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.
Do sunset yoga on a stand-up paddleboard at Magic Island
Sail a 2-hour private sunset cruise for up to 6 guests
Explore two vibrant shallow reefs with ample bottom time ideal for photographers and newer divers.
Surf lessons at Kalaeloa Beach Park with 1–2 hour options for ages 3+
Charter a private glass-bottom catamaran for up to 49 guests on Oahu’s coast
Shallow reef dive at Electric Beach with gear included
Meet Cousin Flippa over lunch at McGarrett's House
Cycle Waikiki to Chinatown with Aloha Tower views on a guided history ride
Explore Honolulu’s royal landmarks, memorial and beach park in one private outing
See Honolulu’s Friday night fireworks from the water with an open bar
Book a private 5-in-1 snorkel charter for your large group in Honolulu
Get your beach-day gear delivered, from paddling equipment to a cooler with ice
Learn standup paddling basics in 1 hour at Magic Island
Paddle at night with underwater LED lights at Magic Island
Skip hauling beach gear with delivery and pickup
Learn to surf in a 2-hour group lesson with a small instructor ratio
Private beginner scuba dive with 1-on-1 instruction and free videos
Sail Waikiki Waters with Snorkeling Gear and Drinks Included
Flow on LED-lit boards, then watch Honolulu fireworks from the water
Learn to surf in a 2-hour semi-private lesson with a 2:1 student-to-instructor ratio
Sunset sailing, sightseeing, and complimentary drinks aboard Manu Kai
Paddle Ala Moana Beach, then flow through SUP yoga
Surf with 1-on-1 instruction in Honolulu • 2 hours