.
Make sure you visit Magic Island in the east of the park. You might even catch one of the shows held here, such as the Lantern Floating festival in May or the dazzling firework display celebrating Independence Day on 4 July.
You can take the bus to Ala Moana Beach Park, boarding the regular service from downtown Honolulu. If you’re driving, there is ample parking, but spaces can be taken quickly at weekends and in the peak season.