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Nuuanu Valley Park

4.0 (18 reviews)

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Renee L.

Great memories with the kids at this park when they still had the playground. Bring chicken and bread as bait for kids to go fish for guppies and crawdads in stream. Catch and release a good way to teach kids patience. Each year We would visit the temple next door for a family blessing. For a $50 donation the Friendly priest would put on temple music, beat on this gigantic drum and pray over each family member. Adults would get a sip of sake while kids would receive lolipops. I swear the devil was driven out of me! Purification and blessings are a great combination. Put a quarter into omikuji box and it will spit out a paper with your yearly forecast. Not good? Offer it to kami. Tie the paper onto the tree at the entrance.

Large shade trees & open spaces
Karen D.

Nu'uanu Valley Park is a diamond in the rough. It is an expansive green space filled with beautiful old trees that help keep it cool even on the warmest summer days. Its location on the leeward slopes of the Ko'olau Range means that it often enjoys a refreshing breeze. The park is frequently used by parents who bring their keiki to play, those out walking the dog, and folks who want to enjoy time in this restful spot just a stone's throw from the Pali Highway. It's never crowded, which adds to its tranquil character. From its aging playground equipment to the tennis court in desperate need of a makeover, it's obvious that Honolulu C&C does little to maintain the space other than mow the grass, which is a real shame. This could be a spectacular location if given a little TLC. Maybe the Boy Scouts Council right across the street will decide to take it on someday--it would be a great project!

The new one playgroynd

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4 years ago

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5 years ago

Beautiful park with basketball courts, big trees, and little playground. Playground is for age 4+ kids.

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Ask the Community - Nuuanu Valley Park

How is the stay at 2960 pali hwy nu'uanu Hawaii?

Aloha Marie. We wouldn't know, we operate the park across the highway not the private residence. Our park is very nice though, but be careful about crossing the highway from that address to access it. Take care.

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Review Highlights - Nuuanu Valley Park

I remember when the basketball and tennis courts were new(er) and had less cracks in the pavement.

Mentioned in 4 reviews

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Pu'u 'Ualaka'a State Park

Pu'u 'Ualaka'a State Park

4.8
(173 reviews)
1.8 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.

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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)
5.4 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.

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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)
3.6 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?

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Moanalua Gardens
Moanalua Gardens
Moanalua Gardens

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Foster Botanical Garden

Foster Botanical Garden

4.5
(284 reviews)
1.9 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.
Booth District Park

Booth District Park

4.6
(25 reviews)
1.1 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
Happy 100 Mr. Ing- thank you for sharing
Happy 100 Mr. Ing- thank you for sharing
Ing display 2015- Where's Waldo? Mahalos Mr. Ing!

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

Sand Park Playground

4.4
(14 reviews)
7.5 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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Nuuanu Valley Park - parks - Updated July 2026

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