A Spacious Beach Park On Oahu Is One Of The Most Beautiful Destinations In Hawaii

A walk on Waikiki Beach is everything you'd expect to see in Oahu, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Hawaii. Waikiki is undoubtedly a beautiful sandy beach, with exquisite views of Diamond Head Crater looming large, and home to some vibrant luxury hotels that literally allow you to walk straight out onto the beach from their doorsteps. But if crowds aren't your thing, you should head to nearby Ala Moana Beach Park, a man-made option that offers a quieter ambiance and all the perks of being one of those somewhat secret locations in Hawaii that only locals know.

Ala Moana Beach Park is a more secluded, half-mile-long, 119-acre beach with plenty of room to sunbathe, swim, or just hang out. Aptly named Ala Moana, which means "path to the sea," the beach has recently been named one of the best city parks in the U.S. by travelers (via USA Today). At this beach park, you can also discover a small, half-crescent beach called Magic Island that juts out like a peninsula. What makes the experience even better is how easy it is to get to the beach via the free shuttle that runs between Waikiki Beach and Ala Moana. 

If you have a car, there's plenty of free parking at the beach during the day (but no parking after 10 p.m.) Besides sun and surf, Ala Moana Beach Park also has shady trees, concession stands, tennis courts, lifeguards, outdoor showers, and more to enjoy. If you get too hot, head to the Ala Moana Shopping Center right across the street, the largest open-air mall in the world with more than 350 stores, dining, entertainment, and plenty of culture.

Locals and visitors alike consider Ala Moana Beach Park their go-to place for its calm, shallow waters that are ideal for the little ones. It's also one of the best places to do water sports like snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, or catching a killer wave. The entire beach is protected by an underwater coral reef, so swimmers need to note that while they're in the water and try to stay near smoother areas. You can also snorkel on the lagoon in Magic Island, which is protected by sea barriers, so it's a safe place for kids and less-experienced divers to explore the colorful, tropical fish and other sea creatures.

Ala Moana Beach Park also has plenty of outdoor activities away from the water since it has over 100 acres of green space that acts as a barrier between the street and the sand. If you want to have a lunch al fresco, there are plenty of picnic tables and grills for barbecuing. You can even for a walk by the ponds, play tennis, attend concerts, or take a spin around the park by renting a bike for just over $3 per ride. Don't miss the sunsets near Magic Island as dusk begins to fall with its beautiful, unobstructed views of Diamond Head as well. If you're planning an idyllic island vacation, be sure to check out the best things to do in Hawaii.