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The Ala Wai Canal is an artificial waterway in Honolulu, Hawaii. It is recognized as the northern boundary of the Waikiki tourist district. The area we know today as Waikiki was once swampland and rice paddies. The canal was constructed to drain these waters away, and to provide drainage for the rivers and streams that ran through central and east Honolulu. I'm going to focus on the stretch of Ala Wai Boulevard between McCully (on the west) and Kapahulu Avenue (to the east). If you are staying in Waikiki, you can easily access this entire section from your hotel. I know a lot of people who aren't physically and psychologically happy unless they get their daily run or walk in. The sidewalk between the actual canal and Ala Wai Boulevard is straight. The pavement is continuous and in reasonably good condition. The lighting in the evening is also good. On the other side of the canal, you can see public parks and the Ala Wai Golf Course in the near ground, and views of the mountains in the background. The Ala Wai is a good place to go for a run or walk, without the impediments of meandering tourist pedestrian traffic.
I know the water in the canal is kinda nasty but depending where you are I still think it's pretty cool. If you are down by Chinatown it's not very nice but when you are closer to Waikiki it's actually not so bad. On certain days you can see beautiful rainbows. You also see people walking, running, and walking their dogs. Years ago when I've stayed in that area I would run around the canal in the mornings and it is quite a nice run. I mean it's not Waimanalo but it's still pretty nice. Can't wait to be back............
Sometimes the hustle and bustle of downtown Waikiki can be a bit much. The Ala Wai Canal is just a few blocks away, but it provides a great escape from the crazy tourist crowds. You won't be alone by any means, but you'll be able to enjoy a comfortable walk without all of the distractions of downtown. The canal is surrounded by a concrete walking path and serves as a wonderful opportunity to partake in a leisurely walk or run. There are some awesome city views here, and the canal presents a picturesque view itself. I've witnessed a few people fishing here, but these aren't the cleanest waters, so you definitely shouldn't get in it. The walking path is lined by beautiful palm trees and vibrant grassy fields on the adjacent side. It's pretty safe for the most part, but there is a section of the canal where there are homeless encampments. Even still, this part of the canal is easily avoidable as it's a pretty wide path to traverse. Parking is tough but if you're patient enough, you'll be able to snag a spot from someone finishing up their walk or run. There are also several places to sit and relax while admiring the views. Haven't yet experienced a sunrise or sunset here, but given how scenic the daytime views are, I'm sure the latter is pretty delightful. This is also a great place to kill some time if you are queuing for lunch or dinner since it's a fairly short walk to some of Waikiki's most popular restaurants. So if you're looking to relax for a bit without going too far, a quick visit to the Ala Wai Canal awaits you.
If you lap the entire Ala Wai Canal it's 3.5 miles. It's the perfect walk. You park at the Ala Wai Park and just circle the whole canal. Along the route, I ran into two ducks. They weren't afraid of people. They actually approached me. It was the cutest thing. They probably thought I had food to feed them. As I was on the Waikiki side, I stopped by Maguro Bros. and picked up dinner. Then, I headed across the street to International Marketplace to get a drink and eat. I got back on the Ala Wai and finished up my lap. Parts of the canal had a pungent smell of sewer. I had to hold my breath. I took a while to get back to the car where I started as I made detours, lol.
Before Waikiki was what it is now, the area mostly consisted of wetlands. That changed when the canal was constructed to drain the wetlands. It's two miles long and has one outlet on the western end to the ocean. Originally there was another second outlet on the eastern side but engineers decided not to build it because the contamination from that end would end up on the beaches in Waikiki. To the north of the canal is the Ala Wai Golf Course and Ala Wai Community Park. Just to the south is a paved sidewalk that many many people use on their morning walks or runs. It was also great to watch the sunrise from there, which was what we did. There were a couple concrete benches but otherwise not many places to sit. Regardless, it's a more peaceful side of Waikiki away from the tourist crowds.
You probably already know about the history behind Ala Wai Canal. Just so you know, I used to live in a mansion on the Waikiki side of canal over 2 decades ago. I know it so well. I could tell you everything you want to know. I saw it got dredged from beginning to the end. Talk about the grossness of what the Army Engineers dug out and how much they transported to deep sea. The air quality was unbearable as everyone closed their windows. Anyway. I used to bike up and down (more down with the traffic because the cops would give me a ticket if I rode my bike on sidewalk.) I only come to the canal on weekends because people can park on the right side, which became a barrier from traffic. Just in case the cars won't charge onto the sidewalk. Walking on the east of McCully worried me. Because there were incidents of people got pushed into the canal. I would rather walk on the part between Ala Moana and Kalakaua. This area is often used by local residents during the day. When I visited island few months ago, I came to walk early in the morning to capture the nature scenery. I saw schools of fish catching prays and birds eating on the grass. So relaxing.
It was much cleaner than I expected! And honestly the two time I ran along side it was really nice. There were a few cracks and trip hazards on the north sidewalk but all in it was a nice experience. I think the fact that we were staying at the Wayfinder next-door made things a lot more comforting for me.
Nice area to go for a stroll or run around when not too hot. It runs along the city and offers a nice view instead of just looking at hotels as you walk around the area before hitting the ocean. It is definitely calmer than closer to the beach so allow your to relax.
Photos can really make a place look beautiful! I was fascinated by the way Joe, Lyla, Judy, and Feb could make the Ala Wai Canal in Honolulu, Hawaii (at the edge of Waikiki) look so much better than what I thought about it. Isn't the Ala Wai filled with stagnant water and garbage? I thought that because Waikiki used to be a swamp, the Ala Wai was just drainage water from the mountains. Sometimes the fragrance isn't pleasant! In the past, I volunteered with the Jaycees (Junior Chamber of Commerce) for the Rubber Ducky Race to benefit United Cerebral Palsy. We poured thousands of little yellow plastic ducks into the canal and had to scoop them out at the end of the race. Yuk! Haha! It wasn't the most sanitary event! Luckily, no one got sick! Anyway, I was motivated by my friends' photos. I wanted some beautiful captures like theirs! So, here they are! Plus, I caught paddlers in action! What a bonus! I guess that they use the end of the canal that opens to the ocean. Yes...it's a one-way in and one way out waterway which is about 1.5 miles long. The Ala Wai Canal is also popular with joggers and walkers - just be careful because some areas do not have protective walls! People can hust fall in! Maybe that's why some people are just sitting on benches, enjoying the trade winds and unique views - it's safer! Haha! Another plus is that parking along this landmark is FREE! Aloha from Hawaii!
1 January 2021 The views here are amazing and picturesque, just don't look too closely at the canal. Yuck! The water in the canal is dingy and oftentimes it is littered with rubbish. Also, mostly in the evenings but at all hours, there are homeless people on the benches or laying along the path. The path is a bit narrow for both walkers and bicyclists but if everyone using the route pays attention, it should not be an issue. Bikers should also signal their approach, especially if coming up behind a pedestrian (it is nervewrecking when a cyclist speeds pass me and I didn't even know they were approaching me). There is free, 24 hour, parallel parking along the side of the Ala Wai blvd (the only exceptions are Mondays & Fridays between 0830am and 1100am when it must be cleared for street sweeping). We did not feel very safe standing at the crosswalk waiting to cross the street. Cars speed along Ala Wai close to the sidewalks and feel dangerously close for pedestrians. A few times, it seems some drivers don't want to stop when the light turns red; they come to an abrupt stop, sometimes crossing into the crosswalk. I would advise pedestrians to back away from the corner of the street and wait for the pedestrian sign and ensure it is illuminated AND wait to ensure cars stop once the light is red and you make eye contact with the drivers. Enjoy the scenery, take pictures, don't throw rubbish in the canal, and be safe.
QUICK TRIVIA: Ala Wai Canal (Waikiki Drainage Canal) is an artificial waterway that was constructed between 1921 & 1928 to drain the rice paddies & swamps w/c would eventually become Waikiki. ~ Guess what, currently the canal drains up to 150 inches of rainwater, w/c seeps down from the mountains in Waikiki every year & it empties into the Pacific Ocean at the Ala Wai Yacht Harbor. (Source: www.to-Hawaii.com) All thanks to the great minds of people who came up to create Ala Wai Canal to resolve these problems from the past that will let current & future generations enjoy as an attraction today. ~ Because it is just back in our alley we almost spend nights of walking in here with our doggo. My husband and I always find this place peaceful and calm as the still waters serve as the reflection of city lights from buildings across. Picturesque for me and took as much as we want coz why not? They're too beautiful not to snap. ~ Downfall is, sometimes it smells bad that comes from the homeless pipz within the area. But overall, this place always reminds me of a Korean Drama Series esp. when those dry leaves slowly falling down to the ground. ~ Mahalo & HAPPY JUANDERING fellow yelpers! www.juanderbandit.world
Did you know... Before the islands were settled, Waikīkī once measured 2,000 acres of marshland as it served as water (rainfall) drainage from the Ko'olau Mountain Range. Streams from Manoa, Palolo and Makiki would cleanse the wetlands. As early settlers came to the islands, this marshland was used for growing taro, fish ponds and gardens. Waikīkī was the most agriculturally productive area in old Hawai'i. However, as Westernization arrived and as the Hawaiian population dwindled, these once productive lands turned into mosquito breeding grounds. Finally, in 1927-1928, the Ala Wai Canal had been dredged and completed as a man made drainage system. Meanwhile, development of Waikīkī , dwindled down to 500 acres, was rapidly occurring into its present day hotbed of tourist attraction. The Ala Wai Canal measures 1.5 miles and stretches along the northeast border of Waikīkī. It starts near Kapahulu Avenue and continues out to Ala Moana Boulevard. This canal which was once cleansed by the streams from Manoa, Palolo and Makiki has become unfortunately contaminated or polluted as these upstream neighborhoods developed. Um, believe it or not, this canal could be viewed as a mistake as there is only ONE outlet to the Pacific Ocean. The engineers abandoned building an eastern outlet when they realized that currents from the outlet (near Kaimana Beach and Kapiolani Park) would have swept into burgeoning Waikīkī. I've long thought about the history this place has as the Ala Wai Canal, Kapahulu, Waikīkī and Diamond Head neighborhoods have been my stomping grounds. When I was an avid runner and of course, younger, I would run from Kapahulu up and around Diamond Head down through Waikīkī to Ala Moana and back up the Ala Wai Canal. Shoot! Now, I just walk these areas (bum knees). I've seen many changes from no side walks, narrow side walks, parking stall resizing, sewage pipe installation and to its current wide pathway. Even with the sometimes smelly water, I still will include this stretch in my walks because this canal has beautiful mountain views along the way and is a gorgeous place to catch the sunset. #564
Happy October, Happy Fall & YES- :) I made it to #1200 review and the question is why am I checking in @ the Ala Wai Canal & why the Ala Wai Canal for my #1200 reviews, hehe. Lets just say Ala Wai Canal had helped me on my healthy journey 6 years ago and during Covid times, I decided to take that path, I walked along the Ala Wai from starting from McCully side- Kaimuki- Kapahulu then along the Ala Wai, been doing this for 6 years now and this was the best decision I've ever made and even lost the weight while putting in my daily steps, winning combo and enjoying the Ala Wai Canal path was nice! Ala Wai Canal is a 1.5 mile man-made waterway that forms the mauka border of Waikiki - runs from Kapahulu Ave, behind Convention Center to the Ala Wai boat Harbor. Although you don't want to go near anywhere near the water, for swimming/fishing - which I don't recommend because all that bacteria and you don't want to know what is in that canal but you will see canoe clubs paddling here every afternoon- evening, its a bonus to see the paddlers. Also great spot for jog, relax on the picnic bench, dog walking, enjoying a meal ( I seen this happen while on my walks, and overnight and weekend parking is possible along the canal ( read the signs for information). ** but of course along the Ala Wai you will see a lot of encampments, chronics, homeless ness, the mess, rubbish left behind -the not so great part of the Ala Wai Canal/promenade but don't let that bother you , they are part of this society too. Just bypass it and enjoy! My favorite path along the Ala Wai Canal is when I get to the plumeria trees , so many right now, an entire path, grove of plumeria, so beautiful to just walk through it. Happy trails, happy walking and talking my daily steps and jus walking Ala Wai side, making #1200 and 12,000 steps! Thank you Ala Wai Canal! read more
Aloha peeps! Got up early one morning to get some exercise and walk the Ala Wai Canal. It's conveniently located next to some of the hotels on Kuhio Ave and lots of folks both visitors and locals can be seen walking or jogging the path. On certain days, you can also watch the outrigger teams paddling along the canal as well. So.. if you're sitting up in your hotel room, put your favorite walking/running shoes on and take a nice stroll along the canal for a little bit of exercise. You might get lucky and see a couple of outrigger canoes quietly glide by for a wonderful photo op. Aloha! read more
The Ala Wai Canal is an artificial waterway, in which the area is popular for those who are taking a run. There is a path that runs along the canal and various pseudo-like seating areas (but, not really designated). On a great sunny day, the view is great, the canal water is blue, and it's nice t just sit and people-watch and enjoy a good cup of coffee or read a book. Note that the canal has gone through some changes in which they try to keep it clean; sometimes, it gets super gross, as dumped items and debris can wash up and get into the canal due to inclement weather and/or due to a backlog. Accessing the canal centrally can be tough, depending on which side you're coming from, as there's not many pedestrian crosswalks, but there are some located on either side. +pathways for running read more
2 years ago
The Ala Wai Canal is an artificial waterway in Honolulu, Hawaii. It is recognized as the northern boundary of the Waikiki tourist district. The area we know today as Waikiki was once swampland and rice paddies. The canal was constructed to drain these waters away, and to provide drainage for the rivers and streams that ran through central and east Honolulu. I'm going to focus on the stretch of Ala Wai Boulevard between McCully (on the west) and Kapahulu Avenue (to the east). If you are staying in Waikiki, you can easily access this entire section from your hotel. I know a lot of people who aren't physically and psychologically happy unless they get their daily run or walk in. The sidewalk between the actual canal and Ala Wai Boulevard is straight. The pavement is continuous and in reasonably good condition. The lighting in the evening is also good. On the other side of the canal, you can see public parks and the Ala Wai Golf Course in the near ground, and views of the mountains in the background. The Ala Wai is a good place to go for a run or walk, without the impediments of meandering tourist pedestrian traffic. read more
I know the water in the canal is kinda nasty but depending where you are I still think it's pretty cool. If you are down by Chinatown it's not very nice but when you are closer to Waikiki it's actually not so bad. On certain days you can see beautiful rainbows. You also see people walking, running, and walking their dogs. Years ago when I've stayed in that area I would run around the canal in the mornings and it is quite a nice run. I mean it's not Waimanalo but it's still pretty nice. Can't wait to be back............ read more
Sometimes the hustle and bustle of downtown Waikiki can be a bit much. The Ala Wai Canal is just a few blocks away, but it provides a great escape from the crazy tourist crowds. You won't be alone by any means, but you'll be able to enjoy a comfortable walk without all of the distractions of downtown. The canal is surrounded by a concrete walking path and serves as a wonderful opportunity to partake in a leisurely walk or run. There are some awesome city views here, and the canal presents a picturesque view itself. I've witnessed a few people fishing here, but these aren't the cleanest waters, so you definitely shouldn't get in it. The walking path is lined by beautiful palm trees and vibrant grassy fields on the adjacent side. It's pretty safe for the most part, but there is a section of the canal where there are homeless encampments. Even still, this part of the canal is easily avoidable as it's a pretty wide path to traverse. Parking is tough but if you're patient enough, you'll be able to snag a spot from someone finishing up their walk or run. There are also several places to sit and relax while admiring the views. Haven't yet experienced a sunrise or sunset here, but given how scenic the daytime views are, I'm sure the latter is pretty delightful. This is also a great place to kill some time if you are queuing for lunch or dinner since it's a fairly short walk to some of Waikiki's most popular restaurants. So if you're looking to relax for a bit without going too far, a quick visit to the Ala Wai Canal awaits you. read more
If you lap the entire Ala Wai Canal it's 3.5 miles. It's the perfect walk. You park at the Ala Wai Park and just circle the whole canal. Along the route, I ran into two ducks. They weren't afraid of people. They actually approached me. It was the cutest thing. They probably thought I had food to feed them. As I was on the Waikiki side, I stopped by Maguro Bros. and picked up dinner. Then, I headed across the street to International Marketplace to get a drink and eat. I got back on the Ala Wai and finished up my lap. Parts of the canal had a pungent smell of sewer. I had to hold my breath. I took a while to get back to the car where I started as I made detours, lol. read more
Before Waikiki was what it is now, the area mostly consisted of wetlands. That changed when the canal was constructed to drain the wetlands. It's two miles long and has one outlet on the western end to the ocean. Originally there was another second outlet on the eastern side but engineers decided not to build it because the contamination from that end would end up on the beaches in Waikiki. To the north of the canal is the Ala Wai Golf Course and Ala Wai Community Park. Just to the south is a paved sidewalk that many many people use on their morning walks or runs. It was also great to watch the sunrise from there, which was what we did. There were a couple concrete benches but otherwise not many places to sit. Regardless, it's a more peaceful side of Waikiki away from the tourist crowds. read more
You probably already know about the history behind Ala Wai Canal. Just so you know, I used to live in a mansion on the Waikiki side of canal over 2 decades ago. I know it so well. I could tell you everything you want to know. I saw it got dredged from beginning to the end. Talk about the grossness of what the Army Engineers dug out and how much they transported to deep sea. The air quality was unbearable as everyone closed their windows. Anyway. I used to bike up and down (more down with the traffic because the cops would give me a ticket if I rode my bike on sidewalk.) I only come to the canal on weekends because people can park on the right side, which became a barrier from traffic. Just in case the cars won't charge onto the sidewalk. Walking on the east of McCully worried me. Because there were incidents of people got pushed into the canal. I would rather walk on the part between Ala Moana and Kalakaua. This area is often used by local residents during the day. When I visited island few months ago, I came to walk early in the morning to capture the nature scenery. I saw schools of fish catching prays and birds eating on the grass. So relaxing. read more
It was much cleaner than I expected! And honestly the two time I ran along side it was really nice. There were a few cracks and trip hazards on the north sidewalk but all in it was a nice experience. I think the fact that we were staying at the Wayfinder next-door made things a lot more comforting for me. read more
Nice area to go for a stroll or run around when not too hot. It runs along the city and offers a nice view instead of just looking at hotels as you walk around the area before hitting the ocean. It is definitely calmer than closer to the beach so allow your to relax. read more
Photos can really make a place look beautiful! I was fascinated by the way Joe, Lyla, Judy, and Feb could make the Ala Wai Canal in Honolulu, Hawaii (at the edge of Waikiki) look so much better than what I thought about it. Isn't the Ala Wai filled with stagnant water and garbage? I thought that because Waikiki used to be a swamp, the Ala Wai was just drainage water from the mountains. Sometimes the fragrance isn't pleasant! In the past, I volunteered with the Jaycees (Junior Chamber of Commerce) for the Rubber Ducky Race to benefit United Cerebral Palsy. We poured thousands of little yellow plastic ducks into the canal and had to scoop them out at the end of the race. Yuk! Haha! It wasn't the most sanitary event! Luckily, no one got sick! Anyway, I was motivated by my friends' photos. I wanted some beautiful captures like theirs! So, here they are! Plus, I caught paddlers in action! What a bonus! I guess that they use the end of the canal that opens to the ocean. Yes...it's a one-way in and one way out waterway which is about 1.5 miles long. The Ala Wai Canal is also popular with joggers and walkers - just be careful because some areas do not have protective walls! People can hust fall in! Maybe that's why some people are just sitting on benches, enjoying the trade winds and unique views - it's safer! Haha! Another plus is that parking along this landmark is FREE! Aloha from Hawaii! read more
6 years ago
1 January 2021 The views here are amazing and picturesque, just don't look too closely at the canal. Yuck! The water in the canal is dingy and oftentimes it is littered with rubbish. Also, mostly in the evenings but at all hours, there are homeless people on the benches or laying along the path. The path is a bit narrow for both walkers and bicyclists but if everyone using the route pays attention, it should not be an issue. Bikers should also signal their approach, especially if coming up behind a pedestrian (it is nervewrecking when a cyclist speeds pass me and I didn't even know they were approaching me). There is free, 24 hour, parallel parking along the side of the Ala Wai blvd (the only exceptions are Mondays & Fridays between 0830am and 1100am when it must be cleared for street sweeping). We did not feel very safe standing at the crosswalk waiting to cross the street. Cars speed along Ala Wai close to the sidewalks and feel dangerously close for pedestrians. A few times, it seems some drivers don't want to stop when the light turns red; they come to an abrupt stop, sometimes crossing into the crosswalk. I would advise pedestrians to back away from the corner of the street and wait for the pedestrian sign and ensure it is illuminated AND wait to ensure cars stop once the light is red and you make eye contact with the drivers. Enjoy the scenery, take pictures, don't throw rubbish in the canal, and be safe. read more
QUICK TRIVIA: Ala Wai Canal (Waikiki Drainage Canal) is an artificial waterway that was constructed between 1921 & 1928 to drain the rice paddies & swamps w/c would eventually become Waikiki. ~ Guess what, currently the canal drains up to 150 inches of rainwater, w/c seeps down from the mountains in Waikiki every year & it empties into the Pacific Ocean at the Ala Wai Yacht Harbor. (Source: www.to-Hawaii.com) All thanks to the great minds of people who came up to create Ala Wai Canal to resolve these problems from the past that will let current & future generations enjoy as an attraction today. ~ Because it is just back in our alley we almost spend nights of walking in here with our doggo. My husband and I always find this place peaceful and calm as the still waters serve as the reflection of city lights from buildings across. Picturesque for me and took as much as we want coz why not? They're too beautiful not to snap. ~ Downfall is, sometimes it smells bad that comes from the homeless pipz within the area. But overall, this place always reminds me of a Korean Drama Series esp. when those dry leaves slowly falling down to the ground. ~ Mahalo & HAPPY JUANDERING fellow yelpers! www.juanderbandit.world read more
Did you know... Before the islands were settled, Waikīkī once measured 2,000 acres of marshland as it served as water (rainfall) drainage from the Ko'olau Mountain Range. Streams from Manoa, Palolo and Makiki would cleanse the wetlands. As early settlers came to the islands, this marshland was used for growing taro, fish ponds and gardens. Waikīkī was the most agriculturally productive area in old Hawai'i. However, as Westernization arrived and as the Hawaiian population dwindled, these once productive lands turned into mosquito breeding grounds. Finally, in 1927-1928, the Ala Wai Canal had been dredged and completed as a man made drainage system. Meanwhile, development of Waikīkī , dwindled down to 500 acres, was rapidly occurring into its present day hotbed of tourist attraction. The Ala Wai Canal measures 1.5 miles and stretches along the northeast border of Waikīkī. It starts near Kapahulu Avenue and continues out to Ala Moana Boulevard. This canal which was once cleansed by the streams from Manoa, Palolo and Makiki has become unfortunately contaminated or polluted as these upstream neighborhoods developed. Um, believe it or not, this canal could be viewed as a mistake as there is only ONE outlet to the Pacific Ocean. The engineers abandoned building an eastern outlet when they realized that currents from the outlet (near Kaimana Beach and Kapiolani Park) would have swept into burgeoning Waikīkī. I've long thought about the history this place has as the Ala Wai Canal, Kapahulu, Waikīkī and Diamond Head neighborhoods have been my stomping grounds. When I was an avid runner and of course, younger, I would run from Kapahulu up and around Diamond Head down through Waikīkī to Ala Moana and back up the Ala Wai Canal. Shoot! Now, I just walk these areas (bum knees). I've seen many changes from no side walks, narrow side walks, parking stall resizing, sewage pipe installation and to its current wide pathway. Even with the sometimes smelly water, I still will include this stretch in my walks because this canal has beautiful mountain views along the way and is a gorgeous place to catch the sunset. #564 read more
17 years ago
I know, this will surprise allot of you but I give the Ala Wai Canal five stars. I was thinking of giving it three stars because many of my precious Titlest Pro V1's are now laying on its dirty bottom, along the 14th and 18th fairways of the Ala Wai Golf Course. I have to admit, it can be a stinking, monster breeding sewer. But then there are these qualities about it that I find enjoyable! I used to jog allot and run along the pedestian path that starts at Date and is parallel to the canal. With some detours, you can meander to Ala Moana Park or Waikiki, in the other direction. It was a nice and enjoyable run along a waterway for me. My son and I used to catch opae in the mangrooves and succulent canal weeds in the back of Iolani School and then go fishing at Kakaako Park. I mean, where else can you catch opae for bait? The Community Recreational Garden behind Ala Wai Elementary School is always lush and overgrown with flowers and vegetable. For $33/year you can garden or farm a 12' X 15' plot of land. Canoe clubs launch their canoes from three places along the canal and I used to sometimes sit and watch the rhythmic energy needed to glide on the top of the calm and still protected water. It is relaxing, calming and zen like for me. The fishing is good. You catch nothing that my son or I would eat; but catching tilapia is challenging and the crab are everywhere. If you are lucky you can catch barracuda. Sometime we used to catch ballon fish and even a dining table chair. It is a really nice romantic walk with that special someone at night. On nights when there is a full moon, the reflection of the shimmering light, a few choice words and well it just sets the right mood for...pizza! There is a private and quiet area betwen Kalakaua and McCully that we used to picnic at. It is where the canal turns and you look to the Kalakaua Bridge to the right and the McCully bridge to the left. It used to be one of our secret spots. We spend many an early evening there talking and talking and talking... The baseball field, the outdoor playground equipment, the picnic tables and many places to park are all amenities for a great family experience. The Ala Wai Playground and Ala Wai Golf Course are a green oasis that are a beautiful backdrop for those that rent, own or visit the apartments along the makai side of Ala Wai Boulevard. And who hasn't been to the duck race at least one. It is a happening with energy and excitement for all. Of course, no swimming! No fishing! and you have to be smart about the hours you go there but I have many, many fond memories because of the Ala Wai Canal. I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder and for me I love the Ala Wai and believe it to be so beautiful. read more
13 years ago
Perfect spot for a quick jog, infant nursing session or scenic cut through to Ala Moana. On one side of canal is a great paved stroller trail path complete with benches and plumeria trees. After almost 2 miles of viewing the canoe racers skimming the surface of the canal, you cross the bridge and run the back side behind the golf course. The path goes further through the woods, winding behind a school. Along the way, the path you can stop at the a pond to feed the ducks next to the small park with swings. Eventually you come out in front of the golf course. Neat little running path, 2 completely different sides of Waikiki. Today my little man and I spotted a porcupine puffer fish. He looked like a little whale! Seriously the biggest fish, I've ever seen in this canal. He was apparently feeling right at home in the brackish water. read more
Seriously? We can "review" the Ala Wai Canal? Well to start off, no one sane, would ever swim in the Ala Wai. Located on the backside of Waikiki, most of it is street water runoff and you have your occasional sewage overflow into it. I mean just look at it! It's hella polluted! I see people fishing there and think, "Dude, you're not going to eat that are you?!" Then I think, "Well it's probably better that he eat that than sell it to a fish market or restaurant, right?" Anyway, being polluted doesn't stop the paddlers and canoes from practicing there. When there is a jelly fish influx it is cool to go down there and see some of the jelly fish that got stuck and watch them puttering around. Outside of the tons of tilapia, you may see a stick fish, baby kaku, crabs or something else.There's plenty of joggers and walkers along it, so it's a pretty good round trip. Back in the day, I read that it was actually supposed to connect with the ocean on both ends. Essentially making most of Waikiki a man made island. Also talking to a great uncle of mine, he said when the surfers had those heavy wooden boards it was too cumbersome to carry, put on a bike, trolley, or car. So they would hike it down to the Ala Wai Canal and then paddle their boards out to the surf from there. Cool yeah? read more
13 years ago
Smelly water, that pretty much describes it. But here's a little more. I park near the Ala Wai all the time because its one of the few places in Waikiki where you can find parking for FREE! Yes, FREE 24 hours a day BUT, you have to move your car on Monday and Friday mornings, not sure what time, but I know its from early morning till around 11am for street cleaning. The water stinks. Theres TONS of tilapia floating alongside the canal, but wouldnt recommend eating it. Neither would the city, as there are signs posted about the "unsanitary" water. Please note: People have died after falling in the water! Yes...its true, please google it if you dont believe me. Infections...etc! People do however run alongside the canal. The sidewalk is flat and over a mile long, so not too bad unless your trying to run through a slow walking "pack". As far as activities, people canoe, I see people fish (not sure why), kayak, run along side the canal, and people just sit and watch the water. Sometimes if youre lucky, you'll see the giant pufferfish along the banks....but its not often. read more
17 years ago
16 years ago
Sun & Jin get LOST (in each other's eyes) This was stop was a must on our tour of locations used in the TV show Lost. This is where Jin and Sun have their first encounter. Their story and theme music was my favorite. We reenacted the scene with me playing Jin. What a hoot ! A shout out to my girlfriends for being so accommodating and filming the scene. I read about the smells this canal can emit, but we didn't smell anything besides cigarettes from the few homeless people who were smoking nearby. I think people camp here? It wasn't the cleanest location either... My fantasy was slightly dashed, as there was trash on the ground, and gone were flowers & staging that production furnished. It's right next to the convention center, another location that was used in the show, and the film Jurassic World. read more
5 years ago
13 years ago
9 years ago
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More info about Ala Wai Canal
1959 Ala Wai Blvd
Honolulu, HI 96815
Directions
Hours
Outdoor Amenities
