Duke Paoa Kahanamoku Lagoon

This lagoon was built by Henry J. Kaiser, replacing mudflats filled with shrimp. Kaiser was instrumental in the construction of the Hoover Dam, and developed Magic Island and Hawaii Kai on Oahu. (1)
The lagoon is adjacent to Duke Kahanamoku Beach, which the government created by bringing in 30,000 cubic yards of sand, on the makai end, and the old Paoa tract where legendary Olympic swimmer, father of surfing, and «Ambassador of Aloha» Duke Kahanamoku grew up, on the mauka end. Naming the beach after Kahanamoku was controversial, as many thought his name would be too difficult for visitors to pronounce. (2)
As others have noted, the lagoon was recently transformed (2007?) from a brown, stagnant cesspool likely filled with monsters out of a children’s book to the blue tropical idyll you see today.
The large tile mural you see in the background on the Hilton’s Rainbow Tower was the largest ceramic tile mosaic in the world when the building opened in 1968, requiring over 16,000 tiles (8,000 per building side). Rainbow Tower appeared in the film Godzilla in 2014. (3)
(1) Wikipedia, (2), on-​site Waikiki Historic Trail marker, and others.
(2) «Duke: The Life Story of Duke Kahanamoku» by Joseph L. Brennan (1995) and the exhibit at Hilton Hawaiian Village (HHV).
(3)
and exhibit at HHV.

Next to Ko’Olina, this place is just as perfect for a family friendly beach. Been here three times now and have always enjoyed coming here. Just peaceful with families around enjoying the day. The free parking area is usually filled up so we normally just pay. It’s not expensive so paying is actually worth it. Rather than having to drive circles around the free parking lot and no one is leaving.
They have the man made lagoon and then besides that is the beach. Which is very beautiful! Not a huge fan of the man made lagoon, water seems quite dirty but my daughter loved playing in it. Especially since there weren’t any waves knocking her over.
Perfect spot for your little ones. They also have some vendors who sell some food. Other than that, I’m not sure where the bathrooms are? And I didn’t find any showers, unfortunately. But just be prepared for that.

The idea to establish a lagoon while Waikiki beach is just footsteps away seems to be a silly idea. But it really isn’t. If you have kids and want a safer environment to swim and spend time on the beach, then you found your place. If you are just learning to paddle board, this is the only place to be. A calm, clean lagoon with no waves is the perfect setting for beginners. You can rent other things like a water boat as well. Rental fees are high. In fact exuberantly high. But what do you expect? You’re right in the middle of Waikiki, tourist country. Therefore you pay. You can have a great view of Diamond Head as well. Part of the Hilton Hawaiian Village and pretty easy to get to, once you found parking. Suggest you park next the marina; it is much cheaper than the Hilton and the walk distance is about the same.

Whoever had the idea to make this lagoon is brilliant! It’s huge, ppl don’t have to worry about sharks at all, you can paddle board + rent other things for this lagoon, and there are also fish swimming about in this lagoon! AND, it’s right next to the ocean.

The lagoon is good for kids to float and learn to paddle board, kayak, etc.
Pricey to rent, $ 40 an hour for paddleboards, kayaks and water bikes.
The sand is like sandpaper, wear yo sandal bruh.
Walk across to other side too for a lovely cove.
It’s close to our room, so we will be back tomorrow after a Sports Authority run for miscellaneous shizzles.

Cute tiny beach it is. Its good for little kids. Or if you wanted to lay down the sun without the sand bothering you, its a good place to be because the sand was hardened and flat. There’s not a lot of people which is fine. But I don’t think its the proper place for it to be in there. Its next to Waikiki beach. I think people would just rather go there than stay here. But its safe so what can say, I recommended this place.

The sand by the lagoon is hard and it’s definitely not good for children to play in. It’s not any good for making sand castles. But the lagoon itself is really nice. We rented Water Bikes (a bit pricey but fun for a first experience) and biked on the water for an hour. It was surprisingly easy and fun.
There are a lot of little fish inside the water at the lagoon so they’re always fun to watch — especially when you’re walking round the edges and see them swim away in groups!

Great place for the little ones! The lagoon offers calm waters so you’re keike won’t be intimidated or have a hard time in the water. The only draw back is that the sand around the lagoon is only a few inches deep so they won’t really be able to build anything. The Hilton Hawaii Rainbow tower is right next to it offering nice shade for those without an umbrella.

Open to the public! A couple years ago, when my husband asked someone if it was only for people staying there, the lady replied very smugly with a shrug, «Yes.»
There is a trail for those of you who have strollers or wheelchairs.
Anyway, it seemed like a different experience on the two times we visited last week, while on vacation. (Most of our visit was overcast and windy.) So on day one, it was overcast & windy, with the sun, sometimes making an appearance. There was a shoot for the Australian show version of our (U.S.) TODAY show, called «Sunrise.» So, at the farthest end, towards Duke Kahanamoku Beach, there was a huge setup of cast & crew, plus a band performing in front of an audience.
The lagoon is pretty, but hard to see its full potential when it’s overcast. Calm waters makes it ideal for paddle board rentals; also has aqua bike rentals and umbrellas for the beach, too (don’t know the cost as we didn’t rent anything). Filled with fish, ranging in size from tiny to small (but big enough for a bird to hunt and eat— hubby caught it on video, too). My husband noticed that towards the middle, there is more fish around. The calm waters makes it ideal for families with small toddlers, but the children here ranged in all ages. Our 2-​year old son had lots of fun, both times we were here. It is cool water, so when the wind does blow, it makes it a little on the chilly side. If you are in the cool water a while, you get used to it.
There is a beach side (the sand feels harder, though, almost gritty-​feeling), as well as a nice grassy area too (the farthest point near the entrance opening is filled with lots of birds, though). Was not crowded both times we visited— let’s hope it stays that way, huh?
The second time we visited (last saturday), it was sunny. So, this time, we saw the lagoon’s clear water near the beach side, and it was blue-​green further out– it was gorgeous! I was getting browner by the minute (I tan in 15 minutes!!!), and had to cover up a bit more after my second application of sunblock.
Nearby eating options are Pronto Pickle II which I thought was ok, and the Gilligan’s Food Truck (towards Duke Kahanamoku beach), also ok. But, with these two places, you are paying for convenience.
We hope to come back again; so many things are changing with Waikiki. It’s nice here, just hope it stays that way.

Wow! We were on our way to breakfast at Cinnamon’s at the ‘Ilikai when we drove back to the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor while looking for a parking space. We parked right along this small, bright and active lagoon. It sure didn’t look anything like what I remember seeing while growing up on Oahu… murky, stagnant and ewww, who in their right mind would swim in THAT! The lagoon is a man-​made wading pool and was developed back in the 1950’s along with Henry J. Kaiser’s Hilton Hawaiian Village. (Henry J. Kaiser was an ship building and steel industrialist who amassed his multi-​billion dollar empire during World War II.) There is also an adjoining strip of beach that is connected to the Fort DeRussy Military Reservation. The lagoon and the adjoining beach was purchased by the Hilton Hotels in 1961.
The lagoon has undergone major renovation (s). Looking at it today, it appears that the water is clean and clear with a water recirculation system that helps to maintain a healthy water environment. Other noticeable changes include the new sand surrounding the pool seems to be finer and softer, a mini-​garden island attraction and a boardwalk circling the lagoon forms a pathway joining the Hilton property to the Duke Kahanamoku Beach. There are multiple water activity rentals such water bikes and paddle boards that you can take try. There is even a small bar where you can order a Mai Tai or Blue Hawaii while you sit and enjoy the view of Diamond Head and the ocean. You’re certainly welcome to come to participate in activities or do nothing but relax.
Go and enjoy this little beach escape!

Very fun small man made lagoon.
The sand is very rough and not soft at all. Make sure you wear swimming shoes or sandels.
Free parking is limited so make sure you come early or be prepared to wait.
Great place for kids and people who do not like rough waters!

The lagoon next door to the Hilton Hawaiian Village offers up family fun in the water without the waves and rip currents out at the beach. The water is filtered seawater, so it is pretty clear. I definitely know it’s over 6′ deep by the island because I spilled off my paddle board there and didn’t touch bottom. If you snorkel, the lagoon is even stocked with fish. Not the really colorful coral reef species, but they’ll keep the kids entertained for a while. The kids are also who you have to be careful of because there are kayaks, paddle boards and pedal boats all over and no designated swim only area. A kid that was snorkeling came up under my board and I could have easily whacked him with my paddle, if I hadn’t seen him coming.
Parties on the beach can also be arranged with Waikiki Beach Services supplying tents, tables, umbrellas, snorkeling equipment, kayaks, paddle boards & pedal boats.
Secret? Since the beach is man-​made, it is not made of sand. It’s crushed limestone, so it doesn’t wash away as easily as regular sand. That’s why the beach boys have a tough time setting the beach umbrellas, even with a shovel. It can also skin knees and elbows a lot easier than sand if you fall, even in the water. Ouch.

I love discovering this little area. Stunning views of the Diamond Head Crater.
The lagoon is a great place for little ones to play. It’s shallow and there are no waves to scare the kiddos or knock them over. It is a favorite for parents whose toddlers are uncomfortable with the constant motion of the real ocean, and it is a gorgeous area to take family photographs.
It’s not connected to the ocean at all but is salt water and is filtered (like a pool) so it’s clean and a great place to swim and play. The water is a little cloudy but not too bad. We just walked around it and usually went to the beach.
There are a lot of little fish inside the water at the lagoon so they’re always fun to watch — especially when you’re walking round the edges and see them swim away in groups! There is a lovely grassy spot where you can sit in the shade.
The calm, cool water of the lagoon is perfect for swimming, wading, and tame water sports such as stand-​up paddling. You can conveniently rent stand-​up paddle surfboards, waterbees, kayaks, and aqua cycles lagoon-​side. Even though the lagoon is on Hilton property, it’s open to the public.
The only thing we didn’t like was that the sand itself is very coarse and gritty and pretty hard — so if you want to build sandcastles, the beach is the place for that. It is rather uncomfortable to kneel down on for long periods of time but the lagoon itself is really nice.
*AMENITIES: Parking lot, restrooms, showers, and equipment rentals.
*TIP: Every Friday evening at 7:45 you can watch a free Waikiki fireworks show put on by the Hilton Hawaiian Village at the Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon. The spectacle lasts approximately 10 minutes and is a dazzling way to end your week with a bang! Sorry, I couldn’t resist the pun.

I visited here not because I wanted to swim, but as a civil engineer it seemed pretty neat after reading about it. It’s a small man-​made wading pool which is great for kids. It was originally built in the 1950s because I guess they though the Pacific Ocean wasn’t awesome enough. In 2006 a huge renovation updated the lagoon so now it’s a lot cleaner and looks almost like a desert oasis.