Ala Moana Beach Park Memories
One of the traditions that I’ve continued from my childhood is having dinner at a park in Honolulu. After our homework and chores, my Nanny and Papa would pile us into their car and we’d drive towards the horizon, stretching our necks to peer out of the windows anxious to see the lush green grass and large treetops that line the driveway towards Ala Moana Beach Park.
As soon as the brakes were locked, we’d hustle out of the car and sprint towards our favorite green painted bench tables, doing a few tumbles and laughing the entire way. (Note: While I carry on the tradition, I no longer sprint or tumble to the bench tables. It’s more of a casual stroll.). We chose those tables because it had a panaromic view of the Waikiki beach shoreline to Diamond Head and the southwest shores of Ewa Beach which meant a clear view of that evening’s sunset.
My parents would arrive shortly after with buckets of chili and rice from Zippy’s. My Nanny would pass out the paper plates as we stood in line as if we were back in the school cafeteria. We frequently ate chilis from Zippy’s however the scoops of beans in chili sauce on rice somehow was much more tastier than eating it at the kitchen table at home.
Today, our family tradition has extended to the mornings during the summer months and include a stroll along the path at Magic Island watching the surfers catching the days waves.
The next time you’re planning dinner, consider packing it up or picking up a few plate lunches or bentos from your favorite restaurant and dining at Ala Moana Beach Park.
About L.P. “Neenz” Faleafine
Bred, born, and raised in Hawaii, L.P. “Neenz” Faleafine is the Founder of social media marketing company, Pono Media. Often described as an Ambassador of Aloha, Neenz shares the traditions, values, and culture of Hawaii as the Executive Editor of Hawaii Traditions. She began her online career with Nononina, Inc. as a writer for their citizen journalism site, Truemors and continues to serve as their Chief Evangelist of leading news aggregation site, Alltop.