Fort DeRussy Beach, Waikiki

Oahu, Hawaii Print   Leave a comment

Description

To swim at Fort DeRussy Beach in the morning or at sunset is such a delight! I love to buy a fruit popsicle at the Hale Koa Hotel snack bar, savor it on the beach, jump in the water for a blissful swim, and then lay in the sun. Who needs a "spa treatment" when you can be rejuvenated like this?
This is one of the nicest parts of Waikiki because it's away from the crowds. It has a spacious, open feel because of the large lawns, the huge wide beach, and the boardwalk. Kids love this area because there's a playground, fun swimming under the pier, and there's the Army Museum. Little boys can climb on the cannons outside the museum or go inside and ride in a helicopter on the roof of the museum (see hours below). Next door at the Hilton Hawaiian Village kids can see pink flamingoes, warm-weather penguins, ducks, koi, and other birds. And on Friday nights after sunset you can watch fireworks on the beach. It makes for an all-around amazing outing with kids.
The snack bar at the Hale Koa is one of its best features! There is outdoor seating amongst the palms and tropical flowers, and the prices are the best in Waikiki. It's just bare bones food (ask for lettuce and tomato when you get a veggie burger or they'll just give you the patty and the bun) but it is nice to not spend a fortune for a change.
Make sure you walk the grounds of the Hale Koa Hotel because the trees and tropical flowers will delight you. The bar scene by the pool is a happening place at sunset- sit back and listen to the live Hawaiian music and you'll know that you're in paradise.
There are restrooms near the snack bar.
From the boardwalk you can walk along the beach in front of the grand hotels on the Waikiki Oceanfront Stroll.
If the Army Museum piques your interest in military history, drive to Pearl Harbor to visit the USS Arizona Memorial.
Great Place to Stay
Embassy Suites Waikiki Beachwalk is a great place to stay right by Fort DeRussy Beach. Because the rooms are suites, parents with young children can stay awake in their own room after their kids go to sleep- this makes holidays so much more pleasant! It's a very short walk to one of the nicest sections of Waikiki Beach. Also within steps is the spacious lawns of Fort DeRussy and the Army Museum. Walk up the street and you'll find the shops of Waikiki Beachwalk, where there is often live Hawaiian music. Although the hotel is surrounded by many other high-rise hotels, you can see the ocean and the lawns of Fort De Russy from some of the rooms. The fourth floor grand lanai provides much fun with its warm swimming pool, jacuzzi, complimentary evening drinks, complimentary buffet breakfast, and Pakini bar.

Photo Gallery

The pristine beach in front of the Hale Koa Hotel.	The walkway is nice to stroll along.	The beach, jetty, and yellow paddle boats at the Hale Koa Hotel Beach.
The abundance of palms that shade the huge lawn by the sea at the Hale Koa.	The wonderful palms and boulders on the seaside lawn at the Hale Koa Hotel.	A boy runs across the lawn to the playground.
The great toddler playground at the Hale Koa Hotel, on the huge lawn by the sea.	The outdoor area at the Hale Koa Hotel snack bar- a great bargain!	The shady, pleasant snack bar area.
Amazing purple bougainvillea and California palms, on the Hale Koa grounds.	Sausage Tree on the grounds of the Hale Koa Hotel, near the Army Museum.	The multi-colored cannon outside the Army Museum.
Helicopter that kids can climb in, on top of the Army Museum (accessed through the museum).	The Army Museum, a fascinating museum to visit.	View of the lawns of Fort DeRussy, from Embassy Suites Waikiki Beachwalk.
Waikiki Beach Walk marketplace on Lewers Street, where there is often live Hawaiian music.	Waikiki Beach Walk shops, on Lewers Street.	Grand lanai pool at Embassy Suites Beachwalk Hotel.

Directions

Click on "satellite" on the map to see how nice this area is by air.
There are a few great choices for parking. If you are in the military you can park in the Fort DeRussy parking off Kalia Rd. Lucky you! Here are the other choices:
The first is to park using the metered parking on Saratoga Rd. The only problem is it's time-limited and you may need to come back and put more quarters in.
The second option is to park in the Hilton Hawaiian Village parking. You can buy a drink at the bar on the beach and get your parking validated so that it's cheaper when you leave. From Ala Moana Blvd, turn onto Kalia Rd. Turn into the Hilton Hawaiian Village hotel on your right. Follow the signs to the parking.
The third option is the parking near Ala Wai Yacht Club and the Hilton Hawaiian Village lagoon. From Ala Moana Blvd coming from Waikiki direction, turn left onto Hobron Lane. Turn left again on Holomoana Street and follow it to the end. There is a parking lot at the end on your left. There is also parking all along Holomoana Street, and some shaded parking under the Ala Wai hotel. The parking lot parking is free. The shaded parking is metered.
The Hawaii Army Museum is open from 9-5. It is closed on Sundays and Mondays. You will see it as you drive along Kalia Rd. You can park in the military parking lot across from it and get your parking validated inside. Admission is free but a donation is appreciated.
Embassy Suites Waikiki Beachwalk is located at 201 Beachwalk Street, call (808) 921-2345.

This is an interactive map, you can zoom and move it.

Visitor Ratings

Overall Visitor Rating:

Xana 12/22/2009 13:21	My boys love this museum. I think we are going this vacation.
Aaron 10/15/2009 13:56	Beautiful Beach, Army Museum and USS Missouri a must-see.