Fort DeRussy Beach Park (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Fort DeRussy Beach Park?
What makes it 85% Kids-Friendly: Kids enjoy a fenced playground, shallow boogie-board waves, picnic tables, and showers, but intermittent lifeguard presence and heavy foot traffic require close adult watch.
Positives:
- Free amenities: Playground, restrooms, showers, picnic tables and grills cost nothing.
- Safe shallow water: The beach slopes gently, ideal for younger swimmers.
- Grassy shade: Palm-shaded lawns give relief from the sun for breaks.
Challenges:
- Limited shade: Picnic tables fill fast; pack a beach umbrella if you need more cover.
- Parking fees: Lots fill by late morning and cost up to $36 per day.
- Equipment availability: Rentals like boards and loungers can run out at peak times.
What is Fort DeRussy Beach Park?
- An oceanfront public park spanning 27 acres on the western edge of Waikiki, encompassing sandy shorelines and grassy picnic areas
- A beachfront facility outfitted with outdoor showers, picnic tables, barbecue grills and paved boardwalks under tropical palms
- A historic military site housing the U.S. Army Museum of Hawai‘i within Battery Randolph, preserving coastal defense artifacts
What is so special about Fort DeRussy Beach Park for with kids?
- Fenced playground lets kids burn energy safely
- Gentle, shallow beach perfect for little swimmers
- On-site grills and tables make family picnics easy
- Free showers and restrooms keep everyone clean
- Pick-up volleyball courts offer active play
- Rental huts supply boards, umbrellas and loungers
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: A morning or afternoon visit lets kids play on the beach, use the playground, and enjoy a picnic without getting too tired.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Fort DeRussy Beach Park
Children’s playground:
Let kids climb, swing, and slide at the fenced play area on the park’s west end.
Tip: Bring a sun hat—shade is limited until late afternoon.
Shallow swimming and wading:
Kids can splash safely in calm, knee-deep water along the shore.
Tip: Use reef-safe sunscreen and watch little ones at all times.
Boogie-board rental:
Ride small waves with colorful boogie boards from beach huts.
Tip: Rent boards early; demand peaks mid-day.
Picnic and barbecue:
Gather at shaded picnic tables or grills under palms for lunch.
Tip: Arrive before noon to claim the best spots.
Family sand-volleyball:
Play 2v2 or 4v4 on public courts—older kids can join pickup games.
Tip: Check in at the court kiosk and add your name to the list.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Fort DeRussy Beach Park
- Arrive early: Get a shaded picnic table and shorter lines at rental huts.
- Use the boardwalk: Push a stroller along paved paths from parking to beach.
- Book rentals in advance: Reserve surf or paddle gear online to guarantee availability.
Reviews of Fort DeRussy Beach Park
Austin Bow
Great little park for birding in Waikiki! Easy to find Ring necked parakeets, waxwings, saffron finches, cattle egrets, mynas, jungle fowl, terns, bulbuls, zebra doves, pigeons, and Javan sparrows (we also saw Pacific plovers but those are seasonal)!
Kecia Aguilar
This is an awesome place to visit if you are wanting an awesome ocean view, to see the sunset, or even playing pickleball with all that has been mentioned above!! This was a gem for my husband and I to find since we always travel with our paddles and are constantly on the lookout for courts wherever we go. We played a couple of games and if we got too hot, we just jump in the ocean!!! We got the p...
es-sy
This park has a lot to offer. Whether you're just here for a stroll along the beach, looking for open play pickleball with the beach behind you, or just to enjoy the sunset, this park have those and more to offer. A very popular place with great vibes and memories to last.
Christopher Jetton
It's a nice park. If you are disabled and use service dog, expect to be harassed by security and the assistant. Manager of Hale Koa. Otherwise it would be five stars
Jeffrey Bouchard
Amazing place, great park, beautiful beach with restrooms and showers. I recommend water shoes if you are near the reef. It's a bit rocky. We saw turtles right next to us.
When is the best time to visit Fort DeRussy Beach Park (Hawaii, United States)?
Surf stays mild year-round, but winter swells can make shallow areas rough. For calm water, visit October–March mornings.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Parking (2 hrs) | USD 7 |
| Boogie-board rentals (2) | USD 24 |
| Picnic supplies | USD 30 |
| Umbrella & lounger rental | USD 35 |
| Total Estimated | USD 96 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Fort DeRussy Beach Park
Address: 2055 Kālia Rd, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA
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About Fort DeRussy Beach Park
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
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