Ala Moana Beach Park and Magic Island

1201 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814 808-923-1811

Description: Ala Moana Beach Park sprawls across 100 acres in the midst of Honolulu, while Magic Island comprises about 30 acres of the park. Both areas are immensely popular, and folks frequently take advantage of the beaches, picnic areas, and jogging and biking paths. Facilities include showers, restrooms, and concession kiosks. The park also offers great views of the area and is often crowded with families, locals, and tourists as a result. On weekends, it may be difficult to find parking.
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Fort DeRussy

Kalakaua Ave and Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96815 808-955-9552

Description: WAIKIKI. Formerly a US Army installation, this park was established when threats to Honolulu diminished in the 1950s. Today, the beautifully landscaped greenspace is designated as a recreational area for the military, although it's open to all. Within the park is located the US Army Museum, and on its outskirts is Hale Koa, a hotel that caters to military personnel. A beach is available for use, along with picnic facilities, restrooms, and courts for volleyball and tennis.
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Kailua Beach Park

450 Kailua Rd, Kailua, HI 96734 808-923-1811

Description: KAILUA. Set along Oahu's windward (east) coast, this beautiful beach is ideal for swimming and for windsurfing. It affords amazing views of the area and isn't as crowded as some other island beaches. A stream bisects the park and adds another dimension to aquatic activities. Lifeguards watch over the beach, and you'll also find picnic areas, a volleyball court, restrooms and showers, food services, a bike path, and equipment rentals.
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Kapi'olani Park

2805 Monsarrat Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815 808-692-5561

Description: WAIKIKI. Dedicated in 1877, this beautiful greenspace was Hawaii's first public park, a gift from King Kalakaua to his people. Named for the queen, the park became a city gathering spot early on, and these days, residents still visit the 100+ acres to jog, picnic, play soccer and tennis, and just laze in the sun. Musical performances, by various groups and by the Royal Hawaiian Band, often add an air of festivity, while water features and mature trees create a feeling of permanence and grace. The park is also the site of the Honolulu Marathon.
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Nuuanu Pali

Pali Hwy (aka Hwy 61), northeast of Honolulu, HI 808-923-1811

Description: At a lofty point in the Koolau Range (the mountains that divide windward Oahu from the rest of the island) is a lookout that offers outstanding views of the eastern landscape. Legend has it that, in 1795, King Kamehameha I and his men drove opposition warriors over the cliffs in the fight for Hawaiian unification. True or not, just imagining such an event at these dizzying heights is enough to give you pause. The locale, accessible via a hike up the mountains, has a tendency to be chilly, and winds whip up as well, so dress accordingly.
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Waimea Bay Beach Park

61-031 Kamehameha Hwy, 5 miles northeast of Haleiwa, Haleiwa, HI 96712 808-596-7873

Description: NORTH SHORE. Deceptively beautiful, this scenic cove ­ home to some of the planet's most unforgiving surf ­ can mean death to naive swimmers. That is, in winter, anyway, when the waves churn up and some of surfing's best talents take to the sea to prove their mettle. In this season, rip currents are strong, and waves can rise to thirty feet. Summer brings calmer waters, however, and even mere mortals can enjoy the beauty of Waimea. Then, they're under the protection of lifeguards and can take advantage of picnic areas, restrooms, and showers.
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