1. Kapiolani Park

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    Honolulu, HI

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    Kapiolani Park

    4.5 (194 reviews)
    Open 5:00 am - 12:00 AM (Next day)

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    Toan D.

    This park has always held a special space in my heart. There's a certain special power at this particular park that I can't put my fingers on. Located just across from Kaimana Beach, I come here after my weekday swims to dry off in the sun and immerse in its solitude. When here, the world feels quieter, calmer -- like everything noisy in my head softens to a whisper and the litter of cluttered thoughts melt away with each song of the birds. Maybe it's the mana of the ancients still lingering, guarding the spirit of this cultural sanctuary. A memory of Hawaiʻi from a simpler time, still alive in the bones of the land. Opened in 1877 by King Kalākaua and named for Queen Kapiʻolani, it ranks among the oldest public parks on Oʻahu -- sprawling across about 300 acres. The loop around the park is about 1.7 miles. Originally a Horse Racing Venue, the land was initially created for the Kapiʻolani Park Association, which organized horse racing events for Hawaiian royalty and elite families. The racetrack, called the Kapiʻolani Park Race Track, was a central attraction and helped foster equestrian culture among the aliʻi (nobility). Presently, it's also home to the Honolulu Zoo, Waikīkī Shell and the Bandstand, home of the Royal Hawaiian Band. With Diamond Head towering over the park like a gatekeeper, the park is scattered with all kinds of trees -- coconut palms swaying hypnotically in the breeze, monkeypods stretching wide, and banyan trees casting deep shade for anyone escaping the midday sun. These trees also serve as homes to all sorts of birds: the bold Red-crested Cardinal, the bright green Rose-ringed Parakeet, and the graceful Manu o Kū -- Honolulu's official bird. They're pure white seabirds that nest impossibly on bare tree branches. Of all the trees here, the banyan is my fave. They're spectacular in how they grow -- with long roots that drop from their branches like ropes. When those roots touch the ground, they become new trunks, and the tree keeps expanding outward. What starts as a single tree becomes something that looks like an entire forest. To me, the banyan is a living symbol of community. The strongest among us aren't the ones who stand alone -- they're the ones who grow wide enough to support others. Every branch sends down roots, not to separate, but to deepen connection. Over time, what began as one becomes a sheltering canopy for many. Kapiʻolani Park is peaceful during the day, but it comes alive in the evenings. You'll hear the joyful sounds of kids playing soccer and football, people doing yoga under the trees, and families laid out on picnic blankets under the fading sun. There's plenty of metered parking -- just 25 cents for 30 minutes, probably the cheapest in the city -- but fair warning: spots fill up fast in the evenings. Parking is free on the mountain side of the park. But that also fills up quickly in the evenings and weekends. Peace

    The place to be...
    Zachary K.

    This place is the best. There's a cool and convenient place nearby the public restrooms adjacent to the tennis courts across the beachside...almost next to the Honolulu Aquarium. If you want to get a new writ, just bring your kid and make your "sacrifice". LoL! Don't forget to give me the vital offering - heart.

    Tank G.

    Kapiolani Park, also known as Queen Kapiolani Regional Park is the state's largest and second oldest park. It dates back to 1877, spans over 300 acres and is home to the Waikiki Shell (outdoor concert venue) and the Honolulu Zoo It is located between Waikiki and Diamond Head. There is metered street parking and a commercial lot within a reasonable walking distance. This park has alot to offer. The park has a couple of tennis courts that are decently maintained. You will also find a koi pond and an another stage area with seating. There is also a couple of statues in the park one, titled The Gentle Messenger, which honors India's Peace Trailblazer Mohandas Gandhi. The second one honors the parks namesake Queen Kapiʻolani. The park has a 3KM trail that runs along its perimeter and is popular among walkers and joggers. There are restroom facilities at the park, be it that they are a little dirty and poorly maintained. There is also an outdoor fitness area with pull up bars, sit-up benches, parallel bars and monkey bars. The equipment is very durable and well maintained and is in great repair. The park has a lot of green space and has a lot of multi-use fields that are suitable for soccer, baseball, football, lacrosse, rugby or most other field sports. The park is well shaded by tall trees and has picnic tables, and benches the benefit heavily from the tree's shade. The park hosts many events, concerts and is home to Honolulu Cricket Club, the only cricket club in the Hawaiian Islands. some of the events that are hosted here annually include the Honolulu Marathon, Waikiki Artfest, the Susan G. Komen More Than Pink Walk, the Honolulu Pride Parade, the Celebration of Cultures, and some good old yoga classes. I really enjoyed my time at this park. It was well maintained and beautiful, especially considering its age. I highly recommend checking out this free public park that is across the street from the Waikiki waterfront. There is so much to do here.

    Dylan Keith W.

    I've been coming to this park for years; it's my favorite park on the island. A massive space for picnics, a great view of Diamond Head, having the ocean right across the street, it doesn't get much better than this. Two laps around this park is almost exactly 5K, which has been useful for tracking runs. This is also part of the pathing for the Marathon and Half Marathon so if you're interested in seeing what part of the course is like, then come check out this park. There's also other recreational stuff here such as some tennis courts and some pull-up bars and whatnot that people workout on. The best part for me is finally after all these years they completed the widening of the sidewalks. The park feels way more friendly to all users now, with runners, walkers, strollers, wheelchair users, and everyone else all being able to stay on the concrete path now that it's about 8 feet wide around the whole park.

    Got a good parking stall in the shade
    Lisa P.

    I really enjoy the outdoors sometimes. Got a parking stall in the shade. But if u want to use the park- u can park in so many places - there's lots of free parking, so look for those first. The metered stalls by the hotels will keep u paying. Park is large enough to do your own thing without bumping into anyone

    JaDee W.

    This park is BEAUTIFUL and has one of the best spots you can take a picture of with diamond head. It's peaceful, open, and close to the water. It was nice to let our daughter run around after being cooped up inside the hotel room. Walking along the beach, we were able to see some crabs, fish, and coral which was cool because we had never seen some in person! We've been grabbing a cup of coffee and walking here every morning. Great find.

    Brittany C.

    Beautiful park in a great location! Located right next to the aquarium. The trees here are all so beautiful and unique. A must stroll through here for locals and visitors.

    Beautiful trees in the park.
    Katherine A.

    This is a huge park with incredible trees and lots of amenities. The walk around the perimeter is almost 2 miles. While the sidewalk is a little uneven, you will find runners and walkers enjoying the tree-lined stroll. The park has an amphitheater with Friday evening concerts, soccer fields, picnic areas, a duck pond and much more. There is a beautiful statue of Queen Kapiolani near the south west end of the park. The east side of the park offers great views of Diamond Head crater. The are several banyan trees and many umbrella trees in the park along with beautiful evergreen that have massive trucks. There are benches throughout the park to sit, relax and watch the birds. Waikiki beach is across the street from the park. There is plenty of street parking around the park. The zoo and aquarium are nearby attractions.

    Pond w/ducks
    Craig T.

    What a beautiful park not as big as Central Park (New York) or Golden Gate park (San Francisco) but it's our big park. Nice park to go jogging , walking , picnics and playing sports. On the Ewa side of the park you have the nice ponds w/ducks swimming around and on the Diamond Head side of the park you have these nice big Banyan Trees and the nice view of famous Diamond Head. Very nice maintained park with a minimum of homelessness unfortunately there all around. The City @ County has park workers that takes care of all the trash bins around the park also maintaining the restroom and watering the grass. It's one of the best parks that we have on the island . Also you have the beautiful views of the ocean on one side . Support local and be safe

    Kim G.

    This is a fantastic green space with lots of banyan and plumeria trees providing shade. And if you want sun, the Beach is just steps away! Lots of picnic tables and some areas have several tabkes close together for larger gatherings and BBQs, not during Covid, of course. The restrooms are surprisingly clean for the amount of traffic. They clean them several times a day. The hand washing station is in front of restroom building before you enter. Several spots along the walking path that lines the beach have benches with fabulousviews of Waikiki and the ocean. Along this walking path are also several showers and water fountains. I walk this area daily and can tell you first hand, this park is well maintained. They literally blow the sand off the walkway every single morning. They are always cutting the grass and timing trees, raking up leaves and emptying trash. The beach on this strip is way more private and few people go there. You can snorkle right from the beach and see a lot of fish. Even turtles. Grab gear from ABC Stire; no need to spend hundreds for snorkeling tour unless you want the boat ride b Around 9am I see a yoga glass everday on the lawn. By Rescue Station 1. What a fantastic spot for morning exercise and meditation. The park is located across from the volleyball courts and movie screen on the east end of Waikiki. Before the zoo.

    Carly M.

    Not only is this park huge, it's pristine and immaculately cared for. The trees are lovely, so many beautiful blooms it's incredible. There is always "something" going on (May Day was a blast!) and plenty of people around.

    Large grassy area for kids to run
    Gail U.

    The area on the right of Diamond Head Tennis Courts called Kapiolani Regional Park was a nice discovery this morning. The photographer was supposed to meet us at Moanalua Gardens but had to switch to Plan B. I always thought of Kapiolani Park stretching from the fountain all the way down to the zoo. This section was totally above that, with sprawling green space. What initially looked totally unexciting proved me wrong. We encountered only one young woman doing her yoga routine. The area was not sunny bright which made it comfortable. The photographer led us in to where there are two very cool trees for picture taking. We got there before 7:30 a.m. as we were told it's the best time for photo lighting. It's set far back enough so that you have the space pretty much to yourself. Come and enjoy a tranquil spot at the edge of Waikiki. Take some photos then continue on to have a nice, safe breakfast.

    Kara B.

    Nice park, lots of trees available on the side, and lots of grassy area. There are couple parking lots there avail for the park, but it does get difficult to find, especially on weekends because of soccers games. My kids loved this area because it's was breezy, not too many people came in our area, and we have tons of shade available.

    Our view of Diamond Head from the middle of the park

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    Just resurfaced the tennis courts and they're beautiful! Great lights too!

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    Page 1 of 5

    Kapiolani Park Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Kapiolani Park

    Hi, I would like to host a women's brunch here. I would set up a tent, tables, and chairs for about 25 people. Do I need a permit?

    Aloha Jasmine. No you don't need a permit for the event. As long as you don't need the area reserved until you arrive, and don't have commercial elements to the event you're fine. The park picnic areas are open on a first-come-first-served basis… 

    Can I have my family reunion cookout there of 40 people?

    Aloha Leonard. Yes, we invite you to host your family reunion cookout at Kapi‘olani Regional Park!… 

    Are there BBQ grills available?

    No, but there are charcoal dumping pits.

    What time do the bathrooms open?

    Aloha Eunice. Typically, the maintenance staff arrive at 6:30 a.m. and open the bathrooms at that time. Mahalo for asking and take care.

    What time is lights out at tennis courts?

    10p! Enjoy! :)

    Where's a good picnic site -- under the banyan trees, near bathroom? Do you know the site #?

    Aloha Yoon! It really depends on what you plan on using the picnic site for. Kapi‘olani Park is full of fantastic locations for picnics and as a way to help you make your decision there is a map of those picnic sites. Please use the following URL to… 

    Can you reserve a parking place for the park?

    No you can't. First come first serve. But there is ample parking places from the parking lot to parking on the side of the road.

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    Review Highlights - Kapiolani Park

    You would pass the Waikiki Shell, the Honolulu Zoo, the fish pond, aerobic exercise equipment and tennis courts.

    Mentioned in 21 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Pu'u 'Ualaka'a State Park

    Pu'u 'Ualaka'a State Park

    4.8
    (173 reviews)
    3.0 mi

    Visiting Pu'u Ualaka's State Park is on my top ten favorite things to do in Honolulu. The Park…read moreoffers spectacular views of the entire Southside of the Island. I travelled up Mount Tantalus to the Park yesterday with my daughter. We travelled through beautiful dense forest at the Park entrance. At the highest overlook, we could see everything and more from Diamond Head out to (and beyond) the airport. We could see all of Honolulu. I felt like we were on top of the world! Plaques offer fascinating overviews of the history and geology of the landmarks below. We could even see inside the famous tuff cone, Punch Bowl! Nearby is the first macadamia nut orchard in Hawaii. The overviews are paved with railings and easily accessible. The Park offers picnic areas with a couple pavilions and picnic tables. There is a charge for non-resident parking of $7 that can be paid electronically. Resident parking is free. Parking is limited, but there are several parking areas. We had no trouble finding parking mid week. Warning signs tell guest not to leave valuables in the car. Pu'u Ualaka'a State Park is only two miles from downtown Honolulu (maybe a couple more miles to the top). The Park is an easy 5 star and worth a visit.

    Puʻu ʻUalakaʻa State Park offers some of the best views of the greater Waikiki and Honolulu area…read more It's well worth the drive up for the panoramic vista that stretches from Mānoa all the way to Diamond Head, and out toward Honolulu Airport and Pearl Harbor. The park officially closes at 6pm, but I've walked in after hours before to enjoy the city lights, and the views are just as impressive at night. It's a bit off the typical tourist path, so it doesn't get overly crowded. Highly recommended if you want a different perspective of Honolulu.

    Photos
    Pu'u 'Ualaka'a State Park
    Pu'u 'Ualaka'a State Park
    Pu'u 'Ualaka'a State Park

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    Leahi Millennium Peace Circle Garden

    Leahi Millennium Peace Circle Garden

    4.8
    (11 reviews)
    1.3 mi

    Finding the peace…read more.. Literally as Yelp direction kept leading me to Kapiolani Community College though close but not where it's at as it's actually to the left of Diamond Head State Park entrance which is quite easy to find. This little park is a slight hidden place that's pretty green and decently maintained with a couple of areas for you to enjoy one is closer to the entrance that has a lovely peek of the Wilhemina Rise area and a lovely place that I thought would be the perfect photo op spot for a cool gift from a thoughtful friend with BunBun is this cool cooler tote from TJ's! Using one of a bunch of stones and some benches for a place to relax and noticed a giant rock with a plaque that's a time capsule which will be opened on October 24, 2049! The other section is a bit more shaded as this circular garden has some stones placed with various peace quotes and though wanted to take more pics there was a gentleman chilling and didn't want to disturb him and majority of the area does have a path for easy access between gardens and up to Diamond Head as I've been here countless times and never knew this area existed is quite insane lol! A great spot for those that can't do the hike but enjoy a bit peace of time. Thank you!

    A chill little park outside of Diamond Head State Park. Great place to sit under the trees and…read morerelax after a hike at Diamond Head and before catching the bus back to town.

    Photos
    Leahi Millennium Peace Circle Garden
    Leahi Millennium Peace Circle Garden
    Leahi Millennium Peace Circle Garden

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    Moanalua Gardens

    Moanalua Gardens

    4.3
    (144 reviews)
    7.2 mi

    Moanalua Gardens is such a lovely, central place on Oahu to come and enjoy a little rest and…read morerelaxation in nature. My husband and I have been coming here for years, and remember coming here when we first started dating. The price went up a little bit to a few bucks a person, but it's still worth the entrance fee. We came back here with our kids, who had never been, and they had so much fun playing in and around the huge trees, running around the big open spaces, and feeding the ducks in the duck pond. A picnic was a delight at a table, and we brought a blanket to sit on and eat snacks again a little later while we were walking around. The bathrooms are nice and renovated. Really appreciate that touch. Overall, a great place to come for a little communue with nature.

    Moanalua Gardens is a nicely maintained wide open park with many large "Hitachi" monkeypod trees…read morespread out. Definitely more so a park than a garden. Been wanting to visit here for years as the last time was probably in elementary school for a field trip, and I forgot what exactly was here. It was closed during and after covid for years, then reopened to private functions only, and had no idea when it was reopened to the public. $10 for adults ($4 for Kama'aina and military) 7 for ages 6-12, under 6 (and Kama'aina and military) is free. Moanalua Gardens is conveniently located right next to the H-1 freeway. Heading westbound direction is very easy. Note: the parking entrance is literally right before the off ramp. Look for the "Moanalua Gardens" signs. Take the Tripler exit. Look for the entrance on the right. If you're on the off-ramp, you passed it. But that's okay! You can make a right (H-1 eastbound, you'll make a left at the Triper off-ramp), then left on Mahiole St, and turn in the next driveway. You'll drive through the service entrance to the parking lot. Plenty of parking! Pay at the entrance kiosk where they also sell snacks and drinks. Once inside, there's a moss/algae and leaf filled pond. There's koi fish, but the water is dark and murky, you can barely see their bright colors. King Kamehameha V's cottage that looks like a like a usual house. A Chinese style structure that looks like it has seen better days. Both are not accessible. As for the rest, the "Hitachi" monkeypod trees are all well maintained. Even though, there's PLENTY of monkeypod trees around the island, there's not many that's grown in this wide, umbrella shaped figure with branches close to the ground. Overall, it's cool to see the umbrella shaped Hitachi trees in a wide open, park-like space, but the other areas are not very well-maintained. There's not much else to do with some places restricted making it difficult to appreciate the history and importance. Charging $10 regular entrance fee, even the $4 Kama'aina fee, isn't worth it to just go in a what is basically a park. Isn't Hitachi paying atleast $400,000 per year to use the image of the tree in their advertising?

    Photos
    Moanalua Gardens
    Moanalua Gardens
    Moanalua Gardens

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    Foster Botanical Garden

    Foster Botanical Garden

    4.5
    (284 reviews)
    4.1 mi

    What do I want to do on my birthday? Let's go take a walk in the park!…read more With the hustle and bustle of the holiday weekend and events here and there, I wanted somewhere less crowded and quiet. Foster Botanical Garden came to mind. I haven't been here for a very long time! The entrance is located along Vineyard Blvd. - westbound, right after the Kuan Yin Temple. There's plenty of free parking. Out of all the City and County botanical gardens, this is the only one with admission, but it's well worth the price - $5 for adults, $3 for Hawai'i Residents, $1 Children 6-12 (so, 13+ are adults?), and free for kids 5 and under. There is a free docent-led 90-minute tour at 10:30am - every Monday and Wednesday to Saturday - anyone can join. Walk-ins okay if there's space, or make reservations via email or phone. Before heading in, you can grab a map and a bird checklist. The garden itself is very well kept and quite spacious. There are two restrooms - one on the left and another on the right. They were quite clean! All areas, trees, and plants are clearly marked. Be on the lookout for the "exceptional trees" such as the Baobab, which looks like elephant legs; Cannonball Tree, Kapok, and etc. The Orchid Collection in the greenhouse has a nice variety with the infamous Corpse Flower. Overall, a very nice, well-maintained place to visit and worth the admission fee. Even though you're in town, next to the freeway and busy streets around, you still feel a sense of relaxation and calm while connecting with nature and admiring the vast collection of trees and plants. I wouldn't mind getting the annual pass for $25 just to take my lunch here!

    Bruh the trunks are so massive they probably bigger than my house. Would definitely visit again…read morewith lumber to build a tree house.

    Photos
    A closer look inside a Cannonball Tree (Couroupita guianensis) flower. These trees are commonly seen around Hindu temples in India.
    A closer look inside a Cannonball Tree (Couroupita guianensis) flower. These trees are commonly seen around Hindu temples in India.
    The Corpose Plant is one of the most popular specimens in our collection! This endagered species only blooms once every 2 to 5 years.
    The Corpose Plant is one of the most popular specimens in our collection! This endagered species only blooms once every 2 to 5 years.
    The Main Lawn located on the norther, mauka most portion of the botanical garden.

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    The Main Lawn located on the norther, mauka most portion of the botanical garden.
    Sand Park Playground

    Sand Park Playground

    4.4
    (14 reviews)
    10.0 mi

    Long Story Short: Go, but only if you have military ID…read more Parents! If any of you hunting for an awesome gem playground amongst Hawaii's unusually monotonous offerings of playgrounds, you will be no doubt read the 5-Star reviews and start heading there straight away with kid in car seat. Well, is it Shangri-La? or a mirage? Simply put: If you do not have a military pass--it is indeed inaccessible to you. Do not try. As I did. You and your kid will end up having to retreat to Keehi Lagoon Beach Park and lick your wounds at the solid/adequate playground there. Yea, we did try to drive to Sand Park. And no amount of cuteness from our 2 year old could deter the rifle wielding guards from accessing their private playground! A foreign national would have had a lot easier time sneaking onto Mar-a-Lago while a president golfed there. The base guard, smartly, held on to my ID as we navigated the turn around to leave--and only gave my Civilian ID back to me once I was pointed in the right direction--back towards Nimitz underpass, where i had come from. I've heard from others this place is awesome. But be sure to go with one of our hard working military friends if you actually want to arrive there. :) And also, it may be an observation, but perhaps most of the playgrounds in Hawaii seem to be one of two pre-set versions of a playground. As if we got a bulk discount for buying Playground A, B, and nothing more. Perhaps the military bases had a different contractor--thus why they may have something new/different compared to the normal parks?

    The playground itself is very nice but a bunch of still water and mosquitoes near the benches. The…read morebenches are rusted through with jagged metal and sprinklers have created still water ponds under all shaded sitting areas.

    Photos
    Sand Park Playground
    The rotunda
    The rotunda
    Sand Park Playground

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    Kapiolani Park - parks - Updated July 2026

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