Magic Island Beach
Magic Island Beach is a small, protected cove located at the tip of a man-made peninsula in Ala Moana Beach Park, between Waikiki and downtown Honolulu. The beach offers calm waters, scenic city views, and a spacious grassy park ideal for picnics, sunset watching, and relaxing. Locals and visitors enjoy the peaceful setting and access to nearby water activities.
Magic Island Beach, Oahu
Magic Island Beach (view panorama) × is part of Ala Moana Beach Park, a popular Honolulu city beach, located between Waikiki and downtown Honolulu. Many local residents and visitors alike come to Ala Moana Beach Park and adjacent Magic Island to swim, bodyboard, surf, picnic or exercise (jogging, walking, etc.).
Even though it's called Magic Island, this is actually a man-made peninsula. The small curved beach is located at the end of the peninsula. Most people prefer to swim at Ala Moana Beach instead of at Magic Island Beach (view panorama) × . The reason is that the ocean bottom at Magic Island Beach is a bit rocky in some areas and the sand is not as smooth. Also, the swimming area here is a lot smaller.
Magic Island Beach has a rock barrier, so it is protected from incoming waves. However, when the surf is up, the waves can still wash over the rocks, so then it's best stay away from the barrier. Also, it's not a good idea to swim in or through the openings of the rock barrier because the current can be strong in this area. Magic Island Beach is backed by a large grassy area with trees and picnic tables.
The Magic Island peninsula (made of dredged coral) was built onto the reef off Ala Moana Beach Park in the 1960s (completed in 1964). It was supposed to be the location of a new resort hotel, but the hotel was never built. So the peninsula was instead turned into a public park. The peninsula was later renamed to 'Aina Moana (meaning “land from the sea”), but people seem to prefer the name Magic Island and still call it that way today.
Key Features of Magic Island Beach
- Man-made peninsula with a small protected sandy beach
- Backed by a large grassy park with trees and picnic tables
- Part of Ala Moana Beach Park, popular for walking, jogging, and sunset watching
- Swimming area is calm but smaller than nearby Ala Moana Beach
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Magic Island Beach located?
Magic Island Beach is part of Ala Moana Beach Park in Honolulu, located between Waikiki and downtown Honolulu at the end of Ala Moana Park Drive.
Is Magic Island good for swimming?
It has a protected cove with calm waters, but the ocean bottom is rocky in areas. Most swimmers prefer nearby Ala Moana Beach.
What is Magic Island best known for?
It’s popular for its cityscape views, evening strolls, sunset watching, and picnic-friendly park setting. Fireworks shows are often launched here on holidays.
Is there parking near Magic Island?
Yes, there is a large parking lot near the peninsula, shared with Ala Moana Beach Park. It fills up quickly on weekends and holidays.
Can you surf or snorkel at Magic Island?
Magic Island isn’t a main spot for surfing or snorkeling, but nearby areas within Ala Moana Beach Park are used by local surfers and paddlers.