US citizens no visa; others check ESTA or visa waiver.

Is Ala Moana Beach safe for swimming?

Yes, the lagoon is calm and lifeguard-patrolled.

What's the best way to get from Honolulu Airport to Ala Moana?

Taxi ($35-45), rideshare ($25-35), or TheBus Route 20 ($2.75).

Are there grocery stores nearby?

Yes, Foodland and Times Supermarket in Ala Moana Center.

Can I surf at Ala Moana?

Yes, but beginners should go to Waikiki. Ala Moana has a reef break for experienced surfers.

Is it easy to find parking?

Ala Moana Center has free parking; hotel parking costs $30-50/night.

What's the weather like in December?

Mild 70-80°F, occasional rain, bigger surf.

Ala Moana

SuburbHonolulu, Hawaii

Ala Moana is a SUB AREA in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Ala Moana is a vibrant Honolulu neighborhood that blends urban energy with tropical tranquility. Its crown jewel is Ala Moana Beach Park, a sprawling green space with a protected swimming lagoon, calm waters perfect for families, and iconic views of Diamond Head. The adjacent Ala Moana Center, one of the world's largest open-air shopping malls, offers endless retail therapy, dining from food courts to fine restaurants, and cultural performances. Beyond shopping, you can jog the beachfront path, paddleboard in the gentle surf, or picnic under swaying palms. The area buzzes with a mix of locals and visitors, giving it an authentic island feel. With easy access to Waikiki and downtown Honolulu, Ala Moana serves as a convenient base for exploring Oahu. Its sunny weather, safe beaches, and modern amenities make it a favorite for travelers seeking both relaxation and convenience.

Best time to visit Ala Moana

Year-round warm weather (75-85°F). Best months: April-May and September-October for fewer crowds, lower prices, and pleasant conditions. Summer (June-August) is peak with higher rates and more families. Winter (November-March) brings bigger surf and occasional rain, but still good for whale watching.

October

Now

Right now

Condition: Overcast
Temperature: 25°
Feels like: 26°
Humidity: 69%
Wind: 15 km/h
Precipitation: 0 mm

Typical for October

Weather: Warm 74-84°F

Travel notes

Crowds: Low
Prices: Moderate

Best month for value

Weather from Open-Meteo

Know before you go

Getting there

HNL

Daniel K. Inouye International Airport

International

6 km away

Getting around

"TheBus (Honolulu's public bus) is cheap ($2.75 per ride) and covers Ala Moana well, including routes to Waikiki, downtown, and Pearl Harbor. Ala Moana Center is a major bus hub. Rideshares (Uber/Lyft) are widely available. Rental cars are convenient but parking at hotels can be expensive ($30-50/night). Walking is pleasant for nearby beaches and shopping. Biki bike-share stations are scattered around."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

50 Mbps

Mobile data

Excellent

WiFi

Widely available in hotels, malls, and cafes

Local SIM

Local SIM at airport from $5 (T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T)

Stay safe

Overall

8/10

Petty theft is main concern; ocean safety requires caution.

Night safety

7/10

Petty theft is main concern; ocean safety requires caution.

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

6/10

"Ala Moana is generally very safe, with low violent crime. Petty theft (bag snatching, car break-ins) occurs in tourist areas—keep valuables locked in your hotel safe or out of sight. Be cautious at night in less crowded parts of the beach park. Ocean safety: heed lifeguard flags, avoid swimming alone, and never turn your back on the surf. Use crosswalks and watch for jaywalking tickets."

Police

911

Ambulance

911

Fire

911

Entry and health

Health information

"No special vaccinations required for US travelers. Tap water is safe to drink. Sun protection is essential—use reef-safe sunscreen, wear a hat, and stay hydrated. Mosquitoes are present; bring repellent for dawn/dusk. Medical facilities include urgent care clinics and pharmacies in Ala Moana Center. For serious issues, Queen's Medical Center in Honolulu is 10 minutes away. Travel insurance covering medical evacuation is recommended."

Culture

Local customs

"Aloha spirit is real—greet with a smile and 'aloha.' Remove shoes before entering homes. Dress is casual (flip-flops, shorts, aloha shirts) but avoid swimwear in restaurants. Respect sacred sites (heiau) and don't touch sea turtles or monk seals. Tipping: 15-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per bag for porters. Learn a few Hawaiian words like 'mahalo' (thank you)."

English (official)SpanishChineseTagalogVietnameseFrenchArabicKoreanGermanItalianEnglish

Costs and practicals

Cost level

Mid-range

Meals

$10-20 | local plate lunch ~$12

Hotels

$150-300 | mid-range hotels $150-300/night

Local transport

$2.75 | bus ride $2.75

Cost notes

Prices higher than mainland US due to island imports.

Timezone

Pacific/Honolulu
Local time 17:48

More facts

Population

5,579

Type

Suburb

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: アラモアナ

SuburbBeachShoppingFamily-FriendlyUrbanTropical

Ala Moana

Best time to visit Ala Moana

October

Know before you go

Getting there

Getting around

Stay connected

Stay safe

Overall

Night safety

Transport

Scam risk

Police

Ambulance

Fire

Entry and health

Health information

Culture

Local customs

Costs and practicals

More facts

Nearby areas in Honolulu

Aala

Airport

Ala Moana - Kakaʻako

Aliamanu Makai

Aliamanu Mauka

Camp H.M. Smith

Diamond Head

Downtown

East Manoa

Enchanted Lake

Farrington

Financial District

Ford Island

Fort Shafter

Hawai‘i Kai

Iwilei-Anuenue

Kaimukī

Kakaʻako

Kalaheo Hillside

Kalanipuu

Kalihi-Palama

Kuakini

Liliha - Kapalama

Lower Aiea

Lower McCully

Lower Palolo

Lower Pawaa

Lower Pearl City

Lower Waiau

Lower Wilhelmina

Makua Valley

Manana Housing

Mariner's Ridge

Mayor Wright Housing

McCully - Moiliili

Moanalua Valley

Mō‘ili‘ili

Newtown

Nuuanu - Punchbowl

Olomana

Palama

Robinson Heights

Tantalus

Upper Kalihi Valley

Upper Manoa

Upper Palolo

Upper Pauoa

Waialae Iki

Waialae - Kahala

Waialae Nui Ridge-Ainakoa

Ward Village

Frequently Asked Questions