Ala Moana Beach Park Honolulu
Honolulu's 100-acre urban park with calm, man-made waters, playgrounds, and vibrant community life, adjacent to a major shopping center.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Tranquil atmosphere
Ala Moana Beach Park Honolulu
Best Time
Tranquil atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Honolulu's 100-acre urban park with calm, man-made waters, playgrounds, and vibrant community life, adjacent to a major shopping center.
"A beloved urban oasis with calm waters, perfect for families and community gatherings."
🚶♀️ Perimeter Walk
The park perimeter is about 2.3 miles – a great way to get steps in and enjoy the scenery!
👨👩👧 Kid-Friendly Fun
Calm waters and a large playground make it ideal for families with children.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Calm Waters at Ala Moana Beach
Main beach area
Man-made breakwaters create gentle waves, perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, and family fun.

Magic Island Peninsula
Eastern end of the park
Offers stunning city and Diamond Head views, a man-made cove, and is a popular spot for picnics and sunset watching.

Vibrant Community Hub
Throughout the park
Experience local life with frequent BBQs, parties, and events, especially on weekends.
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for a Peaceful Experience
Navigating Ala Moana: Park & Beyond
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Perimeter Walk
The park perimeter is about 2.3 miles – a great way to get steps in and enjoy the scenery!
👨👩👧 Kid-Friendly Fun
Calm waters and a large playground make it ideal for families with children.
🌅 Sunset Views
Magic Island offers spectacular sunset vistas over the city skyline.
🧘♀️ Waterfront Yoga
Join Wednesday evening yoga sessions for a relaxing experience by the ocean.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Perimeter Walk
The park perimeter is about 2.3 miles – a great way to get steps in and enjoy the scenery!
👨👩👧 Kid-Friendly Fun
Calm waters and a large playground make it ideal for families with children.
🌅 Sunset Views
Magic Island offers spectacular sunset vistas over the city skyline.
🧘♀️ Waterfront Yoga
Join Wednesday evening yoga sessions for a relaxing experience by the ocean.
🧺 Picnic Perfect
Bring blankets and chairs for a comfortable picnic, especially before events.
🚗 Parking Perks
Free parking is available, but can fill up fast during popular events.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ala Moana Beach Park is a beloved urban oasis praised for its calm waters, family-friendly atmosphere, and vibrant community events. Visitors appreciate the free parking and scenic views, especially from Magic Island. However, some note that public restrooms could be better maintained and that homeless individuals are sometimes present, particularly in certain areas.
"Our main purpose when we came here was to watch the Friday fireworks. This park is big and has nice views of the city. It’s also a great place to relax, hang out, read a book and walking or jogging It’s a great place for kids to play in the playground or run around. It’s has plenty of parking too and it’s also free but keep in mind that it gets busy during special events like the fireworks. Best to get there early.
I recommend bringing picnic blankets and chair if you’re going to hang out for a bit. We were there a couple of hours before the fireworks mainly to get a good spot and get a good view. We brought some food and enjoyed an early dinner.
Overall a nice park however just be aware of your surroundings as we’ve seen people with carts and tents on the other side. The public washroom wasn’t as great either, not well maintained but I guess it’s just like any other public park."
Ivee M
"Memorial Day, Shinnyo-En lantern floating Hawaii 2025. I just wanted to give you all a couple of tips, hope it helps.
*There is a separate line for military members which is MUCH shorter.
*Bring a beach chair or towel to sit on while you wait for your lantern.
*Bring an umbrella or hat for sun protection, sun block, and water.
* There is parking at Ala Moana center.
* Bring a lighter, the grill ones work best to light the lantern.
We pick up our lantern, take it home to write our messages and then come back for the ceremony. Some people prefer to stay all day and enjoy the beach park 🏖🌴"
Angelica Jackson
"Its a beautiful and large park with public access to the beach tough. There are enough slots to park , many people walking, surfing or just sharing a barbeque on the large extension of grass with many big trees shadowing. I was in the second week of June and the only "but" was the incredible amount of flies around."
ALFRED CARV
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ala Moana Beach Park is conveniently located just west of Waikiki. You can take a short bus ride (many routes stop at Ala Moana Center), a taxi, or even walk if you enjoy a longer stroll.
Yes, there is free parking available throughout the park. However, it can get very crowded, especially on weekends and during special events. Arriving early is recommended.
Yes, it's a walkable distance. You can follow the sidewalks or take a bike over the bridge into Waikiki. The walk is scenic and offers different perspectives of the coastline.
Ala Moana Center is a major transit hub with numerous bus routes serving it. Many routes will take you directly to or very close to the park. Check local bus schedules for specific routes from your location.
While generally safe, it's advisable to be aware of your surroundings after dark. Some Reddit users mention encountering individuals who might seem 'interesting,' but most find it populated and safe for evening walks if you stay aware.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Ala Moana Beach Park is a public park and is free to enter. There are no admission fees for general access.
The park is generally open from early morning until late evening. Specific hours can vary, but it's typically accessible from sunrise to sunset, with some areas like sports courts lit at night.
No reservations are needed for general park access. However, if you plan to host a large event or picnic, you might need to look into permit information for specific areas or facilities.
Yes, the park frequently hosts events, including Friday night fireworks, community gatherings, and festivals like the Shinnyo-En lantern floating ceremony. Check local listings for event schedules.
Absolutely! Ala Moana Beach Park is a popular spot for picnics and BBQs. Many visitors bring their own food, blankets, and chairs to enjoy the day.
🎫 🏊 Onsite Experience
Yes, Ala Moana Beach is known for its calm waters due to the protective breakwaters, making it excellent for swimming, especially for families and less experienced swimmers.
You can swim, sunbathe, paddleboard, jog, walk, have picnics, play in the playground, and enjoy the various sports facilities like tennis and basketball courts.
Yes, there are multiple restrooms available throughout the park. Some reviews mention they could be better maintained, but they are functional.
It can get quite crowded, especially on weekends, holidays, and during special events like the Friday fireworks. Weekdays offer a more relaxed experience.
While the main beach area is calm, there can be some surfable waves further out or on certain days, but it's not primarily known as a surf spot compared to other Oahu beaches.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there aren't many sit-down restaurants directly within the park, food trucks often frequent the area, and Ala Moana Center, located across the street, offers a vast array of dining options from casual to upscale.
Ala Moana Center, adjacent to the park, has an extensive food court and numerous restaurants. You can also find local favorites like musubi nearby.
Yes, BBQs are a popular activity at Ala Moana Beach Park. There are designated areas, and many locals enjoy grilling and picnicking.
You can grab groceries from nearby supermarkets like Foodland within Ala Moana Center, or pick up pre-made bentos and snacks. Food trucks are also a convenient option.
While Matsumoto Shaved Ice is famous in Haleiwa, you can find other shaved ice vendors and dessert spots within Ala Moana Center.
📸 📸 Photography
Magic Island offers great city skyline and Diamond Head views. The beach itself provides beautiful oceanfront shots, and the park's greenery offers diverse backdrops.
Absolutely! The sunsets over the ocean from Ala Moana Beach Park, especially from Magic Island, are stunning and make for incredible photography opportunities.
Yes, Ala Moana Beach Park is a popular spot to watch and photograph the Friday night fireworks. Arrive early to secure a good vantage point.
A versatile setup works well. A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes and the expansive beach, while a telephoto can capture details of the city or distant surfers. Don't forget a polarizing filter for vibrant ocean shots.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or videography might require permits. Always be respectful of others' privacy.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing sand toys and floaties for extra fun in the water. The convenience of nearby restrooms and ample free parking (though it can get busy) adds to the family-friendly appeal. For a break from the beach, the adjacent Ala Moana Center offers a wide range of dining options and shops, including kid-friendly eateries and entertainment.
🏃♀️ Active Travelers & Joggers
The park also features tennis courts and basketball courts, which are often lit at night, allowing for evening games. The open grassy areas are perfect for a quick workout or stretching session. Remember to stay hydrated, especially during warmer months, and enjoy the beautiful ocean views as you exercise.
🛍️ Shoppers & Foodies
The center also offers an incredible variety of food options. The food court is a popular spot for quick and affordable meals, while numerous restaurants provide diverse culinary experiences. This makes it easy to combine a relaxing beach visit with a satisfying shopping trip and a delicious meal, all within close proximity.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Ala Moana Beach Park
Beyond the beach itself, the park is a vibrant hub of local life. Weekends often see numerous family gatherings, BBQs, and community events, creating a lively atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll or a brisk jog along the perimeter, which spans about 2.3 miles, offering scenic views of the coastline and the city. The park's accessibility and free entry make it a popular choice for both locals and tourists seeking an authentic Hawaiian park experience.
Adjacent to the park is Magic Island, a man-made peninsula that provides breathtaking panoramic views of the Honolulu skyline and Diamond Head. It's a prime location for watching the sunset, taking photos, and enjoying a peaceful moment. While the park offers a serene escape, it's worth noting that some areas might have homeless encampments, and public restrooms may not always be pristine, reflecting the realities of a well-used urban park.
Shopping and Dining Delights at Ala Moana Center
The culinary scene at Ala Moana Center is equally impressive. The center boasts a diverse food court offering everything from local favorites like musubi to international cuisine. Beyond the food court, numerous restaurants cater to all tastes and budgets, making it easy to grab a quick bite or enjoy a sit-down meal. This proximity means you can easily combine a relaxing beach day with a shopping spree or a delicious meal.
For those looking for unique experiences, the Center Stage at Ala Moana Center often hosts hula shows and other performances, adding a cultural flair to your visit. The center also houses the only official LEGO store in Hawaii, a must-visit for fans of the iconic building bricks.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit