Ala Moana Beach Park, Honolulu City and County Parks wilderness guide
City Park · HI

Ala Moana Beach Park, Honolulu City and County Parks

Ala Moana Beach Park is a popular urban park in Honolulu offering a large sandy beach, calm lagoon for swimming, and extensive recreational facilities along the shores of Honolulu Harbor.

City Park1004+ Trails

Designation

City Park

Total Wilderness Area

100

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Ala Moana Beach Park, Honolulu City and County Parks

Ala Moana Beach Park is a popular urban park in Honolulu offering a large sandy beach, calm lagoon for swimming, and extensive recreational facilities along the shores of Honolulu Harbor.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Ala Moana Beach Park spans 100 acres along Oahu’s south shore, directly west of downtown Honolulu. Created by land reclamation in the 1930s and dedicated in 1954, it is one of Honolulu’s most accessible and visited beach parks. The park consists of a wide white sand beach facing a protected, man-made lagoon with a natural reef barrier, making it ideal for safe swimming, paddleboarding, and snorkeling. Behind the beach, the park offers large grassy areas, picnic tables, baseball fields, tennis courts, and the Ala Wai Boat Harbor nearby. The park’s flat terrain and walking paths also attract joggers, cyclists, and rollerbladers. Ecologically, the reef supports diverse tropical fish and endemic marine life, while the park grounds host native flowering trees and palms. Ala Moana Beach Park is a vital community space used year-round for recreational activities, local events, holiday celebrations, and cultural festivals. Its proximity to Waikiki and downtown Honolulu makes it a preferred destination for both residents and visitors looking for a blend of urban convenience and oceanfront leisure. The park’s lifeguarded beach, public restrooms, showers, and ample parking contribute to its appeal. Visitors appreciate the spectacular views of nearby Diamond Head crater and Kakaako’s cityscape, blending natural beauty with urban amenities.

Field Guide · City Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Ala Moana Beach Park, Honolulu City and County Parks

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Protected man-made lagoon offering calm swimming conditions✦ Expansive white sandy beach with lifeguards and picnic areas✦ Proximity to iconic Diamond Head crater on the east horizon✦ Wide paved and unpaved paths for walking, jogging, and biking
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Ala Moana Beach Park, Honolulu City and County Parks

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Swimming

Available in Ala Moana Beach Park, Honolulu City and County Parks
Park Recreation

Paddle Sports

Available in Ala Moana Beach Park, Honolulu City and County Parks
Park Recreation

Sunbathing

Available in Ala Moana Beach Park, Honolulu City and County Parks
Park Recreation

Jogging

Available in Ala Moana Beach Park, Honolulu City and County Parks
Park Recreation

Cycling

Available in Ala Moana Beach Park, Honolulu City and County Parks
Park Recreation

Picnicking

Available in Ala Moana Beach Park, Honolulu City and County Parks
Park Recreation

Beach Volleyball

Available in Ala Moana Beach Park, Honolulu City and County Parks
Park Recreation

Snorkeling

Available in Ala Moana Beach Park, Honolulu City and County Parks
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Ala Moana Beach Park, Honolulu City and County Parks
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Ala Moana Beach Park, Honolulu City and County Parks
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Ala Moana Beach Park, Honolulu City and County Parks.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free public access, no permits or fees required.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Ala Moana Beach Park, Honolulu City and County Parks

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Waikīkī, Hawaii
⌖ 1.46 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Waikīkī, Hawaii

Waikīkī is the ultimate Hawaiian beachfront town offering world-famous surfing, scenic hikes, and vibrant ocean activities. Perfect for outdoor lovers seeking both adventure and urban convenience with iconic views and lively beaches.

April to October
Explore Town
Honolulu, HI
⌖ 1.57 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Honolulu, HI

Honolulu is a bustling Hawaiian city renowned for its ocean adventures and lush trails. From hiking Diamond Head to surfing Waikiki's waves, it's a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.

Year-round
Explore Town
Honolulu, Hawaii
⌖ 1.57 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Honolulu, Hawaii

Honolulu is a tropical playground for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking, surfing, snorkeling, and more. From the heights of Diamond Head to the waves of Waikiki, adventure beckons.

Year-round
Explore Town
Kaimuki, Hawaii
⌖ 3.13 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Kaimuki, Hawaii

Kaimuki offers a unique blend of urban charm and outdoor adventure with accessible hikes, ocean paddling, and vibrant neighborhood exploration. Close to Diamond Head and pristine beaches, it’s an ideal base for active travelers seeking Hawaiian nature and culture.

Year-round, with optimal ocean conditions from April to October
Explore Town
Hawaii Kai, Hawaii
⌖ 8.64 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Hawaii Kai, Hawaii

Hawaii Kai offers an active outdoor lifestyle with stunning coastal hikes, calm bays for paddling and snorkeling, and vibrant marine life. It’s a perfect base for exploring Oahu’s southeastern shore and oceanfront adventures.

Year-round, with calmest ocean conditions from April to October
Explore Town
Aiea, Hawaii
⌖ 8.71 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Aiea, Hawaii

Aiea, HI is a tranquil escape offering outdoor enthusiasts excellent hiking and biking opportunities through lush forests. Explore nature's beauty with panoramic vistas and historical sites nearby.

Winter and Spring
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Ala Moana Beach Park, Honolulu City and County Parks

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Earn Your First Breath Under Honolulu Blue: PADI Open Water Certification
ADVEXPEDITION
Honolulu, Hawaii
Water ActivitiesADV Bookable

Earn Your First Breath Under Honolulu Blue: PADI Open Water Certification

A structured PADI Open Water Diver course run by Hawaii Dive Center in Honolulu: e‑learning or instructor‑led knowledge, confined‑water skill sessions and ocean checkout dives for ages 10+ with small class sizes.

Water ActivitiesPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip