Magic Island

I didn’t know this beach is called magic land till I uploaded pics to Instagram lol anyhow this beach isn’t frequented a lot by tourists (unlike Waikiki). Very laid back. I saw locals sunbath, picnic, org wedding, lol the park/​beach isn’t overwhelmingly packed. Bring your towel/​snack/​swimming suits and enjoy a laid back afternoon: D

Judy C. had another great picnic and volleyball UYE with her family, friends and Yeeps. We were little unsure as to both the weather and availability of Magic Island giving the Lantern Festival being set up for Memorial Day, but the weather cleared and the park had plenty of space for her to set up the picnic and for the volleyball court.
The food was great! Everyone brought good eats to share… fried chicken, ribs, meatballs, noodles, salads, wings, manapua… and cookies. Good folk to hang with on a Saturday afternoon to eat, talk, and play some volleyball. Thanks Judy!

Magic Island is at the very beginning of Waikiki, in front of Ala Moana Shopping Mall. I would often walk there after work to watch sunset on the beach. Its the best place to watch sunset in Waikiki area.
This beach is a combination of Locals and Tourists. Most tourists do not go here and prefer Waikiki. Its a little more laid back then Waikiki and there is parking here that is not bad.
Magic Island offers places for barbecue, swimming, biking. Usually there was always someone getting married there every night, and it was fun to see multiple people in wedding gowns on the way to the beach. The view of Diamond head is awesome here. I have many great memories of this place.

I’m surprised the water was still crystal clear. My mom always brought us to Magic, but I stopped as I grew up. Twenty years later, it’s still beautiful and full of memories.
Mahalo for keeping the beach and park clean and amazingly maintained.

Magic Island is an amazing place to visit or live near by to. I say this because it seems like it is an «all inclusive» beach for locals and visitors, which offers a little bit of everything and you witness so many people here enjoying so many different activities.
Have a picnic, catch the sunset, do some paddle boarding, yoga, cycling or just about any physical activity out there, the scenery will not disappoint. It is also so picturesque here, definitely a photo opportunity. You may even observe a wedding photos taking place, but then again that seems to be the case at almost every beach on Oahu.
I love catching the sunset here, although I think the cruise ships passing right in front of it get the best view, anyhow, it is big enough to share, so if you are in the area, be sure to stop here for a nice day, afternoon, evening or all of the above.

I guess everyone’s rating will be different depending on what you’re looking for. To me, this is a great park in town that isn’t infested with homeless people. Yeah, there is a handful of them near the road, but it’s nothing like Kaka’ako Park where you have a homeless community.

For a local girl that can’t swim, this is the place to go! No waves and hardly anyone here! Beautiful view of Diamond Head and clear blue water! Paradise :)

A beautiful little oasis next to downtown Honolulu! Came here for a quick stop after shopping and was taken back at how beautiful the beach was… «Magic» Island indeed. From where you park your car to the lagoon is a good 400 meter or more walk. It’s worth the walk though. The beach and the most southern part of Magic Island (the lagoon) offer great views of the ocean and of downtown!

Magic Island is a childhood memory for a lot of people. Most of us remember our days at the beach, digging in the sand, swimming in the little lagoon. It was a spot my mom took me to a lot when I was 5−10yrs.
These days Magic Island is much of the same. It’s still really popular for large family bbqs, parties, and picnics. A weekend doesn’t go by where the park isn’t filled with parties under big tents, and one of two rented bouncy castles.
Friday night is especially great because you can watch Hilton’s fireworks across the channel. You have a perfect view from Magic Island. Show starts at 7:45pm sharp and lasts about 10 minutes. Also every holiday you can see fireworks from there as well.
There’s ample parking, though it does fill up quick during the summer months, and recently the big tourist buses have been parking there too.
The downside is their public bathrooms. They are clearly used mostly by he homeless and so forever smell like stale urine. They clearly aren’t cleaned often and should be avoided as much as possible. Especially at night.
Other than that, Magic Island is a great place to have a gathering.

It was odd that Magic Island wasn’t as crowded during this Labor day weekend, but it was fortunate for us because we could park close and carry our picnic supplies to the park. Otherwise:
Magic Island is within Ala Moana beach Park. It is a nook at the waikiki end side of Ala Moana park that is a very popular place for tourists and locals, and is usually very crowded because there are large trees for shade that large groups can reserve a spot to picnic at.
While I frequent Magic Island, it’s so relaxing to picnic all day all the way to night (see pictures I posted), and also enjoy the events/​activities there. Great for young kids without worrying about strong waves since there is a reef, or if you picnic on the ewa side, Ala Moana Beach is right on the side. My son also spotted several fishes swimming around him.
Every Friday night at 7:45 p.m., you are able to enjoy the fireworks from Waikiki on Diamond head side of the park. And if you walk to the ewa side, the city lights on Ala Moana Blvd makes a nice relaxing scenic view while eating dinner.
Lots of people also go here to exercise. There is a jogging path that is about ¼ miles long to walk or jog around the park. Paddleboarders like to stretch and exercise until sundown.
Lots of events are held here also. There was the korean festival, and of course, our annual spectacular fourth of july fireworks are held here, where it is one of the rare events people can get a permit to camp a day before (July 3^rd) the fireworks since a massive crowd flocks here for the event.

Magic Island is a great place to throw barbeques, have picnics, enjoy the beach, view the boat harbor, view the sunset, and have weekly fireworks viewings! I have done all of these things and more throughout the years here.
One thing that I do not like is the large bug population by the rocks on the west side of this place. It is a sort of recent development. They’ve clung onto my friends and me when we hung out to watch the sunset. And they bite! Hopefully this bug issue will clear up soon!
Parking is usually not too bad except for the weekends or holidays. Parking fills up fast during those times. Restrooms and showers are available.
You can also reserve a barbeque spot at Satellite City Halls though it is not required. Canopy tents are okay to use too. If someone has reserved a spot, you have to give them priority.

Always feel good about my runs until and 80 year old person passes me. Hahah, gotta love living in Hawaii. I watch as the sun rose over the ocean, how wonderful life this is. The breeze just brushes against you to cool down a few tears of sweats. The best part is watching the old folk fish along the sides, I wonder what today’s catch was?

I am very far from what you might consider an outdoor person but I enjoy picnics and barbecues on or close to the beach. Magic Island seems to have it all. Close proximity to a major shopping centre, a huge parking lot with ample free parking, and two bathroom areas within only a few minutes walking distance.
In addition to that, there are several large trees that offer shade and have picnic tables. Trash collection is also done in a timely fashion sometime Saturday morning so they are empty by the time we are arriving to do our picnic barbecue parties. Now that I have hosted approximately 10 BBQ picnic parties and Magic Island, it is definitely my number one choice for events outdoor events because of the ample parking.
Be sure to stay for sunset. It’s amazing!

I know during big events– it is impossible to find parking if you come late in the day. The lot is small compared to how many people want to use the park.
It is a much better beach than Waikiki for a picnic and a lazy time to talk story with Ohana.
It is wonderful to walk around with enough shade or sun depending on how you like to enjoy the beach.
We’ve had RPCV (returned Peace Corps Volunteer) and Special Olympics/​Easter Seals picnic events here. It is a safe environment with plenty of space needed. Plenty of room for running around– compared o running into too many tourists.

Magic Island calls to my soul. I love this little spot on Oahu. The park gives you a clear view of Diamond Head. An amazing spot to watch sunsets.
Sit on a park bench and watch the waves, sailboats coming in and out of the marina. Or walk around the circuit that goes around the park.
You can stop for a BBQ or picnic with the family or friends.
There is a small lagoon that offers calm waters to take the keiki if you want them to play. As well as sand and grass to let them loose and burn some of the energy out.
I have enjoyed coming to many local events at this park. From the Lantern Floating to the Light the Night for Cancer to the Banana Man run… I never stop being awed by how beautiful this park is.
Better yet, if you can find free parking the day just got even better :-) Or if you staying in Waikiki, this is a short walking distance from many of the hotels.

The best things in life are free. Don’t take nature for granted.
Magic Island has got some hold on me after all of these years. It brings back memories with family, friends and loved ones. It’s a great place for solace, relaxation, alone time, and all sorts of occasions. This area is the best part of Ala Moana Beach Park. You have an amazing view of diamond head and the perfect view for the sunset along the waters.
Its a good location for family outings, parties, picnics, bbq, hangouts, exercising, swimming, body boarding, surfing and pretty much anything you want to do at an outdoor area. There are showers and restrooms available. Parking gets packed especially on weekends, holidays and events because it is a popular family friendly place. There’s a lot of parking in the area.
The ocean here is really welcoming and very calm. There’s walkways towards the back of Magic Island to find a mini lagoon off of the main beach. This is were I use to go a lot growing up because it seems secluded from the rest of the park. There ample amount of benches and tables as well to sit down and enjoy the views and each others company. I would suggest to bring mats and chairs for more comfort. This area has more trees for shades and a better place to relax and enjoy the area.
For either early mornings or early evenings are probably the best times to go if you want to catch the beautiful sunrise through diamond head side and the sunset views through the west side. Its a great place for those that need a break from reality and need to cleanse their soul and have some alone time or even just to simply spend quality time with your loved ones.
Every friday nights they have fireworks that set from Hilton Hawaiian Village and from Magic Island gives a perfect view to watch it. You may see also many newlyweds take pictures here as it is a beautiful place for natural scenery backdrops.

This park is a definitely good place to have BBQ! The beach is right there. You can play all day until the sun goes down.
The view of Diamond Head is awesome! Watching the sunset in amazingly beautiful!
It’s a good lactation and lot’s of free parking. There are showers, restrooms and water.
I really like this park.

A great place to unwind and take in the beauty of Oahu.
Magic Island is where locals bring the little kids for a family beach gatherings on weekends, but on weekdays you might have it all to yourselves. This man-​made peninsula has a protected lagoon at its tip that is like a big swimming pool. Older kids like to swim to or walk along the jetty to the rock wall barrier, but the lifeguard will probably wave them off. There are bathrooms, outdoor showers and a few picnic tables just outside the sandy lagoon area.
Many wedding photographers take their clients here for the view. Japanese bridal parties love Magic Island for photographs… It’s not unusual to see 5 or 6 groups posing against the backdrop that includes the boats at the adjoining marina, Waikiki high-​rises and in the distance, Diamond Head. Nice views!
What makes this not quite a 5 on the rating scale? The sand is a little coarser than the usual perfect Hawaiian beach, with some small rocks and pieces of coral in it due to being a man-​made beach. There is more of a hike from the parking lot than most beaches, especially on weekends when you probably won’t get rock star parking in the first few rows.
Adjacent to Ala Moana Beach Park and the Ala Wai Yacht Harbor. There is a lot of sketchy people in this park though, so you have to be careful in the evening. Magic Island is a good choice for safe, family beach fun.

Unilocal 365 CHALLENGE 2014−(162÷365) «Surf Sessions On The Southside»
Located off to the far left side of Alas facing Diamond Head, Magic Island is you all purpose beach for tons of activities-​swimming, fishing, paddleboarding, picnics, and almost always, photo stops for wedding pictures! This beach is one of the few spots on the south side of Oahu where we grew up bodyboarding, watching pros like Jack «Da Rippa» Lindholm, Kainoa McGee, and Lanson Ronquillio tear up the waves. It was kind of like our training grounds until we had the courage to surf at spots on the North Shore.
For the land lovers who are not into the water, a nice stroll or jog is another great activity here, tons of space for biking. Very cool photo op for all you photography buffs too, and when surf’s up, it gets packed in the line up at the few surf spots in the area.
One of the only problems (usually Sundays and holidays) is parking. Once you’re past that hurdle, then you should be good. ALOHA!!!
Shaka Meter: \uuu/​\uuu/​\uuu/​\uuu/​4

I can vividly recall my first visit to Magic Island/​Ala Moana Park years ago. It was on an Easter Sunday and a friend and I were biking all through Waikiki and town when we decided to cool off at a park. I had never been to this park before and I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. «Magic Island» is what he said it was. Hmmm… magic huh? I failed to see the «magic» then but through the years I have come to appreciate the convenience and beauty of this place.
I quickly realized Magic Island/​Ala Moana Beach Park is a place «locals» go (nothing wrong with that) but it was predominantly of the local population there as well as the Japanese couples with their photographers taking their wedding pictures. The population has not changed in the 12 and a half years since my first visit to the town beach park.
What has changed is the lack of «magical» appeal due to the neglected bathrooms, benches, tables, trash receptacles and even parking lot. It’s been a while since I’ve frequented this park (since moving to the west side two years ago) and recently I went back to bring some friends over to enjoy a picnic dinner at sundown. What an embarrassment on my part! As we were walking from the parking lot to the grassy/​sandy area I noticed a dead/​flattened bird on the ground along with used paper plates and trash. It’s like having visitors come over to your house to use your bathroom only to realize that the toilet is dirty and the sink is filthy. That’s how I felt.
I’ve come to own living in paradise but somehow this piece of paradise lacked the magic that lures hundreds and thousands to our island home. The grass at the park is in dire need of attention and care (I’m not a landscaper but I do know dead grass when I see it) as well as the general appearance of the beach and park itself. It needs a major sprucing up. Funny, when you’re in the thick of things you don’t noticed all that is wrong but step away and suddenly things look differently from memory.
I think what has happened is that Magic Island/​Ala Moana Beach Park is such a «go-​to,» fail proof kind of place that people overlook the un-​pretty things (dead birds, overflowing trash, trash on the beach, dead grass, broken benches and dirty bathrooms). Certainly if I was a tourist I would probably not return to this beach park unless I had to. But this is a part of my «home» now and I do have pride in ownership. It’s just unfortunate that the State of Hawaii fails to make this a priority as well.
For what it’s worth, it’s still a perfect location to catch a sunset, SUP, swim or frolic, run or walk, or simply sit to enjoy watching people. It’s a very, very active beach park that most townies love to go to after a day at the office. It’s a piece of heaven in their back yard — literally. But between the homeless tents that lurk between the banyan trees to the fitness fanatics that hold their fitness camps — it’s a place where everyone can cohesively enjoy the place. But this place is run down and dirty as compared to many of the beaches on the westside and windward sides of Oahu.
I still do love this park with all it’s brokenness. It’s familiar. It’s a townie’s backyard playground and failsafe place. But I believe that it could be better — way better. All we have to do is step outside of thickness and take a fresh look at what we have come to know as «magic.» It’s only magical if we believe it is. I want to give this place a four or even five stars (for location and for melancholy reasons) but my objective side must succumb to the facts — it’s not so magical anymore (and I love magic!).