Magic Island

A sandy peninsula extending into Honolulu Harbor, Magic Island—more rarely referred by its official name Aina Moana—affords rare right-off-the-beach green space in downtown Honolulu thanks to a failed 1964 development project. Today, families gather on weekends to barbeque alongside its picnic tables and splash in its rock-wall protected lagoon, while friends toss footballs and Frisbees not far from the state’s largest shopping mall. The centrally-located park about halfway between downtown Honolulu and Waikiki has three restroom and changing room blocks located at various points along its 30 acres. It is adjacent to the larger Ala Moana beach park which has a performance pavilion. The area is popular with joggers and dog walkers and regularly hosts community events including an annual family carnival.

Practical Info

The park is located off Ala Moana Boulevard, in the southeast corner of Ala Moana Beach Park. Magic Island has its own free parking lot, with 450 stalls but on the weekend it fills up fast. Magic Island’s beach is officially open from sunrise to sunset only. Be aware that this park can be popular with Honolulu homeless.