Duke Kahanamoku Beach Park and Lagoon

If you are heading to Waikiki for some beach time, the Park and Lagoon are great alternatives to the hustle-bustle of the busier central Waikiki beach access . The access to this location is a bit hidden, but worth the effort to locate it. A world of ocean fun awaits you, as there are two bodies of water accessible from this one beach: a protective break wall on the ocean side creates a sheltered cove, and a safe warm man-made lagoon to the other side of the beach offers a fun water playground space, with variety of equipment rentals.

AT A GLANCE:
HIGHLIGHTS: A sheltered Cove and Lagoon fronting the same beach. A more hidden portion of Waikiki Beach with its own public parking lot by the marina, and variety of water sport activity rentals, courtesy of the Hilton Hotel fronting the Lagoon.
ACTIVITIES: Swimming, sunbathing, stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, and paddle boats for rent.
LIFEGUARD: NO
WARNINGS!: Water hazards here are minimal, just watch out for tourists on water craft.
AMENITIES: Parking lot, restrooms, showers, and equipment rentals.

Waikiki is a beautiful beach scene that at times can be overwhelming. Located at Waikiki's western edge, this beach is a great alternative to the often crowded middle section of Waikiki amidst all the hotels. With its own public parking area and side entrance via Ala Wai Yacht Harbor, visitors can land in comfort on this special area of white sandy beach.

The water access is on both sides of this site. An ocean cove protected by a break wall keeping the waves out is on one side, and a unique man-made brackish water lagoon with its own sandy mini-beach stretches on the other side of the promenade. This site is the Hilton Hotel's beach access, so multiple equipment rental locations are spread along the lagoon. Kayaks, paddle boats and stand up paddle boards are all available for rent. There are even boat charters from the nearby boat pier, and a surf school that offers lessons outside the break wall.

The park's namesake Duke Kahanamoku was a legendary 20th century Hawaiian waterman and Olympic swimmer. He was part of a famous crew called the "Waikiki Beach Boys" that were the early ambassadors of surfing to the modern world. Duke was an all-around waterman, and this park, with so many water sports and activities exemplifies that idea of playing on and in the waters of Waikiki, his home and one-time stomping ground.

Here is a video link for Duke Kahanamoku Park:
http://youtu.be/fOwUKW14k50

Closest town: Honolulu

Directions:
Adjacent to the parking lot for Ala Wai Yacht Club.
Access is from Ala Moana Boulevard turning oceanside onto either Kahanamoku Street or Hobron Lane, then left onto Hoomoana Street. Follow the road to the end past the Marina to get to parking lot. Drive slowly and look for available parking spots. The beach is on the eastern side of the parking area fronting the hotels.