The magical island coastline of Honolulu is a destination that captivates visitors from all over the world. With its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life, this coastal paradise offers a truly unforgettable experience. Located on the island of Oahu, Honolulu boasts some of the most breathtaking coastal landscapes in the world. The beaches here are renowned for their pristine white sand and warm, turquoise waters. Visitors can relax on the shore, basking in the sun or engage in a myriad of water activities like swimming, snorkeling, and surfing. One of the primary attractions of Honolulu's coastline is the world-famous Waikiki Beach.
The City and County of Honolulu started cleaning up the Ala Moana area in 1931. They used funds provided by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s New Deal Project to create a city park in the Ala Moana area.
Back in the early twentieth century, most playgrounds consisted of large areas of pavement used to get children off of the street and had no aesthetic value. Featuring anchor brands that include Bloomingdale s, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and Macy s, Ala Moana Center houses a bevy of shops, eateries and specialty stores that include Foodland Farms Ala Moana.
One of the primary attractions of Honolulu's coastline is the world-famous Waikiki Beach. With its iconic Diamond Head as a backdrop, this beach is a must-visit for tourists. Stretching for two miles, Waikiki offers a blend of natural beauty and modern amenities.
Ala Moana Beach Park and ʻĀina Moana (Magic Island)
At the beginning of the twentieth-century, this stretch of coast makai of Ala Moana Boulevard was the site of the Honolulu garbage dump, which burned almost continually. The residue from burned rubbish was used to reclaim neighboring wetlands (which later were more commonly referred to as “swamp lands.”)
In the 1920s, Kewalo Basin was constructed and by the 1930s was the main berthing area for the sampan fleet and also the site of the tuna cannery, fish auction, shipyard, ice plant, fuel dock and other shore-side facilities.
In 1928, a channel was dredged through the coral reef to connect the Ala Wai Boat Harbor and the Kewalo Basin, so boats could travel between the two. Part of the dredge material helped to reclaim swampland that was filled in with dredged coral.
When the area became a very popular swimming beach, the channel was closed to boat traffic.
The City and County of Honolulu started cleaning up the Ala Moana area in 1931. They used funds provided by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s New Deal Project to create a city park in the Ala Moana area.
Back in the early twentieth century, most playgrounds consisted of large areas of pavement used to get children off of the street and had no aesthetic value.
In 1933, Harry Sims Bent was chosen as the park architect for the City and County of Honolulu. Bent’s design went beyond the modern level and into the realm of art deco, allowing for play, as well as contact with nature. His works at Ala Moana include the canal bridge, entrance portals, sports pavilion, banyan courtyard and the lawn bowling green.
President Roosevelt participated in the dedication of the new 76-acre “Moana Park” in 1934 (it was later renamed Ala Moana Park in 1947.) During his visit to the islands, Roosevelt also planted a kukui tree on the grounds of the ʻIolani Palace.
Ala Moana Park was developed on a swamp and the Honolulu garbage dump.
In the mid-1950s, reef rubble was dredged to fill in the old navigation channel (between Kewalo and the Ala Wai); it was topped with sand brought from Keawaʻula Beach (Yokohama Beach) in Waianae.
At the same time, a new swimming channel was dredged parallel to the new beach, extending 400-feet offshore; in addition, the west end of the fronting channel was closed by a landfill project that was part of the Kewalo Basin State Park project. A large fringing reef remained off-shore protecting the beach area.
Reportedly, in 1955, Henry Kaiser was the first to propose building two artificial islands and six hotels over the fringing reef. His proposal included inlets for boats, walkways and bridges. He called it Magic Island and offered to pay the $50-million cost. (Sigall, Star-Advertiser)
In 1958, a 20-page booklet was sent to Congress to encourage them to turn back Ala Moana Reef to the Territory of Hawaiʻi for the construction of a “Magic Island.” Local businessmen and firms paid half the cost and the Territory paid half through the Economic Planning & Coordination Authority) (Dillingham interests were among contributors, Henry J. Kaiser interests were not.) (Honolulu Record, February 13, 1958)
The booklet puts forth the argument that “Tourist development is our most important immediate potential for economic expansion,” and displays pictures of the crowded Waikiki area to show the lack of room for expansion. Then it directs the reader’s attention to land that can be reclaimed from the sea by utilizing reefs, especially the 300-acre area of Ala Moana Reef. (Honolulu Record, February 13, 1958)
It was supposed to be part of a new high scale beachfront resort complex with a half-dozen hotels that would have included two islands built on the fringing reef, offshore of the Ala Moana Park.
The Interest of the Dillingham’s in developing off-shore areas is obvious, since Hawaiian Dredging is the only local company large enough to undertake such sizable dredging operations.
The Dillingham interest in the current “Magic Island” project is more obvious because of the immediate increase in value it would bring to Dillingham land mauka of Ala Moana Boulevard. (Honolulu Record, February 13, 1958)
The Dillinghams figure to do the dredging and construction of Magic Island, itself, of course, and it must be recalled that the original Dillingham idea was to use Ala Moana Park for hotels and apartments and build the reef island for a park. (Honolulu Record, May 15, 1958)
But now that Magic Island is being proposed as a hotel and apartment site, it doesn’t mean for a moment the first plan has necessarily been abandoned. There is good reason to fear Ala Moana Park may be wiped out entirely so far as the people of Oahu are concerned if they don’t keep alert and guard” against every effort to encroach upon it. (Honolulu Record, May 15, 1958)
Substantial changes were made from the more extensive original plan for the Ala Moana reef; rather than multiple islands for several resort hotels built on the reef flat off of the Ala Moana Park, in 1964 a 30-acre peninsula, with “inner” and “outer” beaches for protected swimming, was constructed adjoining the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor and Ala Wai Canal outlet.
The project stopped after the development of “Magic Island,” leaving the State with a man-made peninsula, which they converted into a public park.
In 1972 the State officially renamed Magic Island to ‘Āina Moana (“land [from the] sea”) to recognize that the park is made from dredged coral fill. The peninsula was turned over the city in a land exchange and is formally known as the ‘Āina Moana Section of Ala Moana Beach Park, but many local residents still call it Magic Island.
Between 1955 and 1976 the beach eroded, and in 1976, more sand was brought in from Mokuleʻia on the north coast of Oʻahu.
The project stopped after the development of “Magic Island,” leaving the State with a man-made peninsula, which they converted into a public park.
Visitors can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of this bustling beach, soak up the sun, or take a leisurely stroll along the shoreline. While Waikiki may be the most popular, there are several other stunning beaches to explore along the Honolulu coastline. Lanikai Beach, with its powdery white sand and calm waters, is often ranked among the best beaches in the world. It offers a more secluded and peaceful atmosphere, perfect for couples or families looking for a tranquil escape. Beyond the beaches, the magical island coastline of Honolulu is also home to an incredible array of marine life. Snorkeling enthusiasts will be delighted by the abundance of colorful coral reefs and tropical fish that can be found just off the shoreline. Hanauma Bay, a protected marine sanctuary, is a favorite spot for snorkelers and offers a chance to witness the vibrant underwater world up close. For those who prefer to stay on dry land, the coastline offers stunning panoramic views and picturesque hiking trails. One such trail is the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail, which winds along the cliffs, providing breathtaking vistas of the Pacific Ocean. The trail culminates in a historic lighthouse, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the coastline and spot migrating whales during the winter months. In conclusion, the magical island coastline of Honolulu is a destination that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, recreational activities, and breathtaking views. Whether it's lounging on the sandy beaches, exploring the vibrant underwater world, or embarking on scenic hikes, Honolulu's coastline has something for everyone. With its unparalleled beauty and tropical charm, it's no wonder that this coastal paradise remains a top destination for travelers looking to experience the allure of the Hawaiian islands..
Reviews for "A Magical Escape: Uncovering the Delights of Honolulu's Island Coastline"
1. John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with Magical Island Coastline in Honolulu. The beaches were overcrowded and dirty, the water was full of trash, and the whole experience felt very touristy. The locals were unfriendly and unhelpful, and it just didn't feel like an authentic Hawaiian experience. I would not recommend visiting this place if you're looking for a peaceful and relaxing beach getaway.
2. Sarah - 1 star - My family and I had a terrible time at Magical Island Coastline in Honolulu. The resort was run-down and poorly maintained, with outdated facilities and uncomfortable accommodations. The staff was unprofessional and rude, and the overall atmosphere was chaotic and noisy. We were expecting a tranquil and magical island experience, but instead, we were left with a feeling of disappointment and regret. I would not recommend this place to anyone.
3. Michael - 2 stars - I had high hopes for Magical Island Coastline in Honolulu, but unfortunately, it didn't meet my expectations. The beaches were crowded, and it was difficult to find a spot to relax or swim. The area was also quite noisy, with loud music and parties going on late into the night. Additionally, the prices for food and drinks were exorbitant, and the quality was mediocre at best. Overall, I found the experience to be underwhelming and not worth the hype.