From frequent seasonal festivals to staple shops and restaurants – and easy access to the ocean and piers – there is always entertainment easily found in Kakaako and Ala Moana.
1. Ala Moana Center and Beach Park
As the largest outdoor shopping mall in the United States, Ala Moana Center (1450 Ala Moana Boulevard) is a mecca for shopping and entertainment – from large department stores to local boutiques, a bowling alley to a spa, many sit-down restaurants to a food court. Spend the day exploring Ala Moana Center.
Just outside Ala Moana Center on 1221 Kona Street, stop by Blue Planet Surf, Hawaii’s best stand-up paddle (SUP) board shop. Rent or purchase a SUP, surfboard, or kayak, or take a lesson from one of Blue Planet’s water experts.
After hitting the shops, hit the surf at Ala Moana Regional Park (1201 Ala Moana Boulevard). This 100-acre park with a calm beach also boasts tennis courts and a pavilion. Cycle, skate, swim, frisbee, run, BBQ or have a wedding!
2. Bike the Streets
Biking in Ala Moana and Kaka‘ako – with a helmet and protective gear – is a great activity for elementary-aged children. For a fun, spontaneous adventure, check out Biki, Honolulu’s bike-share program with stations conveniently located throughout the area. Just download the Biki app or use a kiosk to unlock a bike and start your ride.
After selecting your bike, hit the biker-friendly paths to check out the neighborhood from a different angle.
Made for biking or walking, traveling down the Ala Moana Park Path will give you a view of the sandy beach on one side and lively Honolulu on the other. At either end of the trail are two busy boat harbors: Ala Wai Small Boat Basin to the east and Kewalo Basin to the west. The pathway loops around gassy areas, a promenade, picnic pavilions, restrooms, and drinking water.
Ride your bike along the Kaka‘ako Waterfront Park Path, enjoying the views and ocean air and also the safety of the designated path. There are plans to add more bike paths throughout the Kaka‘ako area to more easily connect the neighborhood to Downtown Honolulu and Waikiki, so check out Hawaii Bicycling League for bike maps and up-to-date information.
3. Kaka‘ako Art Scene
Wander through the streets of Kaka‘ako to discover murals on buildings – along with many eateries and shops. Most murals can be spotted in the blocks between South Street, Ala Moana Boulevard, Ward Avenue, and Kapiolani Boulevard.
SALT At Our Kaka‘ako (691 Auahi Street) is also adorned in art and hosts a variety of merchants and events. Be pampered at a beauty salon, indulge in ice cream, sip a latte, go to happy hour, or be inspired at a gallery – SALT is a modern shopping complex located in the heart of Kaka‘ako. SALT also hosts various events such as POW! WOW!
4. Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center
Open every day except Mondays, the Children’s Discover Center (111 Ohe Street) is almost always a blast for children. Different hands-on exhibits explore a range of topics – from music to Hawaiian history and much more. A water area and small baby and toddler center make it an exciting multi-hour adventure for keiki of all ages.
5. Kewalo Harbor
Known for commercial fishing operations as well as fishing, sailing, parasailing, and scuba charters, Kewalo Harbor, also known as Kewalo Basin to some locals, also has a park to relax at. Take a boat ride or dare to check out the high-performance surf wave of ‘Kewalos’ where you may spot professional surfers Carissa Moore, Zeke Lau, or Seth and Josh Moniz. Many call this wave “man-made,” as it has evolved over the years with the dredging of the harbor. The reef is shallow, and south swells can produce a two to six-foot clean wave.
6. Kids City
Kids City in Ward Village (1200 Aka Moana Blvd) is Hawaii’s premier indoor playground packed with a toddler area, water station, ball pool, interactive AR wall, Lego station, zip line, tube slide – and much, much more. Kids City is a go-to destination for anyone with children. Not only will kids’ imagination and creativity be fostered, but children are guaranteed to have a ton of fun.
