The man-made peninsula at Ala Moana with calm-water lagoons and Friday-fireworks-row views
Magic Island is the man-made peninsula on the eastern end of Ala Moana Beach Park — a calm, family-friendly swim spot with skyline views. The latest Surfrider BWTF sample (2026-04-19) measured 31 MPN/100mL — within the 130 BAV threshold. The Hawaii DOH does not routinely test this beach.
Magic Island sits at the eastern tip of Ala Moana Beach Park, separated from the main beach by a man-made channel. The lagoons (Bowls and Canoe Launch sample points) are sheltered from open-ocean swell — great for swimming, but also slower to flush than the open beach.
Surfrider's BWTF samples have stayed within the 130 BAV threshold across recent months, with both sites consistently around 30 MPN/100mL — well below the action value. Magic Island's lagoons rarely show the bacteria spikes that hit the Ala Wai Canal mouth a half-mile west.
After rain, the calm-water nature of the lagoons means that any storm-driven runoff (urban storm drains, minor street runoff) lingers longer than at exposed beaches. Add 24 hours to the standard 72-hour rule when conditions have been wet.
The Hawaii Department of Health does NOT routinely test Magic Island. The community-tested readings on this page come from the Surfrider Foundation Blue Water Task Force, a volunteer-led monitoring program run by the Surfrider Oʻahu chapter.
BWTF samples Magic Island biweekly using the IDEXX Enterolert method (MPN/100mL), and compares results against the same 130 Beach Action Value DOH uses statewide. See our overview of citizen water-quality testing in Hawaiʻi for the methodology and how BWTF data fits with DOH coverage.
The main lagoons on the west and south sides have sandy bottoms and gradual entries. The Bowls sample point is in the central swim area; Canoe Launch is at the eastern tip near the canoe-club facilities. Both stretches are calm year-round.
Friday evenings for the Hilton Hawaiian Village fireworks (visible from the western lawn). Mornings are quietest for swimming. Sundays bring crowds but the lagoons are big enough to spread out.
Magic Island is at the eastern end of Ala Moana Beach Park, accessible via Ala Moana Boulevard. Free parking in the park lot (fills up Friday evenings and weekends). Bus routes 8, 19, 20, 23, 42 stop at Ala Moana.
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⚠️ Important Disclaimer
Safe to Swim Hawaii is an independent passion project — not affiliated with the Hawaii Department of Health, the Surfrider Foundation, or any government agency. Bacteria readings on this page come from the Surfrider Blue Water Task Force, a volunteer-led monitoring program. Readings are point-in-time samples; conditions change with weather, runoff, and wave patterns. They are not real-time measurements and may not reflect current conditions.
Always verify current water quality conditions with the Hawaii DOH Clean Water Branch and BWTF directly before entering the water.
This site does not recommend or advise anyone to swim at any beach. We share publicly available data and geographic analysis so you can make your own informed decisions. By using this site you accept full responsibility for your own safety. See our Terms of Use for full details.
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