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.
Private morning sail for memorials, ash scatterings, and meaningful ceremonies
Book a 1-year class package in Honolulu and save time at checkout
Make a private SUP yoga class your own at Magic Island
Learn to surf in a 2-hour group of up to 4 students per instructor
Learn stand-up paddleboarding with one-on-one instruction
Sail Waikīkī at sunset with drinks and light bites included
Search for humpback whales off Oahu’s south shore with scenic views of Waikiki
Cruise Waikiki reefs and snorkel with lunch included
Speed along Oahu’s coast on a fast boat to maximize your chances of spotting humpback whales.
Learn to stand-up paddle in calm waters at Pokai Bay with 1–2 hour lesson options
Customize your Waikiki cruise with snorkeling or scuba and VIP staff attention
Take a 50-minute doors-off helicopter flight over Oahu’s top landmarks
Dive the Mahi shipwreck, then explore West Oahu lava tubes
Cruise Oahu waters to see humpback whales with expert guides during peak December–April season.
Discover vibrant marine life and Diamond Head views on a guided Waikiki snorkel experience.
Spot humpbacks from a 69-foot luxury yacht with expert crew, snacks, and a stable ride
Dive vibrant coral reefs with private guides, quality gear, and underwater photos/videos
Relaxing afternoon sail with guaranteed whale sightings along Oahu’s west coast
Explore Oahu’s reefs with free nitrox on both dives
Catch breathtaking island sunrise and enjoy gourmet donuts and bubbles on a private 2-hour cruise.
Scenic Waikiki sail with guaranteed humpback sightings and skyline views
Explore Oahu’s shipwrecks and reefs with a private dive guide and premium gear on a two-tank boat trip.
Sail past Diamond Head on a private 2-hour sunset yacht cruise