Magic Island + Lagoon

Magic Island is a popular beach park on a manmade peninsula, located right next to the Ala Wai boat harbor and Ala Moana Beach Park. This unique park was originally set to be the site of yet another vacation resort, with construction of the island over reclaimed reef halting in the mid 1900s. The existing peninsula, which was supposed to be expanded into two more islands, was soon converted to a public park and was renamed 'Aina Moana (land from the sea) in 1972, though it is still locally known as Magic Island.

Every year for the Fourth of July, fireworks are shot off from Magic Island, drawing numerous visitors. Certain events and concerts are also occasionally hosted at the park. The beach itself is popular among tourists and locals, offering a sheltered lagoon that is perfect for swimming and playing as well as plenty of open green space for picnicking or exercising. The barrier that protects the small lagoon from ocean swell is great on calm days; however, high winds can cause larger waves to crash over the barrier. Swimmers should use proper judgment and avoid getting too close on rougher days. The adjacent Ala Moana Beach Park is still more popular, as the swimming area at Magic Island is quite rocky and less sandy. Still, proximity to Waikīkī and tourist resorts has made Magic Island a popular coastal destination.