Ala Wai Canal
Ala Wai Canal
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The area
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Neighborhood: Waikiki
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Best nearby
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1,553 within 3 miles
Attractions
393 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
118 reviews
Excellent
22
Very good
63
Average
30
Poor
2
Terrible
1
Tommo
Melbourne, Australia56,918 contributions
Mar 2020
This canal is man made and serves as the northern boundary of of Waikiki.
It was built in 1928 to drain the rice paddies and swamps of Waikiki.
This canal serves as a primary drainage corridor for the rivers and streams that run through Honolulu.
It was very effective as there were lots of problems with construction of hotels in Waikiki due to the swampland and many mosquitos as a result.
Sand was originaly imported into Waikiki and now pumped in from offshore. Who would think that this swampland full of mosquitos could turn into such a beautiful resort area of Waikiki.
It was built in 1928 to drain the rice paddies and swamps of Waikiki.
This canal serves as a primary drainage corridor for the rivers and streams that run through Honolulu.
It was very effective as there were lots of problems with construction of hotels in Waikiki due to the swampland and many mosquitos as a result.
Sand was originaly imported into Waikiki and now pumped in from offshore. Who would think that this swampland full of mosquitos could turn into such a beautiful resort area of Waikiki.
Written March 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christine Too
Richmond Hill, GA186 contributions
Sep 2018 • Solo
On our first full day in Waikiki, we took a lovely walk along the Ala Wai Canal, down through the park, far into a residential neighborhood along the back-side of Diamond Head, and back along the ocean. We'd never walked along the canal before, and it was quite interesting - saw lots of tilapia along its banks, passed joggers and other walkers, enjoyed walking past the zoo and hearing the occasional "hello" sounded by its occupants, and getting an up-close look at gorgeous houses. This is another adventure that we've added to our Waikiki list of to-dos.
Written October 1, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kawika H
2 contributions
Feb 2023
Being able to enjoy the canal via the Waikiki Gondola gives a unique vantage point of the city skyline that few others can see from a boat on calm waters within Waikiki itself.
Written February 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Krystal S
17 contributions
Oct 2014 • Couples
I hate to say it, but this canal is gross. If you are watching people row from high up on a balcony, you can't really tell, but from the street level, it's just nasty. There's tons of trash in it. Sometimes it smells. There have been a few sewage spills in it that they've "supposedly" cleaned up. People have fallen in and gotten flesh eating diseases through open wounds. At night, there is a lot of crime in this area. People get robbed frequently. Just stay closer to Waikiki Beach if you are on foot, especially if you're alone.
Written December 13, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike H
Phoenix, AZ2,007 contributions
Feb 2020
The canal give you a break from the big city and you get a view of the water and mountains. Night time give you the lights reflecting on the water. Nice place to get away from the crowds on the beach.
Written March 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrew A
Dallas, TX34 contributions
Sep 2019
The canal is really great spot to get an early morning job, or run in before you start your busy day of laying on the beach! I'm not exactly sure how long it is, possibly 3 miles? But, the run in invigorating, and there is minimal traffic early in the morning.. a word of caution. DO NOT GO AT NIGHT. The water-bugs are enormous and take over all the walking space.
Written October 6, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomas V
Oakland, CA18,528 contributions
Jun 2019
This water feature provides a very long walk in a nicely developed park. You will see lots of features of the built-up downtown, hotels, apartments, and even the big convention center. Very pleasant.
Written September 24, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ECLadines
Paranaque, Philippines2,732 contributions
Jan 2019 • Couples
An artificial canal close to our hotel at the heart of Waikiki. Appears so neat and calm and finally we saw rainbows here encircling buildings and its tail end touching the waters. Now this is the Hawaii that we're looking for.
Written July 28, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Llewellyn53
Melbourne, Australia4,344 contributions
Jul 2019 • Friends
The pathway along the canal is a nice walk in the evening because the breeze isn't blocked by the high rise buildings. There are fish all the way along so a few slices of bread can create some entertainment for children and the outrigger canoes are often on the canal practicing.
Written July 16, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomas V
Oakland, CA18,528 contributions
May 2019
Well you will go to the beach and hang around the ocean and surf. But the canal is a very important part of Waikiki and there are some great walks along it and some superb architecture. Love it.
Written June 11, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What time do I need to move my car in the morning if I parked on Ala Wai Blvd?
Written April 25, 2019
Hi. We are staying opposite the canal in early March, please could you tell me how long it takes to walk to the beach from there and are there any coffee shops etc. close by ? Thank you:)
Written January 4, 2019
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