Ala Moana Park Drive in Honolulu

Ala Moana Park Drive is aptly named since ala moana means "path to the sea" in Hawaiian. As the name suggests, this stunning route leads directly to the ocean. The short road breaks off from Ala Moana Boulevard and runs along the most popular local Oahu beach and the impressive Ala Moana Regional Park.

In addition to the beach and park, there are a few other beautiful sights to see along the road. The first one is the Yacht Club on the east end of the drive, where you can marvel at stunning boats and yachts. Just to the west of the yacht club is Magic Island, which juts out into the ocean and is home to a lagoon, a small beach, and walking trails with scenic views of the island, mountain, and ocean.

Ala Moana Park Drive in Honolulu - one of the highlights of 10 Most Popular Streets in Honolulu (Read all about Honolulu here)

Highlights of Ala Moana Park Drive

The regional park that Ala Moana Park Drive runs along the southern side of is a beautiful and serene outdoor space in the city and is a must-see on your visit to Honolulu. Ala Moana Regional Park spans 100 acres and features tennis courts, over a dozen picnic tables, 2 lagoons, and a large pavilion.

On the east side of the park, you’ll find a small parking lot and the largest of the lagoons, which has a scenic bridge that’s great for a photo op. Conveniently located in the centre are a concession stand and bathhouse, so you can get ready to head out to the beach or freshen up after a long day in the sun. Just next to the bathhouse, also located in the centre of the park, you’ll find exercise equipment and a softball field.

The west side of the park is full of amenities for active beachgoers, with 10 tennis courts and lawn bowling. Here you’ll find the second concession stand and bathhouse and the smaller lagoon. The park runs along half a mile of white sandy shores where you can catch impressive views of the ocean and Diamond Head all year round.

Dining along Ala Moana Park Drive

If you’re looking for a bite to eat while hanging out at the beach for the day, there are a few options in the regional park. L&L Hawaiian Barbecue has 2 locations, one on either end of the park. L&L specialises in Hawaiian comfort food like barbecue chicken, chicken katsu, and fried shrimp and packages the food up takeout style so you can have a picnic in the park or on the beach.

For more dining options, head across Ala Moana Boulevard to the Ala Moana Centre, an outdoor shopping mall that has over 100 eateries ranging from cafes and bakeries to fast-casual and fine-dining restaurants.

How to get to Ala Moana Park Drive?

Getting to this road is easy, especially since Ala Moana Boulevard is one of the most prominent streets in the city centre. Situated in the heart of the city on the ocean, the short drive along Ala Moana Park Drive is a stunning one. Since this beach is always busy with locals and tourists, parking can sometimes be a bit tricky. First, you’ll want to try the parking lot located at the eastern end of the drive. If that’s full, there are parking garages and lots on Ala Moana Boulevard, to the west and east of the entrances to the drive.

For those who are looking for public transport options, there’s a bus stop right on Ala Moana Boulevard in front of the shopping mall and at the corner of Atkinson Drive. If you’re heading to the beach by bike, on the western tip of the drive, at the intersection of Kamakee Street, is a bike station with plenty of space to lock your bike for the day. Whether you’re looking to spend a few hours outdoors or want a place to enjoy a full day in the sun, this drive is a beautiful one to add to your list.