Ala Moana Beach / Magic Island

For the beach-goer, there are really two destinations. The first, Magic Island is a peninsula shooting off from Ala Moana Park. The beach is protected by a man-made breakwater that cuts off the action of the surf while allowing enough water circulation to keep the salt water fresh and clean. It's perfect for young families or people who are frightened by even the mild surf action of most south-shore beaches. Magic Island has its own parking area and there's a stretch of shaded, grassy areas on the way out to the point that make it perfect for picnics. (Also great views of Waikiki and Downtown.) The second is Ala Moana Beach. This is a half-mile of sand protected by a reef. Very calm waters, shallow and safe. It's very popular with locals and it can be crowded on the weekends. During the week, it's generally wide open.

Hanauma Beach

his marine sanctuary is located in the crater of an extinct volcano on the eastern tip of the island just past Hawaii Kai. Its shallow water, calm conditions and myriad varieties of tropical fish, coral and marine life create the ideal environment for even the novice snorkeler. The most popular diving spot in the islands. The City and County of Honolulu have had to enforce usage restrictions to enhance the regeneration of what could become an overtaxed environment. Parking is very limited. If you want to see one of the world's great snorkeling spots, go early. Better yet, take one of the package tours. They'll handle the transportation and supply you with snorkel, fins and environmentally-safe fish food for a moderate price.

Waikiki Beach

Waikiki Beach may be the most famous stretch of sand in the world. It plays host to over four million visitors every year. During high season, it can be wall-to-wall bodies and the entire stretch can smell like coconut oil. That's half the fun. There are canoes, kayaks, surfboards, boogie boards, paddle boats, snorkels and umbrellas for rent. There's ice cream and hamburgers, hot dogs and mai-tais from one end of the beach to the other. If you're looking for members of your own species, you've found the mother lode.

Sandy Beach

The cliché goes something to the effect: ". . . beauty and danger in the Hawaiian surf." This amply characterizes Sandy Beach. The beach is just great for beachcombing. The surf when calm makes this a superb spot for swimming; experienced shorebreak bodysurfers find that its waves have no equal anywhere.

However, when the surf's up there is treacherous shorebreak and strong rip currents. Watch out especially for the area called "The Point" at low tide during big surf. This is a jut of lava right in front of the Hale Lua (i. e., lavatory). You could get pounded onto the rocks unmercifully - even break you neck there as well, as can happen in the shorebreak.

The "rip tide" current in front of Keawaakio cove, just to the left of The Point, occurs in what can look like deceptively calm waters with little surf. If you get caught in the "rip" swim around The Point not over it to get back to the shore.

This beach is a great gathering place for the younger, local set. But, it is a great all-around family beach park, too. Newcomers to the Islands should be sure to ask a lifeguard about the day's conditions. Children should be watched by parents or guardians very carefully - especially when the ocean waters are "big." Weak swimmers should also take extra care and caution.

Snorkling, Diving, Fishing, Spearing
South shore offers many snorkling and scuba diving sites, as well as spear and hook and line fishing spots in addition to the great beaches. Among them are: Poipu Beach Park, Koloa Landing, Prince Kuhio's, Lawai Beach House, Kukui'ula Small Boat Harbor, and Spouting horn among others. Equipment can be bought or rented and nearby dive and fish shops.

Waikiki Trolley (800) 824-8804
Classic Waikiki Trolley system offering three convenient, educational and affordable sightseeing lines to an array of Oahu's most popular destinations. The Waikiki Trolley is your ticket to over 40 sun stops of sightseeing, entertainment, dining and shopping throughout Oahu all day and evening with unlimited reboarding privileges.

Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii
Cultural program, arts and crafts, lectures, gallery, educational outreach. Special tour packages available.

Courtesy of O'ahu Visitors Bureau