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

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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

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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. read more

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

Ala Wai Canal - Rainy morning sunshine coming our way - Parks Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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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

Ala Wai Canal - Parks Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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

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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

Ala Wai Canal - Looking towards the city - Parks Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Our hotel is close to the canal and I wanted a morning walk. Paved the entire way around. Enough room for walkers and joggers alike. A few homeless people around the loop but they didn't seem to have any interest in people passing by. My watch clocked the loop at 3.3 miles. Downside is there isn't many cross walks to get back to main Waikiki so you're timing your road crossing with the lights. Recommend for someone looking for a jog or walk and not having to cross any streets (once you get to the canal) 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

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Almost every single time I've visited Honolulu, I drive by this canal. This visit, I walked the boardwalk at night after a visit to the Rainbow Drive Inn. I got a good sight of the night life here. Cockroaches and lot of them. Rats Dead fish floating about at low tide. I'm surprised that a paddling club uses this canal when there are public warnings about the water. Neutral review. 3 stars 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

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Ala Wai is definitely iconic in Waikiki, and it is pretty looking from far for sure. But once you step closer and closer, you will see how dirty and stinky it is. Lots of homelesses along the canal. I would just say away. read more

Ala Wai Canal is a nice place to run alongside since there's about 1-1/2 miles between Kapahulu all the way to Kapiolani and about another mile until you reach the Nimitz Highway and Ala Moana Beach Park. It has been notorious for having polluted water although every now and then you will see kayakers and canoe paddlers passing through. If you ever needed a strip to run up and down when staying in Waikiki without having to deal with the constant crowds, this is the place to do it. P.S. If you ever watch the new Hawaii Five-0 on CBS, you'll probably notice the Ala Wai Canal every now and then being featured from overhead. read more

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

Ala Wai Canal - In the shadows are a hint of its beauty: reflecting water, canoeing, fish and crab. - Parks Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Someone needs to dredge this thing ASAP. Hopefully the creators, Hawaiian dredging night do it who built it way back in the day. Used to be all swamps. I wonder if that is why Waikiki floods often ? Nature always wins. If you're on the Ewa side of the Canal I believe there is actual bedrock under there so it doesn't really flood. Of course if you continue past Ala Moana blvd to magic island and the beach park where the canal ends, that all artificial. I noticed lately they've been doing lots of repairs to the seawall, Especially the section parallel to the shoreline. Lots of the seawall is full on collapsing on the Waikiki side near the bend in the canal. I'd be careful walking/running/king near the edge. Parking is free along Ala Wai bvld which is pretty sweet when you get a spot and the primary Ewa bound bike lane runs along the street as well through Waikiki. There is also a dog park on the Mauka side near the Iolani school. I have to give the canal three stars because of the state of disrepair it has fallen into. It could be so much better with more maintenance. I could even see this as a spot for restaurants as well side it has a great view of the mountains. Too bad its littered with shopping carts and rusty bikes and so on which is quite a sight during low tide. read more

The Ala Wai Canal is a 1.8 mile long canal along Ala Wai Blvd, separating Waikiki from the rest of Honolulu. The canal was built in the 1920s to provide drainage for the wetlands that used to be in this area. Yep, rice paddies were all the rage here back in the day! Today, the canal water is polluted. The water is mostly stagnant and has very few organisms to filter it. Additionally, some storm drains in the area feed into the canal. There are signs posted prohibiting swimming and fishing. It's for your own good, of course. So why am I a fan? Put simply, the canal is still quite nice to look at! The water is a dark blue-gray, there are palm trees generously spaced close together on both sides of the canal, and there's a concrete walkway and streetlights on Ala Wai Blvd over the entire length of the canal. Attractive hotels dominate the view on both sides of the canal, and towards the inland, the rising mountains of the Honolulu Forest Reserve can be seen. The canal and the surrounding area are a pleasant sight to wake up to, and even nicer to take a stroll by at night. The streetlights provide sufficient lighting without being too glaring, and at night, the lights from the hotels across the canal reflect over the water. It's very romantic. Guys: Take a stroll with your girl here at night, hold her hand and tell her how much you love her (and mean it). She'll love you forever. Don't say I didn't warn you. read more

Typically, I run from my house to Kapiolani Park; but one night, I decided to try running Ala Wai Canal and quickly fell in love with it. Why would I fall in love with a canal that smells like rotten sewer and homeless people sleeping on the benches and groups of guys smoking cigarettes and da kine? Because a runner has the opportunity to enjoy 1.5 miles of uninterrupted concrete from Kapahulu to Kapiolani. There may be a few interruptions with steps that lead to the canal, but it gives you the opportunity to work on your lateral movement. In addition, you get to see babies in strollers, kids, teenagers, young adults, adults, aunties & uncles, and grandparents walking and enjoying their night stroll. And it is motivating to see other people running. Finally, there is a worn-out grass trail to run if the sidewalk gets too busy or if you knee to give your knees a break from pounding the concrete. Enjoy! p.s. I have not done any day time running due to my work schedule. But driving by, it still looks enjoyable and pleasurable. -----I just did my day run and loved it so I just increased my rating. Ya the water is murky, but it was awesome to see so many people using the trails to exercise and people paddling in the canal! read more

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

Ala Wai Canal - From a few feet away, Porcupine puffer fish. - Parks Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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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

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The Ala Wai Canal is a tricky place to review. I usually go jogging around the Canal 3 to 4 times a week and i've seen both good and bad sides of the Canal. I will just list two pro's, equals and con's to save you some time reading my review. But be mindful, these pro's and con's are very random so you don't know what you will get until you are there Pro's: Views: LIke most of Oahu , you can get the perfect view in the Ala Wai Canal. Let your creative side get the nice angle and boom! perfect shot Exercise: Lots of people come down to the Ala Wai to jog , walk their dogs , bike , skate , and pretty much walk around. Great area to do cardio or go out for a good walk. Plenty of different activity going on here Equals: Wind factor: Some people like the breeze , some people don't. Its your preference Popularity: There is usually quite a few people here no matter what time of the day it is. Some people are exercising , some people are just relaxaing in the chairs and talking , some just enjoying the view. Lots of unique individuals here. Con's Random crazy person: I've seen homeless people there but they don't bother you at all and they do what they do and leave you alone. I'm talking about this one Lady who Yells randomly and random time. I hardly see her but when i do see her on the days i run , i freak the f*ck out because i feel like she's going to start charging at me. I'm sure she walks around Honolulu so its probably not just in the Ala Wai that you might see her. Smell: I always tend to smell a weird stench around the Ala Wai. Not sure if its the homelss people or the trash in the water or even the water itself. I at least smell that stenchy smell at some point in the Ala Wai read more

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

Ala Wai Canal - The canal - Parks Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I agree, how do you rate a canal? Well, as far as world canals it meets the basic Has dirty water Smell has a few bridges a homeless person here and there ect read more

Lots of efforts have been made to clean up the garbage in this canal in the past year or two and it's a lot better looking and smelling since an spill a few years back. Although, sometimes, you can still smell something lurking. As a caution, at night, there are sometimes cockroaches and rats crawling, but it's not very often! If that doesn't scare you, then it's really not a problem. This is easily my favorite jogging spot for the following reasons: +Hot guys canoeing (practically!) everyday at around 5-7pm +Hot guys jogging w/o a shirt at any given time of the day +Great sunrises and sunsets +Nice view of Diamond Head when jogging towards the East +It's lite at night, although sometimes, the lamp posts bulbs are blown out (booooooo!!) +Usually always a breeze (cools down your sweat) +Lots of friendly joggers during the day. At night, there are more casual people hanging out, but I've never had any problems with anyone +Lots of cops in the area at night... not sure if that's a good or a bad thing? Just be careful to not fall into the canal! read more

I would give this canal five stars, but since it changed the face of Waikiki forever the max I would give this place is a 3. There are good things about this canal and I'm sure almost everyone knows the bad. What I like about this canal is the activity that goes in and around it. Though it's reputation is low because of how dirty it is and it smells, the calm waters make it an ideal place for water activities. I particularly enjoy running along the ala wai. There are a lot of other runners that use the canal as a landmark for how far or long they ran. It's also nice to see other people out and about, walking their dogs, running, sitting and relaxing on the benches under a coconut tree. Yes it can smell, but yes, it can be a great place to keep yourself in shape as well. read more

At first glance, maybe from your Hilo Hattie trolley ride, this body of water looks fine. You see teams rowing sometimes so you notice that it's a recreational area. People run and walk along the canal. There is a ball park behind it. But if you take a look closer, it's so polluted (which is really really sad). We walked along on one trip, after returning the rental car. My husband wanted to see it up close. The water is a shade of dark green. There are bottles, styrofoam plates and all kinds of other garbage (I told you it's sad). There are lots of fish and they seemed to anticipate food from us, showing they are used to people. If I was rowing here, I would fear the splashes touching my face or (gasp) going into my mouth- gross!!! I mean, no telling what else is being dumped in here. There could be parasites, bacteria, etc. I hope that there is an ongoing clean-up effort. To see this canal in the present condition, in a state that is environmentally-aware (recycling is encouraged, marine life is protected, conservation is practiced, mass transit is used); it is a travesty. I think that people fish on the bridge side (the far end towards Chinatown and downtown). I remember seeing fishing poles on that side. Things that make you go hmm... read more

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

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PRETTY PLACE TO WALK YOU, YOUR DOG, YOUR BIKE, OR WHATEVER ELSE YOU LIKE TO WALK... The canal is a favorite for joggers, strollers, bikers, and anything else on legs or wheels. It's about 1.5 miles long on its straightaway, which gives you a nice 3-mile run if you go all the way around it. Stay out of the water, though. It's definitely a contamination hazard, and it's never very pretty after a period of heavy rain (when the water looks like Willy Wonka's chocolate river and all of the island's rubbish peppers the surface). But on nice days you'll see paddlers, kayakers, and fishermen using the canal, and everyone else walking, running, or meandering along the sides. Dog walkers bring their pooches here, and for the most part are responsible about cleaning up after their pets--but do keep an eye on the ground as you move about. I always enjoyed scanning the water near the edges for porcupine pufferfish--counted 8 on the straightaway in one morning. :) Get outside and take a walk! read more

I hate that the bikers and some sk8er are riding along the strip and are rude and don't yelp to pedestrians. I mean sk8er are ok if their not zipping by, but bikers?! Ugh, get some balls and get in the bike lane and stop being a douch. read more

Why oh why did I not take photos of this while we were staying here? We passed it dozens of times, both morning, afternoons, and evenings, and at all times of the day and night it's incredibly beautiful: glistening and calming, despite it not being an ocean, it gives off this vibe of an oceanic bliss. My understanding is that it's a man-made water body/canal, in which people do canoeing and water else. I also saw tons of runners, roller bladers, and bicyclists, as well as walkers. Just to drive past it so many times was a major treat, and add to it the unbeatable warm tropical weather, the climate endlessly forgiving, and you have yourself a swoon-worthy thing of majesty and beauty. On the other side, is a canoe place, which we also checked out, and though didn't end up renting an actual canoe, the process itself felt like a vacation :-) I can't imagine that someone would say something negative about this wondrous water body--it's quintessentially Hawaii. read more

Parking..PARKING! did I say it? PARKING!!! So, on the edge of our city council doubling parking costs to $3 bucks an hour in Waikiki, it is time to reiterate a great way to get FREE parking...if you have a flexible schedule. I wrote this on my Mitsuwa review but it deserves a shout out.... Yes, you can grab a super fine FREE parking space on Monday and Friday mornings around 11:15/11:30am....The city cleans streets and prohibits parking along the Mauka side of the canal until 11:30 on Mon and Fri mornings. People have to entirely clear out every space on the canal. Then,,,,,like SF Giants fans in 2010, 2012 and 2014----parking is opened. Mynah birds flock to bread crumbs - so do cars beginning as early as 11am. Risky,,,,,wait by your car to spock the cops cruisin' to tag you. They really don't. I have hung out around my parked car from 11:10am and no cops ---- yet. But, you get a FREE space conveniently located anywhere along the Ala Wai -- just pick your cross street. I get a space, run the Ala wai, paddle if can, shower at Ala wai Park,,,,,eat late lunch or early dinner. Maybe grab a happy hour at Int Marketplace..... All with a FREE space in Waikiki! If you have a flexible schedule, make a day/night of it. I have even enjoyed staying for Pan Pacific festival events.....Come at 11:15am and leave at 11:00pm. Cost? FREE!!! Oh, if a holiday. there is no street cleaning. I learned this the hard way. haha! read more

Oh the sights you'll see, and smells you'll smell as you walk up and down the boulevard as the sun starts to sink behind the highrise buildings, and shadows grow long. Walkers, joggers, skateboarders, bicyclists, and canoe paddlers. Locals and tourists alike. What color was that jogger's top? Hot fuchsia? Damn if she didn't glow. Love the tapa-print shorts on that walker over there. From ABC Store? A menagerie of pigeons, dogs, ducks, and fish. A father teaching his young son the finer points of shore...er...sidewalk casting. The tilapia didn't look as earnest. They certainly weren't obliging. The occasional derelict staking out his preferred bench or patch of grass for the night. Each with his life recorded in every line etched into his face. The occasional smell of sewage over the briny smell of the briny. A waft of cigar smoke. The world on parade. Yes. A small parade in an otherworldly place called WAI-KI-KI. But representative of the real world I imagine. The real world on a small scale. All kinds of people from all kinds of backgrounds. With different needs and wants. All sharing a 5-foot wide sidewalk. Something about this time of day that makes me wax philosophic and poetic. "Journey" comes on over my iPod. "Strangers waiting, up and down the boulevard Their shadows searching in the night Streetlights people, living just to find emotion Hiding, somewhere in the night. Don't stop believin' Hold on to the feelin'" Okay. That's a bit much I think to myself. I pull out my earbuds. I wonder what the real world is like without a playlist? read more

While we are thinking about viruses in the news so much- wouldn't it be nice of the city and county to do rehab on the dirty canal? Time to clean the bacteria is when there isn't an emergency. HI is the best location for a UHM project to clean the canal using the latest in technology- aka bivalves like oysters or clams that can clean the harmful bacteria/ germs out of the water. It would also make the water smell like water instead of how it smells now. read more

Although there are bad smells emanating from the canal sometimes, it is a popular hangout for homeless people to sleep on the benches, and people often smoke cigars and cigarettes while sitting on the benches, I still find value here. The Ala Wai Canal gives you a long path to run on without having to stop, and it is refreshing to have different scenery to look at. I am not a sports fan and I find watching ESPN while running at the gym boring. Ala Wai Canal saves the day! And, I never thought I would ever say that. So, if you happen to live in the neighborhoods of McCully, University, Moilili, Kapahulu, or Waikiki, come here to get your jogging or running fix in. But if you're a sports fan, then you should go to the gym. read more

What is it about traveling to paradise that motivates one to spring off that couch and do something life changing? When you wake up a 5 am most mornings (8 am Pacific time - since I'm from Cali), what better way to start a day when staying in Waikiki than to walk along this canal. Yes, there is pollution and, yes, there are scattered homeless people sleeping along the road, but walking in 72 degree weather, getting one's heart rate going, and breathing relatively clean air is not a bad way to start one's day. Because I am one for visuals, I couldn't help but notice the young guys racing along the canal in their boats, nor could I help myself in watching the small fishes feeding and splashing while birds sought their morning meals. On three different morning walks (due to my age and aging knees, runs are not practical), we encountered neighbors walking their dogs, young, fit, I pod clad runners, and walking seniors (no, I'm not that old yet). The most touching people for me were two young Asians who were pushing a wheelchair carrying a senior family member... at 6 am in the morning? Yes, this canal can be truly inspiring. And, if you happen to be up at this time of the morning, you really should check it out. read more

The Ala Wai Canal is pretty well known (notoriously) in Hawaii for its filthy water and funky smell, but it's rep is part of what makes it special. It's a huge landmark that is used by many; joggers, paddlers, tourists, and locals alike use this canal on a daily basis. Whenever I'm running this course I always see paddlers rowing away! It's nice to sit on a bench and watch! Ala Wai is a great run. The route is easy and pretty flat for the most part. Once around the border of (part of) the canal (Kapiolani, Kapahulu, Ala Wai, and McCully) is roughly two and a half miles. Run that twice; throw in Kapiolani Park and the Honolulu Zoo; and you've got yourself a scenic, leisurely run slightly under eight miles! As for parking, I like to park at Ala Wai Park and start my run from there. Sometimes there's some sketchy, homeless guys hanging around the water fountain, so make sure you have a running buddy! Yelp 365 - #002/365 read more