South Shore Oahu,
1201 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu
It’s no wonder Ala Moana Beach Park on the south shore of Oahu is one of the most popular beaches in Honolulu. The 76-acre park includes a beautiful ½ mile long stretch of beach that leads down to the beautiful blue (and swimmable) ocean waters. There are palms shading a beautiful picnic area with tables, pavilions and barbeques, a grassy area where locals like to fly kites, and a great stretch of beach in a very swimmer friendly section of coast line. There are also tennis courts for those looking to break a sweat before grilling up a batch of hotdogs. There are also lifeguards on duty, restrooms, showers and ample free parking. Located just west of the famous (and often crowded) Waikiki Beach, Ala Moana, which means “Path to the Sea” in Hawaiian, is one of Oahu’s greatest beach parks. It is also very family friendly, with plenty to satisfy everyone. It is easy to pack a cooler and spend the day at Ala Moana.
Despite its seemingly natural beauty, Ala Moana is actually a man made beach. It was previously a marshy grass land until in the 1950s when a dredging company needed a place to dump all the sand they had dug up to create a nearby boat canal. They decided the marshy area would be ideal. The result was this picture perfect beach park, which has a swimmer friendly sandy bottom on the east side of the coral reef which blocks the harsh surf.
And, if picnicking, swimming and beach going aren’t enough for you, the park is also located across one of the countries largest outdoor shopping centers. You can take in the sun and buy a few Hawaiian gifts for friends and family not lucky enough to enjoy the isles themselves.
