Beaches Near Outrigger Reef

About the Outrigger Reef Waikiki Area

The Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort sits on the western end of Waikiki along the stretch of sand fronting Fort DeRussy Beach Park, a section of shoreline that feels noticeably less congested than the main Waikiki strip near the Royal Hawaiian. The hotel is steps from the beach and within walking distance of essentially every major Waikiki beach.

This part of Waikiki benefits from the Fort DeRussy military park, which preserves a wide swath of open green space and keeps the beachfront less built-up than the central hotel corridor. The Ala Wai Canal empties into the ocean about half a mile east, which can influence water quality along the central Waikiki shoreline, particularly after heavy rain. Beaches to the east toward Diamond Head tend to have cleaner water than those near the canal outlet.

From the Outrigger Reef, every beach on this list is reachable on foot. Fort DeRussy and Waikiki Beach are immediately outside the hotel. Walk west five minutes along the beachfront path to reach Kahanamoku Beach and the Hilton lagoon. Ala Moana Beach Park is a 10-minute walk west past the Hilton, or a quick ride on the #8 or #20 TheBus routes. Kaimana Beach is a 20-minute beachfront walk east, past the Royal Hawaiian and the Waikiki Aquarium.

Best water quality: Kaimana Beach (consistently low bacteria counts). Best for families: Kahanamoku Beach (calm lagoon). Best for locals' experience: Ala Moana Beach Park (less touristy, full facilities). Most convenient: Fort DeRussy Beach (right at the hotel).

After heavy rain, bacteria levels spike at beaches near streams and river mouths. If a brown water advisory is active near Outrigger Reef Waikiki, Oʻahu:

• 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