Magic Island

The Basics

From Magic Island, you can see the green Koolau Mountains and the high rises of Honolulu in one direction, and great views of the resorts of Waikiki—from the Duke Kahanamoku lagoon all the way to Diamond Head Crater—in the other. The space is great for sunbathing, people-watching, and swimming, especially for kids and their parents, who appreciate the shallow, protected lagoon and the presence of a lifeguard. Many boat and helicopter tours float or fly over the scenic park, and some land-based tours by bike and Segway also visit.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Magic Island is a must-see for sunbathers and families.

• The area offers a free parking lot, but on weekends its 450 spaces fill up fast.

• There are three restroom and changing-room blocks staggered throughout the park.

• Petty thefts have occured here, so keep an eye on your belongings and don’t leave valuables in your car.

How to Get There

Magic Island is located off Ala Moana Boulevard, in the southeast corner of the larger Ala Moana Beach Park. The park is bordered to the east by the Ala Wai Canal and Ala Wai Yacht Harbor, a departure point for some ocean-based tours, and to the west by Ala Moana Beach Park and Kewalo Basin. The centrally located park is about halfway between downtown Honolulu and Waikiki Beach. Bus lines 20, 23, and 42 stop nearby.

When to Get There

Magic Island is great to visit any time between its opening hours of sunrise and sunset—for a morning jog, afternoon picnic and sunbathing session, or sunset barbecue. Due to the park’s location on the island, expect calmer seas in summer months. Each March, the space is consumed with carnival rides and food booths for the three-day Magic Island Carnival.

Magic Island on Memorial Day

Hawaii has a unique Memorial Day tradition: Each year, thousands gather to remember and memorialize all lost loved ones by floating illuminated lanterns in the sea between Magic Island and Ala Moana Beach Park.

Ways to explore

It's not a visit to Honolulu without a stop at Ala Moana Beach Park and its man-made peninsula, Magic Island, for swimming, picnicking, and postcard-worthy views of Waikiki and Diamond Head. Many downtown walking tours and hop-on hop-off trolleys include it, while guided tours may pair it with other Oahu highlights. Entry is free year-round, though limited parking is available nearby. Plan to visit for one to two hours and stay for sunset if you can.

Accessibility

Paved walkways encircle the peninsula

Age limits

None; all ages are welcome, and families with young children often swim in the lagoon.

What to pack

Sunscreen, towel, water bottle, picnic blanket to lounge on the grassy areas, lightweight jacket for evenings

What to wear

Swimwear, casual beach attire

Not allowed

Overnight camping, alcohol, smoking in some areas, dogs, cars on sand

Amenities

Parking, restrooms, picnic tables, food concessions, lifeguard

Address 

Magic Island lies at the east end of Ala Moana Beach Park, between Waikīkī and downtown Honolulu. It’s typically included on Honolulu city-tour routes and can be visited independently by car or bus.

Driving

From Waikiki, take Ala Moana Boulevard toward the shopping center, then follow signs to the park and peninsula lot. Parking is free, but it fills up quickly after midmorning.

Public transportation

TheBus routes servicing Ala Moana Shopping Center stop near the park entrance; from there, a short walk brings you to Magic Island’s lagoon and beachfront.

Best times to visit

Arrive early in the morning for fewer crowds and calmer water; stay until dusk to catch a magical sunset over Waikīkī and the lagoon.

Best days to visit

Weekdays offer more space and peace; weekends and holidays draw more visitors and local events.

Best months to visit

The park is open year-round, and the dry season (May–October) brings more consistent sunshine and calmer water

Special events

Magic Island hosts major events, including the Fourth of July fireworks show and the annual Lantern Floating Ceremony in May.