Beaches Near Ala Moana Center

About the Ala Moana Area

Ala Moana Center is the largest open-air shopping center in the world, sitting directly across the street from Ala Moana Beach Park in central Honolulu. The area serves as a dividing line between Waikiki's tourist strip to the east and the more residential neighborhoods of Kakaako and downtown Honolulu to the west.

The beach park across the street from the mall is the go-to swimming spot for Honolulu residents, far less crowded with tourists than Waikiki despite being just as accessible. A long man-made reef creates a calm, lagoon-like swimming area, and the park stretches more than half a mile with full facilities. For visitors spending a day shopping, the proximity of the beach makes it easy to combine retail and ocean time.

Ala Moana Beach Park is directly across the street from the shopping center — walk through the park entrance on Ala Moana Boulevard. For Waikiki, walk east along the Ala Wai Canal path (about 15 minutes) or catch TheBus #8 or #20. Kaimana Beach is at the far eastern end of Waikiki, reachable by bus or about a 30-minute walk along the beachfront. Hanauma Bay requires a car or the #1L bus line, and advance reservations are mandatory.

Most convenient: Ala Moana Beach Park (steps from the mall, full facilities). Best water quality: Kaimana Beach (lowest bacteria counts in Waikiki). Best snorkeling: Hanauma Bay (reserve ahead, bring your own gear). Most iconic: Waikiki Beach (surf lessons, Diamond Head views).

After heavy rain, bacteria levels spike at beaches near streams and river mouths. If a brown water advisory is active near Ala Moana Shopping Center, Honolulu:

• Wait 72 hours after rain stops before entering the water
• Avoid brown or murky water regardless of whether an advisory is posted
• Best rain-resistant option: Kaimana Beach (East) — generally clearer after rain due to geography
• Check the Oʻahu live advisories page for current conditions