Ala Moana Beach Park is a calm, family-friendly beach between Waikiki and downtown Honolulu. Protected by a shallow reef, ideal for swimming, picnicking, and photos of Diamond Head.
Honolulu beach tours
Just outside Waikiki
Minutes away with a laid-back vibe
No extra costs
No fees for Ala Moana Beach Park
Great for all ages
Nice calm waters with gentle slope
Amenities & food
There are restrooms & food stands
Self-guided spot
Anything longer than a ʻphoto stopʻ
Tour Guide & Founder
Living in Waikiki for nearly 20 years, I’ve made countless memories at Ala Moana Beach Park. From family barbecues and Friday night fireworks to watching friends get married, it’s a local favorite.
Tour Guide & Founder
Living in Waikiki for nearly 20 years, I’ve made countless memories at Ala Moana Beach Park. From family barbecues and Friday night fireworks to watching friends get married, it’s a local favorite.
Ala Moana Beach Park stops
Ala Moana is ideal for a laid-back beach day with Diamond Head Crater views. There are also shaded picnic spots, nearby eateries, and views of the Waikiki Yacht Club, famously featured in Gilligan’s Island.
You’ll find local fishermen, canoe clubs, joggers, paddle boarders, yoga classes, and families enjoying one of Honolulu’s favorite gathering places.
Lifeguards are posted to keep the water safe from sunrise to sunset, and facilities like restrooms with outdoor showers are available nearby.
Aina Moana (Ala Moana)
This man-made park was intended to be a resort section outside of Waikiki, by the then recently built shopping mall. There was even a boat harbor beginning to be dredged when plans changed. Itʻs now home to the Floating Lantern Ceremony each year, where lost loved ones are memorialized.
| Detail | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Beach Type | ✓ Calm urban lagoon-style shoreline near Honolulu. |
| Ocean Conditions | ✓ Very low-risk conditions with typically calm waters. |
| Best For | ✓ Swimming, jogging, local hangouts, and relaxed sunset. |
| Crowd Level | ✓ Moderate to high, especially with local residents. |
| Entry Style | ✓ Easy public access with no hike required. |
| Best Timing | ✓ Late afternoon for sunset views and cooler temperatures. |
- Operating Hours: Parking lot open from 4:00 am - 10:00 pm
- Special Events: Extremely busy on holidays and events
- Parking Costs: Parking is free at Ala Moana Beach lot
- Restrictions: No stops on weekends or public holidays
- Address: 1201 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814
- From Waikiki: 10 min drive, 20 min bus ride, 40 min walk
- From Ko Olina: 45-60 minutes (H1 East), 2 hours by Bus
- From Turtle Bay: 90 minute drive (H2), 3 hour bus ride
Similar activities & close spots
Whether you’re here to relax, explore, or even participate in a beach cleanup, Oahu’s best beaches are just around the corner. Looking for other calm swimming spots or photo-friendly views? We’ve got you covered.
But wait, there’s more. Click the button to discover even more breathtaking Oahu beaches.
These are the top nearby activities and location options available on this featured tour.
Ala Moana Beach near Waikiki
Whether you’re capturing a quiet sunset, photographing the city skyline, or Friday Night Fireworks, Ala Moana Beach is a must-see. This family favorite is perfect for a Half-Day Circle Island Tour of the South Shore, or on any full-day trip:
Mini Circle Island
-
Group rates from
$699
- See the North or South Shore
- 1 activity + 2/3 photo stops
- 6 hour custom private tour
Oahu Specialty Tour
-
Group rates from
$799
- Around any theme/activity
- Choose any routes or location
- 9 hour custom private tour
About seeing Ala Moana beach
Where is Ala Moana, and how do you get there?
Ala Moana Beach Park is located on the south shore of Oahu, just west of Waikiki in Honolulu. The park spans about 100 acres and includes a half-mile stretch of sandy beach. It’s easily accessible by car, bus, bike, or on foot.
If you’re coming from Waikiki, it’s a short ride or scenic walk along Ala Moana Boulevard. There’s plenty of parking, and public transit stops nearby but of course, weʻre happy to take you.
What makes this Beach Park unique vs others?
Ala Moana stands out for its calm, reef-protected waters, making it a favorite for swimmers, stand-up paddlers, and families. Unlike the surf-heavy spots nearby, it’s great for relaxing and safe swimming.
Magic Island, a man-made peninsula at the park’s east end, adds a scenic walking path, lagoon, and sweeping views of the city and Diamond Head.
What are the park hours and the best times to visit?
The park is open daily from 4:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. While the beach itself is technically accessible 24/7, amenities like restrooms and parking lots follow park hours.
Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to visit. That way, you’ll avoid the crowds and catch cooler weather and beautiful light.
Do I need a reservation or permit at Ala Moana?
No reservation is needed for casual beach days, walks, or swims. But, a permit from the City and County of Honolulu may be required if you’re planning an event, a large picnic, or using tents and equipment.
Check in advance if you’re organizing something formal or with a group.
Any rules or restrictions to know at Ala Moana?
Yes, apart from the options we listed for guests on Your Private Tours, here are a few to keep in mind:
- The park closes and facilities are locked during that time.
- Pets are not allowed in the park.
- Open fires are prohibited; use designated grills only.
- Feeding birds and wildlife is discouraged.
Commercial activity requires a special permit.
Following these rules helps keep Ala Moana clean, safe, and welcoming for everyone.
Ala Moana has something to see any time of day, from laid-back afternoons to golden hour sunsets. Snap city views, watch surfers and paddle boarders cruise by, or just soak in the sun and scene. The wide variety of activities and generally light traffic is why many locals prefer this spot to the nearby Waikiki beach and resort area.
Explore Routes
Pick from iconic destinations like Pearl Harbor, the North Shore, or a majestic Circle Island adventure to perfect your getaway!
Select Length
Enjoy a half-day excursion or a full-day adventure. You can go all out with a sunrise-to-sunset tour and make the most of your day.
Must See Stops
Customize your private tour with family favorites, local cuisine, shopping, hiking, and visits to some of the best island beaches.
More ideas from Halia Private Tours
Here in Hawaii, we treat guests like family. That means care, respect, and aloha in everything we do. We love keeping you in the loop with local tips, stories, and island favorites. You’re always welcome to check out what’s happening across Oahu.
If you like Ala Moana Beach Park, we’ve got more stories and tips to share. Check out the Things to Do on Oahu blog for local insights and other great spots to explore around the island.
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More great Oahu beaches tours
Ala Moana Beach is an easy addition to private Pearl Harbor tours, especially if youʻre staying in town. We’ve got a few similar routes that might be a better fit. That way, you and your family can find the perfect place to kick back and enjoy precisely the day you want.
Pearl Harbor Tour
-
Group rates from
$699
- See the North or South Shore
- 1 activity + 2/3 photo stops
- 6 hour custom private tour
Circle Island Tour
-
Group rates from
$799
- Circle the Koolau Mountains
- 1-2 activities + 3-5 photo stops
- 9 hour custom private tour
Positive impact tour
- 1.5 hour positive impact
- 2-3 activities + 4-6 photo stops
- 12 hour custom private tour
Not sure which Oahu beach tour is right for you? Please take our quick tour quiz or head to the footer for easy links. We’ll help you find the one that fits.
