Ala Wai Canal

Ala Wai Canal runs along the north side of Waikīkī in Honolulu, with paths beside the water and city views framed by the mountains. It’s a quieter place to walk or exercise away from the beachfront, especially in the early morning. Look for reflections on the water, watch rowers training or competing, and notice how the canal sits between urban streets and green space. The waterway was built to drain wetlands and fields, helping shape Waikīkī’s development.

How the canal changed Waikīkī

Ala Wai Canal was built between 1921 and 1928 to drain wetlands, taro fields, rice paddies and marshes that covered much of the area. It gathers water from nearby streams and channels it through a single waterway. The project reduced flooding and made land available for urban development, helping transform Waikīkī.

The canal begins at Ala Wai Harbour and runs to Ala Wai Golf Course. Its route now passes through a built-up part of Honolulu, with walking paths along the water.

Walking and photographing the canal

The paths offer a different perspective on Waikīkī from the busy beachfront streets. Walk along the canal or use the connecting paths to move between the street and the water’s edge. Rowers may be training or competing on the canal.

For photographs, look for reflections of nearby buildings on the water. From the canal’s south side, aim toward the mountains; rainbows sometimes appear against that backdrop. The canal has also appeared in the television series “Magnum P.I.”