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    Kapiolani Park

    4.5 (195 reviews)
    Open 5:00 am - 12:00 AM (Next day)

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    Che L.

    Nice place to relax. Lots of grass. Two main ponds and the bandstand is next to it. Seems like the royal Hawaiian band plays here every Sunday. Went for a crafts fair- kind of small but nice to see the park. Right next to the ocean. Named after the Hawaiian queen. Lots of banyan trees there

    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.

    Kapi'Olani Park
    K R.

    My husband and I recently moved to this area from downtown Honolulu and we haven't really had a chance to explore until this past Sunday. During this exploration, we found Kapi'olani park. This park was amazing!!! The views were beautiful, the park had an awesome vibe, and there are so many things to do. We ended up spending almost five hours there just enjoying the park, the beach, and the atmosphere.. If you're ever in the mood to get away from the hustle of Honolulu, I would highly recommend checking out Kapi'olani Park. It's truly worth it.

    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.

    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.

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

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    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(12 reviews)
    1.3 miDiamond Head

    Kind of a sketchy place to run through when it is dark but it's definitely a nice effort at trying…read moreto give some greenery and a place of respite in this area. Would I venture into this place at night? No. But an effort was made and that is being acknowledged. I also enjoy seeing the resident feral cats that frequent this area when I go for my runs. They are so cute.

    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!

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    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(146 reviews)
    7.2 mi

    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?

    5star beautiful trees,ginger, taro patch, mango trees, ulu, koi pond right off the freeway,…read moreliterally. Look for the green patina gates. Lots of free parking on a Monday morning . Entree fees are a bit pricey if u not a kamaaina @ $10, so minus a star. Restrooms available, no food or drink to buy, so bring your own bentos and mat,only about 4 tables. And its hawaii, so ants and flies!

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    Moanalua Gardens
    Moanalua Gardens
    Moanalua Gardens

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    Booth District Park

    Booth District Park

    4.6(25 reviews)
    3.8 mi

    We went to Booth District Park a few weeks ago. It was my first time going there that I remember…read more It's a pretty big park and they have parking spaces all around the park. We went there for the playground but there wasn't any spaces in front of the playground so we had to walk just a little to get there. It's a really nice park to go to if you're in the area. They have a nice field, playground, basketball courts, and pickle ball courts. The playground is a little different from others because it has a zip line for kids. You hang onto a handle and with enough momentum you can swing yourself to the other side. My daughter loved that when we went to a park in California and we just never saw one of those in Hawaii. But now we know... They do exist! The playground is also in the shade so you won't get fried when waiting for your kids to finish playing. And there is a bench to sit and rest while you wait. Great park, we hope to go back there soon.

    This is a hidden gem in the heart of Pauoa…read more When I heard about the Yelp Earth Day Challenge, Booth Park immediately came to mind. My husband works for the DOE and wanted to "check out" this park last year. Although we live in Moiliili, the drive is quick since it's right off the freeway. So glad we did... It's now one of our top 3 parks to take the boys! The facilities are well maintained, shaded by the huge trees that offer parents and kids shelter from the midday sun. My oldest son (4.5yrs) loves the swings and riding his scooter around the basketball and tennis courts. My youngest (3rd) enjoys jumping off the concrete benches and mastering the playground (which is more elaborate than the usual city park playgrounds around town). There's spinning chairs, slides, a mini zip line, drums, and chimes that kids can make music with! So cool! Parking is fairly easy to find around the park perimeter. Area has been consistently safe when we take the kids (about once every couple of weeks). Great for all ages but adult supervision is still recommended esp for the littles.

    Photos
    Booth District Park
    Booth District Park - Happy 100 Mr. Ing- thank you for sharing

    Happy 100 Mr. Ing- thank you for sharing

    Booth District Park - Ing display 2015- Where's Waldo? Mahalos Mr. Ing!

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    Ing display 2015- Where's Waldo? Mahalos Mr. Ing!

    Kapiolani Park - parks - Updated August 2026

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