Things To Do October 25, 2023

TOP 10 FREE THINGS TO DO IN KAKA’AKO-ALA MOANA

Welcome to Ala-Moana Kaka’ako! A vibrant neighborhood on Oahu’s south shore. Perfect place for people who love the urban city vibe. Also frequently visited by tourists. Since there are many FREE things to do, such as: 

  1. Ala Moana Beach Park
  2. Ala Moana Shopping Center
  3. Kaka’ako Farmers Market
  4. Kaka’ako Waterfront Park
  5. DonQuijote
  6. Street Murals
  7. Salt
  8. Yoga Classes
  9. Fireworks
  10. Sunsets

 

  1. Ala Moana Beach Park

Have you heard of Ala Moana Beach Park? It’s not your average park – it’s a whopping 100 acres! It has a stunning half-mile long stretch of beach that is adored by locals and tourists alike. The best part? It stays open late, until 10pm, making it the perfect spot for an all day beach day or evening hangout. 

Friends and families often gather together for a delightful BBQ or a relaxing picnic on the spacious grass area. It’s such a wonderful place to unwind and enjoy quality time with loved ones. For all you fitness enthusiasts out there, you’ll spot plenty of people going for walks and jogs along the beach or people playing pickle ball and tennis at the courts.  

If you’re not a fan of diving into vast oceans, don’t worry! Ala Moana Beach Park has got you covered. Inside the park, there’s a lagoon called Magic Island. It’s like stepping into a paradise within paradise. There’s even a lovely .6-mile marked path where you can go for a run, or simply take a leisurely stroll while admiring the picturesque scenery. 

Here’s an interesting fact: Ala Moana Beach Park is also home to a vibrant community of feral cats. They add a unique touch to the park and have become a part of its charm. So, whether you’re looking to soak up the sun, enjoy a delicious picnic, or take a serene walk by the lagoon, Ala Moana Beach Park has it all – including some feline friends!

Tip: Whether you’re going to the beach park or Magic Island, Come early! Parking fills up quickly, especially on the weekends. If you’re going to the beach park, bring water shoes, the sand close to the water can get rocky. For Magic Island, no water shoes are needed. However, you should bring flip flops or slippers to walk on the sand, it gets scorching hot, don’t want to burn your feet! 

 

2. Ala Moana Shopping Center

Ala Moana Shopping Center? It’s not just your typical shopping mall – it’s actually the biggest open-air shopping center in the whole wide world! Can you believe that? 

Even if you’re not in the mood to splurge, it’s still an amazing place to take a leisurely stroll. This place is packed with over 350 stores, catering to all budgets. So, you can totally enjoy some window shopping without breaking the bank. 

Fun fact: “Ala Moana” means “path to the sea” in Hawaiian. It’s the perfect name because just across the street, you have the incredible Ala Moana Beach Park. So, after you stroll around, you can kick back and relax by the beautiful ocean. Sounds like a dream come true, doesn’t it?

Tip: You’ll want to park on the rooftop level, right outside the Target parking entrance and next to the restaurant terrace. Trust me, this parking lot is super spacious and amazingly convenient, meaning you won’t have to waste any time waiting or fighting for a spot. 

 

3. Kaka’ako Farmers Market

Looking for the perfect way to kickstart your Saturday mornings? Well, look no further! Kakaako Farmers Market doors swing wide open every Saturday from 8am to 12pm, inviting you to experience the ultimate weekend delight. When you step inside, you’ll be greeted by a vibrant gathering of vendors, hailing from all corners of beautiful Oahu, who have come together just to make your day. 

Prepare to have your taste buds tantalized and your senses awakened, as the air is filled with the sweet aroma of locally sourced, fresh fruits, vegetables, and flowers – all waiting eagerly to be enjoyed. But that’s not all, this bustling marketplace also boasts an enticing array of unique foods and products that are simply begging to be explored. 

And let’s not forget the icing on the cake – by supporting these remarkable local businesses, you’ll be contributing to the heart and soul of the community. So come on down, and be part of something special as you browse, shop, and savor every delightful moment. And the best part? You won’t have to wander around searching for a parking spot, because they offer no entrance fee and free parking for your utmost convenience. So don’t miss out – mark your calendars and join us on Saturdays!

Tip: If you want to have a stress-free experience and keep cool, I’d recommend arriving a little earlier. That way, you’ll have no trouble finding parking and escaping the scorching afternoon sun.

 

4. Kaka’ako Waterfront Park

If sandy beaches aren’t really your thing, then Kakaako Waterfront Park is your go-to destination! Picture all the fantastic features of a beach park, minus the sand. Imagine an oceanfront location with lush green lawns where you can enjoy delightful BBQs, picnic lunches, or simply take a leisurely stroll. Plus, did we mention it’s a surfer’s paradise? Feel free to sit back, relax, and marvel at the incredible wave riders showcasing their skills. 

Take a moment to admire the rocky borders along the coast, which serve as a fascinating habitat for curious crabs scuttling about. And keep your eyes peeled for the park’s resident chickens and adorable chicks, happily exploring the park and parking lot. There’s never a dull moment at Kakaako Waterfront Park!

Tip: The park closes at 7pm sharp. Here’s the thing though – the guard has a sneaky habit of locking the parking gate without giving anyone a heads up. So, if you don’t want to risk getting your car locked in, make sure you’re out before that time. Trust me, you don’t want that kind of surprise!

 

5. DonQuijote

Did you know that Hawaii is the only state in the US where you can find the incredible Japanese convenience store chain called DonQuijote? Hawaii boasts three (3)  DonQuijote locations, but the most popular one is definitely the one in Ala Moana. It’s a favorite among visitors and locals alike. And it’s open 24 hours! 

Whether you’re in need of groceries, clothing, unique Hawaiian souvenirs, or even top-notch Japanese skincare and snacks, and many more, DonQuijote has got you covered. It’s truly a one-stop-shop that you can’t miss out on! Perfect place to stroll and browse around since at every corner you will find something eye-catching. 

Tip: Did you know that according to federal law, alcohol sales come to a stop at the stroke of midnight? Even DonQuijote happens to be open all day and night, you won’t be able to access their booze section after the clock strikes 12am. So, the trick is to plan ahead and grab your drinks early, just to be safe. Cheers!

 

6. Street Murals

Kakaako is a neighborhood full of amazing street art that will totally blow your mind! With its colorful and vibrant murals, it’s no wonder this place is a hub for artists and art enthusiasts alike. One of the coolest things about Kakaako is Pow!Wow!, an event that brings together over 100 artists from all over the world to paint incredible murals on the streets. Trust me, it’s a sight to see! Whether you’re an art lover or just looking for a new Insta-worthy spot, Kakaako is the perfect place to go. Plus, with all the extra steps you’ll be taking to explore the area, you can indulge in some delicious food from the many food trucks available. So what are you waiting for? Come check out the magic of Kakaako!

Tip: I suggest you use metered street parking and start your stroll at Coral St and Pohukaina St.

 

7. Salt

Salt is an incredible spot that brings both locals and tourists together. Picture this: a massive 85,000 square feet space filled with shops, cafes, and restaurants just waiting to be discovered. There is a shaded seating area to relax. It’s the perfect place to kick back and recharge after exploring the vibrant street murals nearby. 

Here’s a fun fact! The name Salt, “pa’akai,” in Hawaiian, pays tribute to the salt ponds that played a crucial role in the history of the area. Isn’t that intriguing?

Salt isn’t just about shopping and dining. They also host awesome events that you definitely don’t want to miss. To stay in the loop and catch the next exciting gathering, make sure to keep an eye on their website. Trust me, you don’t want to miss out on the fun!

Tip: The parking entrance is conveniently located on Keawe Street! And here’s some exciting news for you – if you happen to park there after getting your parking validated from a shop or restaurant, you’ll get the first hour completely free! If you forget to get validation, it’s still possible to park, but it’ll cost you $3 for every 30 minutes. Keep in mind, there’s also metered street parking available for your convenience. 

 

8. Yoga Classes

Did you know that there are tons of free yoga classes happening around town? The best part is that many of them take place at Ala Moana Beach Park! So, if you’re looking to unwind and find your inner peace, all you have to do is hop online and check out websites like EventBrite to find these fantastic events. 

Picture stretching and finding your zen while feeling the gentle ocean breeze and hearing the soothing sound of waves crashing nearby. It sounds like the ultimate way to destress, right? Trust me, there’s no better place to do it than right there.

Tip: For the ultimate convenience, you can park at the Magic Island parking lot! Trust me, you’ll love it because most classes happen right there on Magic Island itself. And the best part? The parking lot is super spacious, meaning you won’t have to trek a long distance. 

 

9. Fireworks

Want to know something amazing? Every single week, like clockwork, the Hilton Waikiki Village Hotel puts on a dazzling fireworks show. Every Friday night, around 7:45pm to 8pm, the night sky lights up with bursts of color. And you know what’s even more amazing? 

You can witness this spectacular event from up close at Magic Island or Waikiki Beach. But here’s a little secret for you – the absolute best view is from the comfort of your own lanai, where you can soak up the magnificent display from a bird’s eye perspective.

Tip: It’s a good idea to arrive early to secure yourself a prime viewing spot. Trust me, people start camping out crazy early just to get a glimpse of this incredible event. Plus, finding parking will be a lot easier if you beat the rush and come early. So don’t miss out, grab a front row seat to the Hilton Waikiki Village Hotel fireworks extravaganza!

 

10. Sunsets

Have you ever witnessed a sunset in Hawaii? Let me tell you, it’s an absolute sight to behold! The sky undergoes this incredible transformation, showering the horizon with the most mesmerizing array of colors. Trust me, you wouldn’t want to miss it for the world! The ultimate viewing spots are either from the beach or, even better, from the comfort of your own lanai. Just keep in mind that depending on the time of year, the sunset may occur earlier or later, but typically you can catch it anywhere between 6pm to 8pm.

Tip: Remember to wear your sunglasses! The sun can get insanely bright, and the last thing you need is to be temporarily blinded by its brilliance. So let your eyes take in the majestic sight while still ensuring they’re protected.

 

Thank you so much for reading! Hope you learned something new! Don’t forget to contact me, Kylie Guest, for any of your real estate needs, by cell (808)318-1995) or by email kylie.guest@cbrealty.com . Have a great day!

 

*Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to the photos used.