Ala Moana Regional Park is Honolulu's beloved urban oasis on Oahu, Hawaii, offering a sandy beach, calm swimming waters, and sweeping views of Diamond Head.
Ala Moana Regional Park was created in the 1930s from what was once a coral reef flat and tidal mudflat, transformed through dredging and fill into the broad, sandy beach Honolulu residents cherish today. The park sits along Ala Moana Boulevard, separated from the open ocean by a protective reef that keeps the inshore waters calm and well-suited for swimming, making it a consistent favorite among families, lap swimmers, and stand-up paddleboarders alike.
The park spans roughly 100 acres and includes a large grassy lawn area dotted with tall coconut palms and ironwood trees, providing natural shade for picnickers. McCoy Pavilion, a covered recreation facility within the park, hosts community events and cultural gatherings throughout the year, reflecting the diverse population of Honolulu that calls this space its own. Anglers cast lines from the rock jetty on the park's western edge, while joggers and cyclists make regular circuits along the waterfront path.
The park also serves as a gateway to Magic Island, a peninsula at its eastern end that offers panoramic views of the Honolulu skyline, the Ala Wai Boat Harbor, and the distinctive silhouette of Diamond Head in the distance. Food trucks and nearby dining options along Ala Moana Boulevard mean you can easily extend an afternoon here into an evening. Ala Moana Regional Park endures as one of the most genuinely local places on Oahu, a stretch of shore where the rhythms of everyday Hawaiian life play out against one of the Pacific's most scenic backdrops.
Visit during early morning hours to claim a shaded picnic table and enjoy the beach before the midday crowds arrive.
Try snorkeling near the reef at the western end of the park, where calmer, protected waters make for clear visibility.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen, as Hawaii state law restricts certain chemical sunscreens to protect the coral ecosystem.
Walk or jog the paved path that runs the length of the park for a scenic route with unobstructed ocean views.
Time your visit for a weekend afternoon to catch local families barbecuing and outrigger canoe clubs practicing in the channel.
Snorkel Turtle Canyon with a small group on a 1.5-hour Waikiki boat tour
Pair coastal views with a chance to snorkel alongside wild sea turtles
Snorkel Turtle Canyons with expert guides and all gear provided
Set your own agenda on a private Waikiki sail for up to 6 guests
Learn to surf at Ala Moana and avoid the crowds near Waikiki
Spot tropical fish and dazzling reefs on a one-hour glass-bottom boat cruise off Waikiki
Private snorkel boat charter to Turtle Canyons with flexible scheduling
Explore Turtle Canyon reefs on a Waikiki coastal cruise toward Diamond Head
See wild dolphins, snorkel with turtles, and enjoy lunch on a 3-hour West Oahu sail
Customize your ocean adventure with snorkeling, wildlife spotting, and BYOB relaxation
Ride The Surf Bus to Oahu’s North Shore with 2 activity choices
Enjoy a Hawaiian sunset from a catamaran with included appetizer buffet and BYOB flexibility.
Book the whole boat for a private Waikiki snorkel or cruise to Turtle Canyon
Share a private celebration at sea with family and friends
Experience a 100-foot wreck and vibrant reef on one charter tailored for certified divers.
Cruise Waikiki reefs and snorkel with lunch included
Learn stand-up paddleboarding at Ala Moana with an instructor in a supportive setting
Depart before sunset on a 1.5-hour glass-bottom boat cruise
Two-tank shallow reef boat dive with all gear included
Rent the Dolphin Warrior for a 2- or 3-hour ocean safari for up to 20 people
Unwind on a West O‘ahu sunset cruise with panoramic views, drinks, and light bites included
Trace Hawaii Five-0 scenes with local stories across Oʻahu
Sail past Waikiki and Diamond Head with a full bar onboard
Snorkel Oahu’s waters, then jump from the second deck