One of the most popular parks in Honolulu, Ala Moana Beach Park is a100-acre, free public park located between downtown Honolulu and Waikiki. The white sandy beach is slightly over a half mile long with calm water and a shallow outer coral reef, making it ideal for swimming, stand-up-paddleboarding, and snorkeling where you can observe tropical fishes, corals, and turtles. The far western end of the beach is a favorite with families, especially small children, with its calm, waist-deep water. For the surfing enthusiasts, head over to the south side of Ala Moana and paddle out past the reef to catch the swells coming in from the open ocean. Beach facilities include concessions stands, shady trees, tennis courts, picnic tables, plenty of restrooms, outdoor showers, lifeguards on duty, BBQ grills, a large parking lot and is across the street from the Ala Moana Center, a shopper’s dream come true with 400 shops and restaurants.