Fort DeRussy Beach, Boardwalk, and Park, Waikiki

This is one of the nicest parts of Waikiki because it has a spacious, open feel- there are large lawns, the huge wide beach, and wide boardwalk. The generous, paved boardwalk runs from Hilton Hawaiian Village Lagoon to Outrigger Reef Resort, half a mile. Then it becomes Halekulani Boardwalk, adding another half mile, but it is not all paved.

To swim at Fort DeRussy Beach in the morning or at sunset is such a delight! I love to 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?
Kids love to swim under the pier at low tide and visit 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 koi and funny birds in rock ponds. On Friday nights after sunset at around 7:45pm you can watch fireworks on the beach. It makes for an all-around amazing outing with kids.
Make sure you walk the grounds of the Hale Koa Hotel because the trees and tropical flowers will delight you. The palms stretch way high to the sky. Near the entrance to the pool area there is a walkway into a cluster of pandanas palms- lovely! Walk the expansive lawn by the Army Museum to see the sausage tree with its funny fruit hanging from long cords. Cross Kalia Rd to enjoy more open space at Ainahau Triangle- it's just so nice to find these peaceful spots in the middle of the city!
The bar scene by the pool at Hale Koa Hotel and under the many blue umbrellas is a happening place at sunset- sit back and listen to the music and you'll know that you're in paradise.
There are public restrooms near the sand.
From the Fort DeRussy Boardwalk you can walk on the Halekulani Boardwalk and Sheraton Boardwalk in front of the grand hotels on the Waikiki Oceanfront Stroll.
Another attraction with military history is 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 are 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.
For a fantastic night listening to first class live musicians (starting at 9pm) while feeling the breeze through your hair, head to the Hard Rock Cafe! This huge venue is so gorgeous that you won't want to leave.

Directions

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 10-5. 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.

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