Fort DeRussy Beach Park, a 71-acre military reservation at the northern end of Waikiki, offers one of the most spacious and uncrowded stretches of white sand in the entire Waikiki area, making it a surprising oasis of calm amid the bustling resort district. Named after Brigadier General René Edward De Russy, a 19th-century military engineer, the beachfront property is almost entirely open to the public despite its military designation and features the well-maintained grounds of the U.S. Army Museum of Hawaii, where visitors can explore Hawaii's military history and view historic artillery and fortifications. The gently sloping beach and calm waters make it ideal for families with young children, while the wide expanse of sand provides ample space for sunbathing and beach games without the shoulder-to-shoulder crowding found at nearby Waikiki beaches.
The beach caters to both water sports enthusiasts and those seeking land-based recreation, with gentle waves perfect for beginning swimmers, snorkelers, bodyboarders, and stand-up paddleboarders, while more adventurous visitors can arrange jet skiing, parasailing, and kayaking through Dive Oahu, which operates rentals from the beach. The well-groomed park features basketball courts, volleyball courts, pickleball courts, racquetball courts, workout stations, a children's playground, and numerous picnic tables and barbecue grills scattered throughout the shaded lawn areas. Dining options are plentiful, with the adjacent Hilton Hawaiian Village offering Tropics Bar and Grill, where beachgoers can enjoy burgers, wings, and tropical cocktails like piña coladas and mai tais, while Happy's Snack Bar provides quick casual fare including salads, pasta, and breakfast bowls. For drinks with an ocean view, the Hale Koa Barefoot Bar welcomes guests without reservations from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The best time to visit Fort DeRussy is during weekday mornings when the beach is quietest and parking is more readily available, though paid public parking starts at four dollars per hour and fills quickly on weekends and holidays. The park is open daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., with public restrooms and showers conveniently located near the beach area. Snorkeling equipment can be rented from nearby shops like Beach Boy Hole or Snorkel Bob's for those wanting to explore the underwater reef areas. For shopping, the Royal Hawaiian Center sits just 0.3 miles away with a mix of boutiques and entertainment options, while the massive Ala Moana Center, located one mile from the beach, features hundreds of shops and restaurants. Lifeguards are on duty during daylight hours, making this one of the safest swimming beaches in Waikiki, though visitors should still be aware of occasional strong currents during high surf advisories and should always swim in designated areas.
