The Sea Witch is a character in the folklore and mythology of various cultures around the world. Often depicted as a powerful and malevolent being, the Sea Witch is said to have control over the seas and oceans and can use her magic to influence the weather and the fate of sailors and ships. In many legends, the Sea Witch is described as an old and ugly woman with long, tangled hair and a twisted body. She is often portrayed as living in a hidden lair deep underwater, surrounded by an assortment of sea creatures and mystical artifacts. The Sea Witch is known for her ability to shape-shift and can transform into different forms, such as a beautiful mermaid or a horrifying sea monster. She is said to have the power to control the tides and create storms, using them to protect her underwater realm or to punish those who have angered her.
Magic Island Beach
Magic Island Beach (view panorama) is part of Ala Moana Beach Park, a popular Honolulu city beach, located between Waikiki and downtown Honolulu. Many local residents and visitors alike come to Ala Moana Beach Park and adjacent Magic Island to swim, bodyboard, surf, picnic or exercise (jogging, walking, etc.).
Even though it's called Magic Island, this is actually a man-made peninsula. The small curved beach is located at the end of the peninsula. Most people prefer to swim at Ala Moana Beach instead of at Magic Island Beach. The reason is that the ocean bottom at Magic Island Beach is a bit rocky in some areas and the sand is not as smooth. Also, the swimming area here is a lot smaller.
Magic Island Beach has a rock barrier, so it is protected from incoming waves. However, when the surf is up, the waves can still wash over the rocks, so then it's best stay away from the barrier. Also, it's not a good idea to swim in or through the openings of the rock barrier because the current can be strong in this area. Magic Island Beach is backed by a large grassy area with trees and picnic tables.
The Magic Island peninsula (made of dredged coral) was built onto the reef off Ala Moana Beach Park in the 1960s (completed in 1964). It was supposed to be the location of a new resort hotel, but the hotel was never built. So the peninsula was instead turned into a public park. The peninsula was later renamed to 'Aina Moana (meaning “land from the sea”), but people seem to prefer the name Magic Island and still call it that way today.
Magic Island Beach Overview
- Small sandy beach at the end of the Magic Island peninsula (view panorama)
- Protected from waves by a rocky barrier
- No shade on the beach, but beach is backed by a grassy area with trees
Ala Moana Beach Park and ʻĀina Moana (Magic Island)
At the beginning of the twentieth-century, this stretch of coast makai of Ala Moana Boulevard was the site of the Honolulu garbage dump, which burned almost continually. The residue from burned rubbish was used to reclaim neighboring wetlands (which later were more commonly referred to as “swamp lands.”)
In the 1920s, Kewalo Basin was constructed and by the 1930s was the main berthing area for the sampan fleet and also the site of the tuna cannery, fish auction, shipyard, ice plant, fuel dock and other shore-side facilities.
In 1928, a channel was dredged through the coral reef to connect the Ala Wai Boat Harbor and the Kewalo Basin, so boats could travel between the two. Part of the dredge material helped to reclaim swampland that was filled in with dredged coral.
When the area became a very popular swimming beach, the channel was closed to boat traffic.
The City and County of Honolulu started cleaning up the Ala Moana area in 1931. They used funds provided by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s New Deal Project to create a city park in the Ala Moana area.
Back in the early twentieth century, most playgrounds consisted of large areas of pavement used to get children off of the street and had no aesthetic value.
In 1933, Harry Sims Bent was chosen as the park architect for the City and County of Honolulu. Bent’s design went beyond the modern level and into the realm of art deco, allowing for play, as well as contact with nature. His works at Ala Moana include the canal bridge, entrance portals, sports pavilion, banyan courtyard and the lawn bowling green.
President Roosevelt participated in the dedication of the new 76-acre “Moana Park” in 1934 (it was later renamed Ala Moana Park in 1947.) During his visit to the islands, Roosevelt also planted a kukui tree on the grounds of the ʻIolani Palace.
Ala Moana Park was developed on a swamp and the Honolulu garbage dump.
In the mid-1950s, reef rubble was dredged to fill in the old navigation channel (between Kewalo and the Ala Wai); it was topped with sand brought from Keawaʻula Beach (Yokohama Beach) in Waianae.
At the same time, a new swimming channel was dredged parallel to the new beach, extending 400-feet offshore; in addition, the west end of the fronting channel was closed by a landfill project that was part of the Kewalo Basin State Park project. A large fringing reef remained off-shore protecting the beach area.
Reportedly, in 1955, Henry Kaiser was the first to propose building two artificial islands and six hotels over the fringing reef. His proposal included inlets for boats, walkways and bridges. He called it Magic Island and offered to pay the $50-million cost. (Sigall, Star-Advertiser)
In 1958, a 20-page booklet was sent to Congress to encourage them to turn back Ala Moana Reef to the Territory of Hawaiʻi for the construction of a “Magic Island.” Local businessmen and firms paid half the cost and the Territory paid half through the Economic Planning & Coordination Authority) (Dillingham interests were among contributors, Henry J. Kaiser interests were not.) (Honolulu Record, February 13, 1958)
The booklet puts forth the argument that “Tourist development is our most important immediate potential for economic expansion,” and displays pictures of the crowded Waikiki area to show the lack of room for expansion. Then it directs the reader’s attention to land that can be reclaimed from the sea by utilizing reefs, especially the 300-acre area of Ala Moana Reef. (Honolulu Record, February 13, 1958)
It was supposed to be part of a new high scale beachfront resort complex with a half-dozen hotels that would have included two islands built on the fringing reef, offshore of the Ala Moana Park.
The Interest of the Dillingham’s in developing off-shore areas is obvious, since Hawaiian Dredging is the only local company large enough to undertake such sizable dredging operations.
The Dillingham interest in the current “Magic Island” project is more obvious because of the immediate increase in value it would bring to Dillingham land mauka of Ala Moana Boulevard. (Honolulu Record, February 13, 1958)
The Dillinghams figure to do the dredging and construction of Magic Island, itself, of course, and it must be recalled that the original Dillingham idea was to use Ala Moana Park for hotels and apartments and build the reef island for a park. (Honolulu Record, May 15, 1958)
But now that Magic Island is being proposed as a hotel and apartment site, it doesn’t mean for a moment the first plan has necessarily been abandoned. There is good reason to fear Ala Moana Park may be wiped out entirely so far as the people of Oahu are concerned if they don’t keep alert and guard” against every effort to encroach upon it. (Honolulu Record, May 15, 1958)
Substantial changes were made from the more extensive original plan for the Ala Moana reef; rather than multiple islands for several resort hotels built on the reef flat off of the Ala Moana Park, in 1964 a 30-acre peninsula, with “inner” and “outer” beaches for protected swimming, was constructed adjoining the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor and Ala Wai Canal outlet.
The project stopped after the development of “Magic Island,” leaving the State with a man-made peninsula, which they converted into a public park.
In 1972 the State officially renamed Magic Island to ‘Āina Moana (“land [from the] sea”) to recognize that the park is made from dredged coral fill. The peninsula was turned over the city in a land exchange and is formally known as the ‘Āina Moana Section of Ala Moana Beach Park, but many local residents still call it Magic Island.
Between 1955 and 1976 the beach eroded, and in 1976, more sand was brought in from Mokuleʻia on the north coast of Oʻahu.
Magic Island Oahu:
The Unintentional Beach Park that Everybody Loves!
For starters, the picture across the top of every page on this site was taken from Magic Island Oahu looking back across the park toward Waikiki. That picture may tell you everything you need to know about this popular Hawaii beach park. It's gorgeous. especially in the late afternoon!
If you want more than just my picture, however, here’s some additional information…
The 30-acre peninsula that is Magic Island Oahu was initially constructed in 1964 to be the location of a luxury resort complex. The land was literally reclaimed from the sea by building atop a shallow reef. Then the resort was never built (thank goodness) and the newly-created land was repurposed as a public park. In 1972, the park’s name was officially changed to Aina Moana, meaning land from the sea; but in 30+ years of living here, I don’t think I’ve ever heard anybody call this park anything other than Magic Island.
She is said to have the power to control the tides and create storms, using them to protect her underwater realm or to punish those who have angered her. According to some stories, the Sea Witch can grant wishes or provide magical assistance to those who seek her help. However, these favors often come with a steep price, as the Sea Witch is known for her penchant for trickery and deceit.
Reasons to love Magic Island Oahu:
Located at the east end of Ala Moana Beach Park, Magic Island Oahu would have made a spectacular resort! Instead, it’s a fabulous park! This centrally located site has hosted countless barbecues, parties, weddings, events and more! There are plenty of shade trees. Paths throughout the park are in constant use by joggers. The park has its own sheltered lagoon; and the surf just beyond the peninsula can be some of the best in Honolulu.
Parking is usually great during the work week, but it can fill up fast on weekends. If you choose to go on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, you may find it best to arrive early or later in the afternoon.
Many tales caution against making deals with her, as her gifts often have unforeseen consequences or come with a terrible cost. The Sea Witch also features prominently in popular culture, particularly in fairy tales and folklore-inspired literature. She is often portrayed as a villain or antagonist, using her powers for her own malicious purposes. Famous examples include the Sea Witch Ursula from Disney's "The Little Mermaid" and the Sea Witch Morgana from the Arthurian legends. Overall, the Sea Witch is a fascinating and complex character in folklore and mythology. She embodies the power and mystery of the sea, and her tales serve as cautionary reminders of the dangers and temptations that lie beneath its surface..
Reviews for "The Fearsome Sea Witch Nbok: Friend or Foe to Sailors?"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Sea Witch" but ended up feeling disappointed. The story was slow-paced and it took me a long time to get into it. The characters also fell flat for me; they lacked depth and I couldn't connect with them. Additionally, the world-building was weak, and I found it difficult to visualize the setting. Overall, "Sea Witch" didn't live up to my expectations and I wouldn't recommend it.
2. Mike - 1 star - I found "Sea Witch" to be a boring and unoriginal read. The plot was predictable and the twists were lackluster. The writing style was also mundane and failed to capture my interest. I struggled to finish the book, and when I finally did, I was left feeling unsatisfied. Unfortunately, I cannot recommend this book to others.
3. Emily - 2 stars - "Sea Witch" had so much potential, but it fell flat for me. The pacing was off, with unnecessary slow parts and rushed moments that left me confused. The characters lacked depth, and I couldn't invest in their stories. The romance felt forced and lacked chemistry. The ending also left me unsatisfied and wanting more closure. Overall, I was disappointed with "Sea Witch" and would not read it again.
4. John - 2 stars - I struggled to get through "Sea Witch," as the plot felt disjointed and confusing. The author introduced various subplots that didn't seem to contribute to the main story. The dialogue also felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult for me to connect with the characters. The potential for a captivating story was there, but it ultimately fell short. I wouldn't recommend this book to others.
5. Jessica - 3 stars - While "Sea Witch" had an intriguing premise, I found the execution to be lacking. The story dragged on in many parts, and I found myself losing interest. The character development was weak, and I struggled to connect with the protagonist. The writing style was also inconsistent, with some parts being beautifully descriptive while others felt rushed and underdeveloped. Overall, "Sea Witch" had its moments but didn't fully capture my attention.