A walk on Waikiki Beach is everything you’d expect to see in Oahu, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Hawaii. Waikiki is undoubtedly a beautiful sandy beach, with exquisite views of Diamond Head Crater looming large, and home to some vibrant luxury hotels that literally allow you to walk straight out onto the beach from their doorsteps. But if crowds aren’t your thing, you should head to nearby Ala Moana Beach Park, a man-made option that offers a quieter ambiance and all the perks of being one of those somewhat secret locations in Hawaii that only locals know.
Ala Moana Beach Park is a more secluded, half-mile-long, 119-acre beach with plenty of room to sunbathe, swim, or just hang out. Aptly named Ala Moana, which means “path to the sea,” the beach has recently been named one of the best city parks in the U.S. by travelers (via USA Today). At this beach park, you can also discover a small, half-crescent beach called Magic Island that juts out like a peninsula. What makes the experience even better is how easy it is to get to the beach via the free shuttle that runs between Waikiki Beach and Ala Moana.
If you have a car, there’s plenty of free parking at the beach during the day (but no parking after 10 p.m.) Besides sun and surf, Ala Moana Beach Park also has shady trees, concession stands, tennis courts, lifeguards, outdoor showers, and more to enjoy. If you get too hot, head to the Ala Moana Shopping Center right across the street, the largest open-air mall in the world with more than 350 stores, dining, entertainment, and plenty of culture.
Enjoy water sports, ride bikes, and have a picnic at Ala Moana Beach Park
