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The place to explore... I say this as if you don't know you don't as this hidden gem is further down from Kewalo Basin and though has similar seawall structure making it another great place to watch the sunset as the you see boats sailing by with planes flying in the horizon. It has been years since I've been to this location that I've learn was once a municipal landfill that explains the hills I guess and how it has evolved into this lush green park home to many that enjoy what it has to offer. With decent amount of parking available it makes it easy for many to spend time here for various activities even on this day there were a few folks doing some yoga in a quite corner while near the observatory lookout area there was a kid sliding down the hill with a cardboard while several joggers taking advantage of the pathways winding around the park and kinds riding bikes in this spacious par. There was even a wedding couple taking advantage of the sunset for pictures as it's so nicely maintained seeing various folks here for different activities is so nice to see all in Kaka'ako. It's a nice place for it's convenience though there aren't any beaches I do love to just relax and chill here with lots of parking and being less crowded it's a nice place for a stroll and escape. Thank you!
This is a great place to watch the sunset and go for a nice stroll. Great view! Parking is easy and free. I like that there are benches and tables you can sit and enjoy food if you want. I've been coming here for years and it's usually very peaceful and relaxing compared to going to the crowded beaches in the area. You can usually see people body surfing as well.
I moved to Kakaako area about six years ago and I have been coming to this park to run during the weekend. If you trying to avoid the crowd at the nearby Ala moana Beach Park, this is a perfect place for you to come. The park is located right behind the UH Medical Center. There are two parking lots, you should have no problem finding parking at all. There are plenty walking path. It is very nice to walk along the ocean with the ocean breeze in your face. They also have table and chairs, picnic area, bathroom and shower facility for surfers. There are a few homeless people here and there in the morning, but generally speaking is not that bad. There are a lot of chicken and wild cats in the park. Lot of people come to feed the cats everyday. You can enjoy watching the sunset while watching the surfer or just relax and walk around. If you never been to this park, I will highly recommend you to come check it out.
Plenty of free parking. Beautiful walk beside the water. Picnic areas and free restrooms. It's "in the city" yet it doesn't feel like it - that's always nice. There were many people walking, fishing, or playing with their children. I enjoyed the sunset prior to heading back to my hotel. There is no beach but the seawall is nice.
What a beautiful park didn't realize it's a pretty big park good for walking or jogging . It's start from the Diamond head side of the old John Dominis restaurant building all the way behind the John Burns medical campus on the Ewa side. There's 3 Pavilion located on the ocean side with a overhead but no shelter but it's nice over looking the ocean and just a nice place to kick back and relax . This park has a lot of paved walkway and rolling hills . It's a famous place where kids use to slide down with their card boards. Lots of surfers come to this place to surf locals call it "Point Panic". Small parking lot right next door to the John Dominis building. Definitely be back probably during sunset I'm sure it will make a nice photo. Be safe and support local
This spot makes for the perfect getaway from the crowded city. Some people come here to fish, others come here to surf, jog, skateboard, and some come here to go on a diving expedition. Whatever the decision may be, people often come here to relax. The backdrop of the city beyond the waterfront park looks amazing. Sometimes during a cloudy day, the sky looks breathtaking and this gives people the opportunity to take pictures. Some people go far beyond the city limits to get close to nature. The Kakaako Waterfront provides a chance for city dwellers to get involved in the aquatic sports such as surfing, swimming and diving. During the weekends, we would ride our bikes here. Around the waterfront, some stray cats live near the park. Some people come here to feed them, and even to take pictures of them (like me). The cats look confortable around strangers. . Other species of animals living there include chickens and their little chicks. They tend to run away they see people. Come to the Kakaako Waterfront Park. Bring family, friends, and or a date.
Wow I haven't been here in forever since all the homeless problems and garbage. To think I once saw a group of people with a living room set under the awning strung out on meth. They literally had a carpet and tv electric tapped through a light pole. I thought it was nuts. I had some time to kill before picking up my wife from work and decided to take my dog Lola out for a stroll. It's really cleaned up and all the adjacent areas. I hope the start utilizing this space again. Eat the street and stuff but the waterfront promenade area just looks like it would be amazing for live music and stuff. I'm even seeing Segway tours through the area. It's a nice change from Ala moana park and is pretty easy to miss.
My husband and I stopped by here to take a brisk walk to look at the ocean. He wanted to check if they cleaned out the park. It looked awhole lot better from the last time we were there. We enjoyed looking at the water and it sure was crowded. The waves were about 2-6" and there was alot of people in the water surfing. We enjoyed our day here today and happy we found parking. We were on our way out and just in time a parking opened up for us. Yay !!! We will surely return another day. I had a nice day with hubby.
"You don't realize how much you miss something till it comes back to you, and then you wonder how you went so long without it." - Cassandra Rose Clarke It has been a month (March 23, 2020) since our local government leaders proclaimed Stay At Home Orders (with limited exceptions) for residents and quarantine for travelers as our Nation grapples with the rapid spread of the deadly COVID-19 virus. Since the proclamation, our State has managed to keep the infection rate below 650 and our health systems have been able to manage the hospitalization of confirmed cases (68) very successfully. That being said, today, April 25 marked relaxations of our Stay At Home Order WITH limitations. Our State and City parks have been opened to allow for active exercise such as running, walking, and jogging as long as social distancing are followed. In addition, these other outdoor activities are allowed such as swimming, surfing, and walking pets. So, today, we took advantage of our beautiful weather and the opening of parks by visiting the Kaka'ako Waterfront Park which is located behind the University of Hawai'i's John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) on O'ahu's South Shore. The Kaka'ako Waterfront Park is also called "Point Panic Park" as it refers to the park's East side popular body surfing spot. Also, there are two body surfing spots located on the West end of this park called "Flies" and "Incinerators". Walking through this 35-acre park with its network of pathways that wind around man made grassy mounds leading to a wide ocean-front promenade which extends the length of the park's shoreline. The mounds rise up 45 feet above sea level at their peaks and look out to the blue Pacific Ocean. It's hard to believe that this park was once a landfill except for seeing a few vents scattered around the park. The park with its oceanside promenade stretches from Pier 1 to its West (Ewa) to Kewalo Basin on its East (Diamond Head). From the Diamond Head side, there have been some Friday evenings that my husband and I have strolled into this park to watch the fireworks displays. While either sitting on one to grassy mounds or along the sea wall on the West end, we've caught some spectacular sunsets worthy of beginners and advanced photographic captures of the Golden Hour. There isn't a sandy beach to walk on as there is a sea wall along the promenade so that means there is no beach access EXCEPT for on the East end of the promenade where there are concrete stairs leading into the ocean. In addition to this promenade, this park features a couple of pergolas, two public showers and restrooms, an amphitheater, water features, miles of jogging paths, and several sculptures (The Victim Memorial sponsored by MADD and Ehime Maru Memorial). There are several open to the public parking lots but be aware of those requiring permits such as JABSOM The Children's Discovery Center, 53 By The Sea, University of Hawai'i Marine Laboratories, and a kiawe-wood supplier. Always be aware of your surroundings as this park area has some remote areas where you wouldn't want to be alone or flaunting your finery or burying your focus into your cellphone. Just saying... Even before the COVID-19 shutdown, the State had renovated and cleaned up this park and reopened to the public on March 2. However, the shutdown mandated the closure of all parks and beaches so this park has kept its cleanliness. We didn't notice as many homeless people hanging around and the public restrooms and other facilities weren't vandalized as before. We hope that this park will continue to be maintained well as we're planning on returning.
Nice place for a quite stroll along ocean front. Good size parking lot but it was full so hit and miss if easy to park or not. We brought some food to picnic. There are some picnic tables along the waterfront so you can have a scenic restful meal there. 180 degree view from Diamond Head to the airport. We saw some fighter jets flying off!! Chickens and cats roam the grounds. Bathrooms available but not the cleanest read more
If you're looking for a place to picnic, walk, or get away from the city, Kakaʻako Waterfront Park is the place to go! The park is very spacious and well-kept. There are trash cans, tables and chairs for picnicking, bathrooms, and showers throughout the park available for the public to use. Walking along the waterfront is so relaxing and the walking path is nicely paved with a great view of the ocean. There are always lots of people at the waterfront fishing, surfing, hanging out, running, and walking their dogs. I love coming here to walk my dog, since the park feels very safe and is always clean. Parking: There's a huge free parking lot in front of the entrance to the park that has a ton of stalls. The lot always has empty stalls available. read more
1 year ago
If you haven't been go check it out. Nice park with plenty parking and hard stand restrooms. We went on a Sunday and I did park for free. I didn't swim here. I came for the 2025 Hawaii Hot Girl Walk. We met at field across the street from park then walked the whole park. The path is paved and you don't have to worry about getting lost. It's a simple down and back route and the coast. The walk was less than a mile down to 0.80. There down and back was almost 2 miles total. The weather was nice and had a great breeze throughout walk. Some people there were walking, hanging out or swimming. I would say it was swim at your own risk. They did have some areas that lead down to the water. Other areas people climbed down the rocks. I can't wait for the next Hot Girl Walk. You can find them on IG and Facebook for next event. read more
1 year ago
This park is right by Uni. of Hawaii. It's such a beautiful place to take a walk and get both grass on 1 side and the sea on the other side. We caught the sunset here and it was beautiful!! read more
2 years ago
It is a very peaceful place and a great place to relax. It's a great place to enjoy fishing, walking or jogging! Unlike Waikiki Beach, it is not crowded, so I recommend that you spend some time relaxing on your own. read more
11 months ago
The place to explore... I say this as if you don't know you don't as this hidden gem is further down from Kewalo Basin and though has similar seawall structure making it another great place to watch the sunset as the you see boats sailing by with planes flying in the horizon. It has been years since I've been to this location that I've learn was once a municipal landfill that explains the hills I guess and how it has evolved into this lush green park home to many that enjoy what it has to offer. With decent amount of parking available it makes it easy for many to spend time here for various activities even on this day there were a few folks doing some yoga in a quite corner while near the observatory lookout area there was a kid sliding down the hill with a cardboard while several joggers taking advantage of the pathways winding around the park and kinds riding bikes in this spacious par. There was even a wedding couple taking advantage of the sunset for pictures as it's so nicely maintained seeing various folks here for different activities is so nice to see all in Kaka'ako. It's a nice place for it's convenience though there aren't any beaches I do love to just relax and chill here with lots of parking and being less crowded it's a nice place for a stroll and escape. Thank you! read more
This is a great place to watch the sunset and go for a nice stroll. Great view! Parking is easy and free. I like that there are benches and tables you can sit and enjoy food if you want. I've been coming here for years and it's usually very peaceful and relaxing compared to going to the crowded beaches in the area. You can usually see people body surfing as well. read more
1 year ago
I moved to Kakaako area about six years ago and I have been coming to this park to run during the weekend. If you trying to avoid the crowd at the nearby Ala moana Beach Park, this is a perfect place for you to come. The park is located right behind the UH Medical Center. There are two parking lots, you should have no problem finding parking at all. There are plenty walking path. It is very nice to walk along the ocean with the ocean breeze in your face. They also have table and chairs, picnic area, bathroom and shower facility for surfers. There are a few homeless people here and there in the morning, but generally speaking is not that bad. There are a lot of chicken and wild cats in the park. Lot of people come to feed the cats everyday. You can enjoy watching the sunset while watching the surfer or just relax and walk around. If you never been to this park, I will highly recommend you to come check it out. read more
Plenty of free parking. Beautiful walk beside the water. Picnic areas and free restrooms. It's "in the city" yet it doesn't feel like it - that's always nice. There were many people walking, fishing, or playing with their children. I enjoyed the sunset prior to heading back to my hotel. There is no beach but the seawall is nice. read more
Located off Ohe St in Honolulu. Nice park the views of the ocean and surfers and fishers come here. There are restrooms and picnic areas as well. A very nice place to walk during the morning and afternoon hours. Overall a cool place to get ocean views read more
What a beautiful park didn't realize it's a pretty big park good for walking or jogging . It's start from the Diamond head side of the old John Dominis restaurant building all the way behind the John Burns medical campus on the Ewa side. There's 3 Pavilion located on the ocean side with a overhead but no shelter but it's nice over looking the ocean and just a nice place to kick back and relax . This park has a lot of paved walkway and rolling hills . It's a famous place where kids use to slide down with their card boards. Lots of surfers come to this place to surf locals call it "Point Panic". Small parking lot right next door to the John Dominis building. Definitely be back probably during sunset I'm sure it will make a nice photo. Be safe and support local read more
This spot makes for the perfect getaway from the crowded city. Some people come here to fish, others come here to surf, jog, skateboard, and some come here to go on a diving expedition. Whatever the decision may be, people often come here to relax. The backdrop of the city beyond the waterfront park looks amazing. Sometimes during a cloudy day, the sky looks breathtaking and this gives people the opportunity to take pictures. Some people go far beyond the city limits to get close to nature. The Kakaako Waterfront provides a chance for city dwellers to get involved in the aquatic sports such as surfing, swimming and diving. During the weekends, we would ride our bikes here. Around the waterfront, some stray cats live near the park. Some people come here to feed them, and even to take pictures of them (like me). The cats look confortable around strangers. . Other species of animals living there include chickens and their little chicks. They tend to run away they see people. Come to the Kakaako Waterfront Park. Bring family, friends, and or a date. read more
Wow I haven't been here in forever since all the homeless problems and garbage. To think I once saw a group of people with a living room set under the awning strung out on meth. They literally had a carpet and tv electric tapped through a light pole. I thought it was nuts. I had some time to kill before picking up my wife from work and decided to take my dog Lola out for a stroll. It's really cleaned up and all the adjacent areas. I hope the start utilizing this space again. Eat the street and stuff but the waterfront promenade area just looks like it would be amazing for live music and stuff. I'm even seeing Segway tours through the area. It's a nice change from Ala moana park and is pretty easy to miss. read more
My husband and I stopped by here to take a brisk walk to look at the ocean. He wanted to check if they cleaned out the park. It looked awhole lot better from the last time we were there. We enjoyed looking at the water and it sure was crowded. The waves were about 2-6" and there was alot of people in the water surfing. We enjoyed our day here today and happy we found parking. We were on our way out and just in time a parking opened up for us. Yay !!! We will surely return another day. I had a nice day with hubby. read more
3 years ago
"You don't realize how much you miss something till it comes back to you, and then you wonder how you went so long without it." - Cassandra Rose Clarke It has been a month (March 23, 2020) since our local government leaders proclaimed Stay At Home Orders (with limited exceptions) for residents and quarantine for travelers as our Nation grapples with the rapid spread of the deadly COVID-19 virus. Since the proclamation, our State has managed to keep the infection rate below 650 and our health systems have been able to manage the hospitalization of confirmed cases (68) very successfully. That being said, today, April 25 marked relaxations of our Stay At Home Order WITH limitations. Our State and City parks have been opened to allow for active exercise such as running, walking, and jogging as long as social distancing are followed. In addition, these other outdoor activities are allowed such as swimming, surfing, and walking pets. So, today, we took advantage of our beautiful weather and the opening of parks by visiting the Kaka'ako Waterfront Park which is located behind the University of Hawai'i's John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) on O'ahu's South Shore. The Kaka'ako Waterfront Park is also called "Point Panic Park" as it refers to the park's East side popular body surfing spot. Also, there are two body surfing spots located on the West end of this park called "Flies" and "Incinerators". Walking through this 35-acre park with its network of pathways that wind around man made grassy mounds leading to a wide ocean-front promenade which extends the length of the park's shoreline. The mounds rise up 45 feet above sea level at their peaks and look out to the blue Pacific Ocean. It's hard to believe that this park was once a landfill except for seeing a few vents scattered around the park. The park with its oceanside promenade stretches from Pier 1 to its West (Ewa) to Kewalo Basin on its East (Diamond Head). From the Diamond Head side, there have been some Friday evenings that my husband and I have strolled into this park to watch the fireworks displays. While either sitting on one to grassy mounds or along the sea wall on the West end, we've caught some spectacular sunsets worthy of beginners and advanced photographic captures of the Golden Hour. There isn't a sandy beach to walk on as there is a sea wall along the promenade so that means there is no beach access EXCEPT for on the East end of the promenade where there are concrete stairs leading into the ocean. In addition to this promenade, this park features a couple of pergolas, two public showers and restrooms, an amphitheater, water features, miles of jogging paths, and several sculptures (The Victim Memorial sponsored by MADD and Ehime Maru Memorial). There are several open to the public parking lots but be aware of those requiring permits such as JABSOM The Children's Discovery Center, 53 By The Sea, University of Hawai'i Marine Laboratories, and a kiawe-wood supplier. Always be aware of your surroundings as this park area has some remote areas where you wouldn't want to be alone or flaunting your finery or burying your focus into your cellphone. Just saying... Even before the COVID-19 shutdown, the State had renovated and cleaned up this park and reopened to the public on March 2. However, the shutdown mandated the closure of all parks and beaches so this park has kept its cleanliness. We didn't notice as many homeless people hanging around and the public restrooms and other facilities weren't vandalized as before. We hope that this park will continue to be maintained well as we're planning on returning. read more
6 years ago
COVID-19 UPDATE Kakaako Waterfront Park appears to be open. It's not listed in the City and County of Honolulu's list of parks and may be under the jurisdiction of the Hawaii Community Development Corporation, but it seems to be open. I've been visiting at 11:00 A.M. lately and haven't had any problems. Jogging paths are generally sparsely used and the picnic tables are empty. Because of the COVID-19, directive to wear mask, I see opportunity. No one can recognize me with my mask. I'm thinking of exercising by "dancing" around the jogging path of Kakaako Waterfront Park, wearing a mask. The Mayor says only, walking, jogging and bicycle riding are allowed in parks but I believe "dancing" is a combination of standing, walking and jogging. In any case, I'm thinking dancing. I like to park in the lot on the Diamond Head side because there is a high speed bump and permanent pothole in front of the Cooke Street entrance that I hate. I plan to get there at 11:00 A.M.; arrange my music videos on my smartphone; plug in my earphones and being my exercising, dancing around the parks jogging path. I imagine starting slowing so I'll begin with video No. 1, the Stroll by the Diamonds. 2:30 minutes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEGMm0Dgsbs That' s a good warmup dance. Video No. 2 is ....the Hokey Pokey by Ray Anthony. 2:25 minutes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzSJBowPECY Whoa, the Hokey Pokey! Whoa, the Hokey Pokey! After that video is finished, I jog to the lookout with the panoramic view of the entrance to Kewalo Basin, Ala Moana Park, Magic Island, Waikiki, Diamond Head, the blue Pacific and Point Panic. It's beautiful there and think it's a great place to dance to video No. 3 .....The Twist by Chubby Checker. 2:41 minutes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHGXwQeUk7M Now that I'm in the groove, I'll continue to jog and play video No. 4 and do .....The Swim by Bobby Freeman. 2:22 minutes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-HpjnnXAJw ...and without a beat, I play video No. 5 and do ......the Jerk by the Larks. 3:34 minutes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mh3a6yZjJJA ...and go right into video No. 6 .....the Wah Watusi by the Orlons. 2:50 minutes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcQQi9vbZZE Woooh! I see this cockroach running across the jogging path so I scroll my smartphone, find what I'm looking for and play ....the Mashed Potatoes by Dee Dee Sharp. 3:15 minutes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtY-pQjvYWs Goodbye cockroach! A little further down the path I play video No. 7 and start doing ....The Hustle by Van McCoy. 3:23 minutes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ismuiD-uSak Next dance video 8 ....the Electric Boogie (Electric Slide) by Marcia Griffiths. 4:02 minutes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jW3TSBu7J94 Two more videos to go. Next up is video No. 9 and one of my favorites. This one requires practice, concentration and coordination. Took me years to get this one down but when you can do this for the length of the song, people will be amazed and clapping as you walk down the jogging path, backwards doing ....the moonwalk, Billie Jean by Michael Jackson. 5:00 minutes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fR2WFQRbP3g I'm still awed by Michael's unveiling of the Moonwalk. So cool! Last music video No. 10 was a worldwide phenomena .......Gangnam Style by Psy. 4:12 minutes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bZkp7q19f0 I love doing Gangnam Style. So that's my proposed dance exercise routine at Kakaako Waterfront Park. It will really make you sweat. If I do it right, I might have a long line of Koreans, in single file, 6'-0" apart following me doing ...Gangnam Style ...Op! Look for us at about 11:45 A.M. And remember, you're wearing a mask so no one will recognize you by sight. Don't be shy and you are welcome to join in. Let's have some fun during this Age of COVID-19. In fact, maybe I will have a UYE with me, myself and my shadow! read more
I have been to three concerts of different types that come to mind. One was a piano concert accompanying a nice dinner, the second was a pop culture concert in the amphitheater here at Kaka'ako Waterfront Park as part of the Microsoft Store Grand Opening at Ala Moana on 13 June 2013, and the third was a pop culture concert at a fixed concert venue. I had been living in Honolulu for approximately 10 months with more years of living here on the horizon and was extremely home sick. My hometown is Seattle, so when I heard that Seattle-Tacoma Rapper Macklemore would be performing at the concert accompanying the Microsoft (a Seattle-based company) Store Grand Opening at Ala Moana I was all in. Yes... that even meant sleeping and waiting on the floor of the Ala Moana Shopping Center garage with my friends to get free tickets and to be one of the first 200 people in line and get free backstage passes to the Grand Opening concert held here at Kaka'ako Waterfront Park and featuring Macklemore & Ryan Lewis and band Neon Trees as performers. A note and an apology should be made on my part here. Living in Honolulu I learned that "global" (that is non-local) businesses such as Microsoft and the music industry are slowly eroding Hawaiian culture and ways of life. Concerts bring with them the production of literal waste, extreme (extravagant) levels of energy usage, and noise pollution that interrupt and degrade the quality of everyday life for those living in Honolulu. Much electricity is generated from coal, gas, and other fossil fuels and its excessive use strains the environment. Additional strains on transportation and traffic were also common. In essence a concert at a park such as this is a bunch of people tramping across natural land to make noise pollution. The best way to enjoy this park in my opinion is without the noise and activity that a pop culture concert drag with it. Through my approximately three years living in Honolulu I learned that the natural beauty of parks such as Kaka'ako Waterfront Park and the quiet they provide those living in the area far outweigh the damage inflicted through pop-culture demands. So, the short way of saying what I am trying to say is come here on a quiet day and it will blown your mind away. Additionally, I apologize for contributing to the noise pollution generated at the concert I attended here. For the amount of press saying the concert was at full capacity in advance of the concert and that all the tickets were taken, the lawn portion of the amphitheater was rather sparse in people attending. This was nice as it showed off the location more. The park itself is gorgeous and a beautiful place for a stroll. The grade (steepness of slope) in the lawn portion of the amphitheater is slight, making trekking up and down it relatively easy. Restrooms are a little ways off. The grass was soft and the park was well maintained. It can get a little cool once the sun sets, so I recommend bringing a jacket it you are staying into the evening or night. read more
So the last time we were here was December doing the Christmas Drop with Thrive Global. And since then... I made it my New Years resolution to do at least ONE volunteer a month. NO MATTER WHAT IT IS. And so HERE I AM TODAY BACK @ THE WATER FRONT feeding the homeless & helping them register with the mobile showers. This was an amazing night. I'm glad we came. And NEXT ONE... I'm bringing the WHOLE FAMILY. Including my mommy who's wheelchair bound. The pro itself isn't so crowded as it once was before. It actually seems empty. They should build a shelter in this area. I think it would have a good impact on the place itself. Going back on Valentine's Day to help again read more
5 years ago
We went to get some pictures of the sunset, and kind of lost focus because of all the other stuff going on in the park. There were at least four different wedding parties working to get positions for pictures, a cat stalking birds and then getting fed and held by a passerby, a couple of groups of white egrets running and flying about, several surfers, and of course lots of tourists on the paths. I didn't really see any good way to get in the water, but I was told that people (divers specifically) do use the park to access the water. There are several small hills (mounds) that you can climb up (and down) to get a better vantage point for sunset or cityscape pictures. There's also an asphalt path available if you just want to walk around the park. We climbed the hills and tried to stay clear of the wedding parties. Lots of available parking, the park is close to the "Salt" district that is home to lots of wall art (painted murals) as well as restaurants. It's probably not the first place people think of for sunset pics, but it is really a good place to go, even if it's just to watch everything else going on at sunset. read more
Kaka'ako Waterfront Park is a beautiful place to either picnic, barbecue, relax with your loved ones or getaway from life stressors that you may experience on island. I love it because it is low-key compared to other places along the coast of Oahu like Ala Moana Beach Park, and offers similar features, but less congested than others. I have had the pleasure of living within a mile from Kaka'ako Waterfront Park, so I have enjoyed many mornings and late evenings either watching the sunrise or sunset at it. I loved utilizing it as my pit stop during my runs or cycling on my bike for viewing pleasure. And if your that fit runner that is aching for rolling hills, Kaka'ako Waterfront Park has the perfect rolling grassy hills that will assist you with building up your speed while training. Furthermore, Honolulu Runners Club, a runners club at 'Runners Route' runs them every now and then on Tuesday evenings, and the running group has different abilities. As for parking at Kaka'ako Waterfront, there are plenty of parking spots and I believe it has more than what it truly needs, but sometimes its parking lot is used for local event set-ups like concerts or Eat The Street. Other than the presence of stray cats and the homeless population who have a tent city in a nearby lot, late evenings at Kaka'ako Waterfront can be very therapeutic or intimate. Kaka'ako Waterfront Park will always have a special place in my heart because of my therapeutic visits, as well as it being one of the last places I visited with travel bags loaded in my car before driving to the airport and flying off to the mainland in Chicago where I now live. Right then and there was when the reality sat in that I'm leaving Oahu after living on island for 3 years. It will always be a place that I just have to visit every time I vacation on Oahu. Thomas G read more
I have mixed feelings about this park. If you just look at it objectively, you may notice the homeless population in tents along the way to the park. Sometimes a feral cat or two may cross your path. If it's a nice day, which it usually is, some children will be sliding down the hills on pieces of large cardboard. Happy times here include the Love Festival which was a big music event with many vendors. My friends and I won tickets through Yelp Hawaii - it was really fun! Another time, my family and I gathered here to remember my cousin, Kyle, who passed away too soon. He was a Detective with the Honolulu Police Department. His 2 children paddled out on surfboards with some of his ashes. That picture of them in the wide, calm ocean is burned fondly into my memory bank... Eat The Street events have been held here. I have passed through during a charity's Fun Run. Recently, I discovered the Memorial for the Ehime Maru - a Japanese fishing vessel that collided with a US submarine on February 9, 2001. A few citrus trees were planted nearby to commemorate its 10th anniversary. Even though this park has a good location in Honolulu with free parking and a functional restroom, it's not my favorite. It wouldn't be my first choice for a family picnic, although tables and benches are available. I would just stop by for a quick photo or two and be on my way... read more
A place from the past yet, a place of our future.... Kaka'ako Waterfront Park brings to the forefront south shore surfing wrapping around from Kewalo. It is a great picnic place; to sit and watch the surf and sun during your lunch hour or an ice cream snack watching the afternoon sunset. It's a great jogging location. It's central location in our great city makes this place a "must" do. And yes, a great place and venue for various activities; concerts, carnivals and the list goes on. With new life and development in the few square miles of the Kaka'ako area, we can be sure this park will be a place to reckon with. The new condominiums, new shopping areas, new community and new concept of city living will enhance this great park! This is my final review for the year. Today, December 31st, we bid farewell to 2014 and welcome 2015 with great hope to a promising future. Kaka'ako Waterfront Park promises an evening filled with food (Eat the Street), fellowship (friends gather from far and wide), entertainment and a great sky show of fireworks at the stroke of midnight! Happy New Year! Akemashite Omedetou gozaimasu! Hau'oli Makahiki Hou! ps-photos coming soon! read more
Just enjoyed EAT THE STREETS and decided to go for a short walk. It is a nice park hidden behind the Burns School of Medicine. The plants and grass here look much better than Ala Moana Beach Park. The structures too look well maintained. I noticed a maintenance vehicle cruising back and forth patrolling the area. That's nice. As we walked over the grassy hills admiring the setting sun and ocean we started to fell lucky that we could enjoy a spectacular view. We settled into the pavillion. I told Mog P. to wait while I used the restroom behind us. Surprisingly there are no doors to the restroom here. So much for having an extended bbq here. I'm thinking they took the doors off to deter the great homeless population here from holing up inside. The waves were pounding but the tribe of cats that live here were not threatened. They kinda look well kept but are scrawny. I don't see how they can get much to eat here unless they're catching pigeon. Did notice a lady feeding them for awhile making sure each had a good amount. They followed her casually like a pied piper. Surprisingly we only noticed a few homeless in the actual area. We did notice HPD patrolling the area but I wonder is it because there was an event going on? Or is this a regular patrolled area. Even with all this going on, we were enjoying the moment, the beautiful scenery, everyone else coming to have their moment, and the beautiful sunset. We'll probably start to come here more often for sunset watching because it does feel more tranquil. As we're exiting the main entrance, an HPD officer is talking to gentleman about drinking in the area. Weird how the Japanese wedding couples continue to take their prized photos with them directly behind. I guess it makes for a more interesting story when they get back home. read more
It used to be a really nice place (5 star) to picnic, swim and enjoy the sunset, but as more homeless occupy the area, it's hard to safely stay after sunset. The hills are high enough to box slide and take many different pictures of sunset views of the area. I'm really disappointed that now I can't even enjoy the sunset because they have closed the park at 6pm, right before sunset due to vandalism of the park lights. read more
When killing time before your evening flight off island, this park does the trick. It's pretty sizey with an ocean view. Some old timers seem to really know what they're doing with their fishing rods, and some daring kids are actually swimming here. However, the glitch? It seems to appeal to the homeless folk. Don't get get me wrong, they gotta go somewhere, but it still leaves me with an uneasy feeling, and I'd not consider this a "Family Friendly" park. Would I go back? To kill time yes, or maybe even try my hand at fishing, but not for many other reasons. read more
Kaka'ako Waterfront Park is too big to be considered a hidden find. But I want to loop it in that category because it is definitely a spot that does not get its due. Ala Moana Beach and Waikiki seems to be the place where people go when they want to visit the south shore. I think it is because the location is slightly off the beaten path and is closer to downtown. The park is located a couple blocks away from Ala Moana Boulevard so it is not really a burden to get here. There is plenty of parking to be found, so that is no reason either to not visit. There are barbecue and shower areas making it ideal for outdoor events. Perhaps this place is more hopping on weekends. But it was quiet on a weekday afternoon which is sort of a good thing. It can be hard to find a place in town to be alone and relax, but I think this place fits that bill the best. The park is huge with great views of Honolulu Harbor, Honolulu skyline, Ala Moana, Waikiki and Diamond Head. I like that the park is not completely flat. Despite being by the water, there are parts of the park that are a bit hilly that add some extra character to this spot. If you are looking for a place to get some fresh air, exercise and/or sun by the Honolulu waterfront in relatively calm, Kaka'ako Waterfront Park is where I would suggest. read more
8 years ago
5 years ago
Gorgeous locals secret lagoon! Restrooms and picnic areas, walking/running paths. Beautiful! read more
4 years ago
such a perfect picnic & walk around & read & veg spot. lots of kittens to pet and spots to watch the sunset & surfers too read more
YOU CAN TEACH A GIRL TO USE THE TIMER ON THE MICROWAVE TO TELL HER WHEN ITS TIME TO TAKE FOOD OFF THE STOVE. BUT YOU CAN'T TEACH HER TO GIVE A SHIT. ~Chad O. Recollections ______________________________________________ I, Chad Okuhara, take you, ****, to be my lawfully wedded picnic date. I will promise to love and to cherish your burnt cooking and honor forever your 2 klutzy left feet, in bitchiness and in broke-assness. Till rainy days and thunder do us part. Garbage dump landfill turned pokemon evolved Kakaako Waterfront Park, a great place for romantic small talk. And by romantic small talk I mean, sitting in a perfect blue sky under a shady tree, shooting rubber bands at cats asking for it, while incidentally, incessantly boring a girl with anecdotes of how so and so originated from such and such place and were commandeered by Lord obviously compensating for something tibits I learned from the Discovery Channel. It's often busy, but did you know you can just climb over onto the roof and enjoy the sunset in the VIP? But for some reason they get kind of noisy if you eat over them and drop crumbs on their head.... weirdos. Make sure you check out the east wing of this part during a fullmoon... very nice! http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/e1yC4OD1wa2RWMidCC8VxA?select=li6sJuF7ZnSbacB5mEHotA And if you're going to meet up here, use better direction than, by the ocean or next to the ABC store... Using the east diamond head side bathroom and the west bathroom as a reference helps. read more
It's one of Kaka'ako's main attractions. Right out there along the ocean's edge that has locals and visitors flocking here to enjoy the park. While there are spots of homeless individuals who have taken up this spot as their home, don't let that take away your enjoyment of the park and of the ocean. I have been to Kaka'ako water front park a few times before, mainly due to the big New Year's Eve party that they have been doing every year since 2013, I believe. It's a big enough park that stretches for about a mile or so of ocean front that you can see Diamond Head and parts of Waikiki on the Mauka side of the park. There are hills to traverse from the parking lot, but they're worth the trouble. I was here hunting Pokemon as part of the 2016 Pokemon Go craze that is sweeping the globe at the moment. This park is administered by the city and County of Honolulu and is free and open to the public, and is open throughout the day but for this from 10 PM to 5 AM daily. Kaka'ako waterfront park is ideal for many events and gatherings of family and friends, while while you can also come here to come check out the ocean and just enjoy the beauty of mother nature. I recently came here and noticed the homeless situation here and it is very disappointing, but that's how it is in this day and age in Hawaii. The overall experience here is quite nice and it is a hidden gem for anyone and everyone to come here to experience the park for all. Kaka'ako Waterfront park is located in the urban core of Kaka'ako district. Nearby is the University of Hawaii John A Burns School of medicine and the Coral Street, which is the hotbed of Pokemon Go activities in recent weeks. It's exact address is 102 Ohe Street and is about 1/4 mile or so from Coral Street / Ala Moana Boulevard intersection. Parking here is adequate and there is a private lot for ample parking options. I think you can fill this lot with at least 20 Vehicles, but can accommodate many more, if you use neighboring side streets for your parking needs. If you are like me, TheBus routes 19, 20, 42, 55, 56, among others will take you to the Coral Street / Ala Moana Boulevard bus stop and drop you off there, then it's a 1/4 mile walk or so to the parking lot of Kaka'ako water front park. The best thing about this city and county park is that they don't charge admission fees. That's right folks, it is free!! You can't keep anything better than that and it's definitely worth coming at least once a week to clear your headspace and just relax. You usually see a white arrange of people that come here to enjoy this public space, usually families with pets and people who like to walk or run along the beach, wow there are people who just like to camp out and or have parties on the beach with their families. Whatever you like to do at this beach park it's totally up to you. It is definitely something to look forward to on the weekend. I did see some restrooms along the beachfront property but it doesn't seem like it is kept up properly, maintenance speaking. When I was there, it was occupied by some people that didn't seem friendly. Well my adventures through this Beachpark were very limited because it was on a recent August Friday after work, it was a nice feeling to just be there and see the ocean while the sun was slowly settling down for a nice night ahead. Kaka'ako waterfront park can be described as off the beaten path because its not usually where tourists are used to go, but local people know where this place is and it is nice to not have it crowded versus Waikiki beach and Kailua / Lanikai. The park yourself is pretty well-maintained, and the grass is quite green and the ocean is roaring with life each and every single day. This is always breathtaking to watch the ocean come in and out with the tide. It is almost mesmerizing and very tranquil to just sit there for hours on end. I am thankful to be living here and experience the ocean on a daily basis, whenever I can make it out there after work or on the weekends. This park is always nice to just get away from it all, with all the hustle and bustle of the day of the urban living, it's always nice to just come here and breathe before going home. It's kind of sad when there is graffiti on the signage and inside the bathrooms. For what it's worth, with all the problems that is plaguing this park, it's always nice to just come here and walk around and view the ocean. I would rather go to Waikiki beach and see the tourists though. It's more clean there than at Kaka'ako, but that's just me. At least, it's more quiet at Kaka'ako water front park, since hardly anyone goes there, except for special events. 3.0 stars, yeah, could be better, especially with the growing homeless issues there. Support local! C read more
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102 Ohe St
Honolulu, HI 96813
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(808) 768-9247
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Kaka'ako Waterfront Park - parks - Updated July 2026
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