Ala Moana Courts

Ala Moana Courts is a well-known surf spot on Oahu’s south shore in Honolulu, Hawaii, right by Ala Moana Beach Park and Magic Island. It’s one of the island’s classic longboard waves and a favorite for locals because it can offer fun, clean, rolling rights and lefts over a reef when the conditions line up.

What it’s like

• Wave type: Reef break
• Best for: Longboards, funboards, and experienced shortboarders on smaller days
• Conditions: Works best with south to southwest swells
• Wind: Light northeast tradewinds or calm mornings are ideal
• Character: Usually a smooth, mellow wall with long rides rather than a heavy, powerful wave

Crowd and vibe

Ala Moana Courts is often busy, especially when the surf is good, since it’s easy to access and popular with local surfers. The atmosphere is generally laid-back, but it’s a respect-the-lineup kind of place, so local etiquette matters.

Hazards

• Shallow reef
• Crowds
• Strong currents at times
• Can get fast and punchy on bigger swells

Best for

It’s best for surfers who want a classic Hawaiian longboard session with reliable peelers and a beach-park setting. Beginners can watch from shore, but the reef and lineup conditions make it better suited to surfers with some experience.