Aloha from Hawaii: Magic Island

Magic Island is a man made peninsula and rocky point bordering the Ala Wai Yacht Harbor, located within the Ala Moana Beach Park which stretches over a perimeter of 76-acre.

Photo Credit: Forest and Kim Starr (USGS)
It was built in 1964 on thirty acres of reclaimed shallow reef.
It was formally christened as "Aina Moana,'' or "land from the sea,'' but it is known more popularly as ' Magic Island' to locals and tourists.

Magic island in rains
The original concept was to create a new resort hotel complex here that would cover two additional islands. But the project died soon after the first stage of reclamation was accomplished, so the area was converted into a public park.
It is a park with white sand beaches, a protected swimming lagoon, wide grassy areas, picnic tables, trails for cycling and inline skating, a rocky breakwater, and beautiful views of Waikiki and Honolulu.

magic island in rains
On the east side of the park, one can see Waikiki, Hilton Waikiki Hawaiian Village, Honolulu, backed by famous Diamond Head Mountains standing mightily guarding the island. We can also see the yachts moored into the lagoon, creating a beautiful foreground.

The east side of Magic Island

A beautiful sunset at Magic Island.
On the west side, we can see the John Burns school of medicine, Kewalo basin and Honolulu skyline.
It is much sought after park for the wedding photographs and 'Barefoot in sand' ceremonies. In fact, the panorama is so stunning at dusk that Magic Island has become the last stop for sunset photos on deluxe Oahu wedding packages.

Wedding shoot at magic island
Every Friday, the tourists and local gather here in Aloha mood to watch the fireworks hosted by Hilton Hawaiian village resort.
Every year on Memorial Day, there is a huge Floating Lantern Festival at Magic island in Honolulu. People make paper lanterns to commemorate loved ones who have passed away, and at sunset they light a candle with each lantern and set them into the ocean. It is a moving experience that is aesthetically and emotionally very beautiful.

Lantern Floating ceremony
This is also the venue for the annual Honolulu Family Festival, with thrill rides, dozens of food stalls, live entertainment, and games. Each August, it draws tens of thousands with free admission and a complimentary shuttle service. All proceeds from the festival go toward the upkeep and beautification of Ala Moana Beach Park.

Moon rise over Magic Island

A beautiful evening
The surrounding waters have been rated among Hawaii's top spots for shore diving, home to spotted eagle rays, surgeonfish, stonefish, checkered cowries, turtles, coral and other sea life. Both snorkelers and scuba-divers use the beach as an easy access point for underwater excursions.

Magic island in rains
Magic Island is located on the east end of Ala Moana Beach Park at 1201 Ala Moana Boulevard, Honolulu, Hawaii 96814. The parking is free.