Ala Moana Beach Park, Public beach park in Honolulu, US
Ala Moana Beach Park is a 100-acre public park in Honolulu featuring a half-mile sandy beach that slopes gently into the ocean. An offshore reef protects the water between Waikiki and downtown, creating calm swimming conditions.
The site transformed from a swampy marshland and dumping ground in the 1930s into a recreational destination. During World War II, the grounds served as a military staging zone supporting Pacific operations.
The name means 'path to the sea' in Hawaiian and reflects the islands' deep connection to ocean life. This language choice reminds visitors of the local identity rooted in the relationship between land and water.
The park provides restrooms, showers, tennis courts, lifeguard stations, and food vendors throughout the day. Plan your visit around sun exposure since shaded areas are limited across most of the grounds.
The offshore reef protection makes these waters among the safest ocean swimming locations in the Pacific. This natural barrier allows families and less experienced swimmers to enjoy open water safely without heavy wave conditions.
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