Fort DeRussy Beach Park

Fort DeRussy Beach Park is a popular stretch of white-sand beach located in the heart of bustling Waikīkī. The beach itself is situated in front of the Fort DeRussy Military Reservation and Army Museum, which once housed coastal defense guns for the protection of O'ahu up until the mid 1900s. The fort, once known as Battery Randolph, consisted of coastal artillery in concert with the fire control stations on the nearby summit of Diamond Head Crater with guns ranging up to 23 miles. These guns were fired only once in a test following the attack on Pearl Harbor, which consequently shattered the windows of the nearby Royal Hawaiian and Moana hotels. The park is named after two colonel brothers, Lewis Gustave and René Edward De Russy, who fought on opposite sides in the American Civil War. Admission to the museum is free and contains some interesting armory pieces from World War II.

Fort DeRussy Beach Park has some grassy spaces, a playground, and picnic table shelters that are perfect for relaxing and enjoying a meal. The beach features soft sand and calm blue waters as well as a volleyball court and vendors who offer an assortment of water sport rentals. A paved boardwalk runs along the length of the beach, offering access to other sections of Waikīkī Beach. Parking is metered and can be limited in this busy area of Waikiki, so consider taking public transit or walking if you are staying nearby. The park is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.