Things to do nearFort DeRussy Beach Park
Fort DeRussy Beach Park is a beloved public beach in Waikiki, Hawaii, offering open sand, calm waters, and rare green space free from resort crowds.
Fort DeRussy Beach Park occupies a stretch of Waikiki shoreline that has been under federal and military stewardship for well over a century, which is precisely why it has remained undeveloped while neighboring parcels filled with hotels. The land was acquired by the U.S. Army in the early twentieth century and used for coastal defense installations, remnants of which still stand nearby in the form of Battery Randolph, now home to the U.S. Army Museum of Hawaii. That military history lends the park a quiet distinction among Honolulu's beaches.
Today the park is managed as a public recreational space, drawing locals and visitors alike to its generous lawn, volleyball areas, and clean sandy beach. The water along this section of Waikiki is generally calm compared to more exposed stretches, making it suitable for swimming, snorkeling in the near-shore reef areas, and paddling. Lifeguards are typically present, adding a layer of reassurance for families. The grassy inland portion of the park sees picnickers, yoga practitioners, and people simply resting in the shade of palm and ironwood trees.
Food and refreshment options are available within easy walking distance along Kalakaua Avenue, Waikiki's main thoroughfare, where a full range of casual and sit-down dining reflects the neighborhood's multicultural character. What makes Fort DeRussy Beach Park genuinely worth seeking out is the combination of accessible shoreline, historical depth, and breathing room that is increasingly rare along one of the world's most visited coastlines.
7-day forecast
Chance of rainTips for visiting Fort DeRussy Beach Park
Visit during weekday mornings for the quietest stretch of sand and the calmest surf conditions before the midday crowds arrive.
Bring a beach mat and sunscreen, as the grassy lawn areas offer some shade but the open sand gets direct sun through most of the afternoon.
Try stand-up paddleboarding from the shoreline here, as the relatively sheltered water makes it a forgiving spot for beginners.
Walk north along the beach path to reach the U.S. Army Museum of Hawaii, located just steps from the park and free to enter.
Keep an eye on the horizon around sunset, as Fort DeRussy Beach Park sits at an angle that offers unobstructed views of the sky over the Pacific.
Top tours & experiences near Fort DeRussy Beach Park
Parasail Above Oahu’s South Shore
Parasail up to 1,000 feet with Diamond Head views
Oahu Sunset Boat Charter with Music & Drinks
Relax with music and drinks while watching Oahu’s sunset from the water
Private Whale Watching Charter in Honolulu
Speed along Oahu’s coast on a fast boat to maximize your chances of spotting humpback whales.
Private Sunrise Coastal Cruise in Honolulu
Catch breathtaking island sunrise and enjoy gourmet donuts and bubbles on a private 2-hour cruise.
Honolulu Sunset Cruise to Secluded Tiki Bar
Sail to Oahu's original tiki bar at sunset for cocktails and coastal views
Honolulu Private Snorkeling & Wildlife Cruise
Enjoy a customizable private cruise with snorkeling, wildlife watching, and spectacular South Shore scenery
Private Surf & Paddle Board Lesson in Waikiki
Master waves or paddle boarding with personalized one-on-one coaching from licensed instructors.
Semi-Private Surf Lesson In Waikiki
Learn to surf or stand-up paddleboard with a semi-private group in Waikiki
Guided Historical Bike Tour in Honolulu
Cycle Waikiki to Chinatown with Aloha Tower views on a guided history ride
Guided Foodie Bike Tour in Waikiki
Ride Waikiki and taste local favorites with 5–6 food stops
Paddleboard Rental on Waikiki Beach
Rent a stand-up paddleboard and paddle along Waikiki Beach
Catch Waves on Outrigger Canoe with Captain
Catch waves with certified Canoe Captains on a 30-minute Waikiki ride
Take a 75-Minute Family Surf Lesson in Waikiki
Surf together in a 75-minute family lesson at Waikiki Beach
Small-Group Surf Lesson in Waikiki Beach
Surf in Waikiki with a 2–3 person lesson and all gear included
2-Hour Guided Snorkel Tour at Turtle Canyon, Waikiki
Snorkel Turtle Canyons with guides and included gear
2-Hour Waikiki Sunset Cruise & Swim Charter
Cruise from Waikiki and swim as the sun sets at sea
2-Hour Honolulu Snorkel Tour at Turtle Canyons
Snorkel Turtle Canyons with expert guides and all gear provided
Waikiki Friday Fireworks Sunset Boat Cruise
Sail at sunset to view Waikiki’s Friday fireworks with music and snacks
Sail & Swim on a Waikiki Sunset Cruise
Bring your own drinks on a Waikīkī sunset sail with a swim stop
VIP Waikīkī Luau: Prime Rib, Lei & Stage Seating
Enjoy closest-to-stage seating, a welcome lei and cocktails, plus a prime rib buffet with live Polynesian performances
Snorkel Turtle Canyon on a Waikiki Sail Cruise
Sail off Waikiki and snorkel Turtle Canyon for tropical fish and sea turtles
Watch Whales in Waikiki With Hydrophone Audio
Cruise Waikiki on a trimaran and listen for humpback whale songs
Watch a Rooftop Hula Show & Cocktails in Waikiki
Sip a cocktail and watch the Nā Lei Aloha hula and music show on a Waikīkī rooftop
Waikiki 2 Tank Scuba Dive
Discover Waikiki's underwater world on a two-tank dive with all gear included.
Bring Your Own Drinks Waikiki Sunset Cruise
Cruise Waikiki at sunset on a BYOB 90-minute power boat