Magic Island at Ala Moana Beach Park
Hawaii, like all other destinations, has its ups and downs when it comes to the number of visitors coming for their vacations. Our tourism marketing groups, Hawaii Tourism Authority and the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau, have been aggressively promoting the islands. One of the messages in their promotions has been the emphasis of a vacation in Hawaii having value…
“Discover more of Hawaii for less than you imagined.” I think that is wonderful. We need to get everyone to realize that there are plenty of things to do here without it costing an arm and a leg.
What can a visitor do in Hawaii without spending too much money? Or better yet, what can a visitor do without spending any money at all, for free? Having been on many family vacations myself, some of the most wonderful memories that I have are those that didn’t cost anything. Don’t want to sound like a credit card commercial but those are the memories that are priceless. Hawaii is blessed with such natural beauty. Yes, He has been very kind to us. We’ve got wonderful climate all year round. And to compliment our warm weather are our beautiful and clean beaches.
Let’s talk story about one of the friendliest beaches on Oahu, Magic Island at Ala Moana Beach Park. When I say friendliest I’m talking about family friendly, location friendly and facility friendly. Magic Island is located on the east end (Diamond Head side) of Ala Moana Beach Park. It is right across the street from the Ala Moana Center between Waikiki and downtown Honolulu. More specifically it is right in between the Ala Wai Yacht Harbor and Ala Moana Beach.
Magic Island is a man made peninsula that was built on 30 acres of shallow reef in 1964. I didn’t realize that it was originally supposed to be part of a resort complex that never happened thus becoming a public park. We should all be thankful for that. The other trivia that I learned is that the official name was changed to “Aina Moana” or “land from the sea” 
in 1972. I think that most locals still know of this wonderful place as Magic Island.
What is so nice about this beach is that it is convenient to go to and there is plenty of parking although the lot gets full on the weekends. The peninsula has a large grassy area with plenty of shade created by the trees. It is a perfect place for picnics (benches, picnic tables, concession stand, restrooms and showers, and bins for trash and charcoal). Oh, and the view of Waikiki, the yacht harbor and downtown makes you feel like you’re in paradise! It is also a popular spot for walking because there are trails along the area. It is great for cycling and inline skating too.
This sandy beach is ideal for families with children. It is protected by a man made breakwater which cuts off the high surfs while circulating the water to keep it fresh and clean. Lifeguards are positioned at Magic Island. This beach is quite calm but it is always best to be careful and practice safety precautions.
I suggest that you visit Magic Island for a nice afternoon of swimming and a picnic. It is very relaxing. Let the children enjoy the nice beach and beautiful sand. Cook up some hot dogs and hamburgers. 
Go fly a kite. Take a nap on your goza (straw mat). Watch the turtles swimming and poking their heads up in the late afternoon. The sunsets are gorgeous too. And if you get tired of that area, then you can walk down to Ala Moana Beach which is right next door. This area is great for swimming, surfing and stand up paddling. Ala Moana Beach stretches about a half mile. It is protected by a reef, a favorite local hangout.
Come and create your own special magic at Aina Moana. Enjoy!
For more information on Magic Island or for any assistance with your travel needs to, from or in Hawaii contact us for assistance by clicking on the eGlobal Travel Media Personal Concierge-Hawaii banner at the top of the Destination Hawaii page.
EDITED BY : Arlynne Hurley
