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    Puu O Kaimuki Mini Park

    4.5 (26 reviews)
    Open 6:00 am - 7:00 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

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    Dathan C.

    Ever notice in December a lit up Christmas tree over the Kaimuki fire station? That's where this little well maintained grassy mini park is. There's no parking, no benches, and otherwise no amenities aside from I think a trash can. There is however, an amazing view of the city from Hawaii Kai all the way out to Ewa Beach as a perfect spot to watch the sunset. Couples will sometimes come here just to watch the city at night as it's quiet and peaceful. A fair number of dog owners let their dogs stretch their legs here playing fetch. Now, let's get back to that artificial metal tree. The city only lights it up during December at night using donations to fund the electrical cost. Jake Shimabukuro came to the rescue a few years later helping organize a rewiring and repair of the lights. Unfortunately, time and the environment have taken a toll and about half the lights don't work anymore. Note, photographers, you can't get a decent shot of the lit tree at the same time with Hilton Hawaiian's Friday fireworks. Angle just isn't there and distance is too far. It can get exceptionally windy, especially at night so bring a jacket. Access is either by a maintenance road or a trail near the fire station. Parking is whatever you can find on Kaimuki's crowded streets. It's an excellent place to bring your kids and dog if you live in the area and it's still worth coming to at night during December to view the tree.

    Tree light
    Brittany T.

    One of my favorite parks in town area. Day and night it gives you both different views of the city area. Love when it's Christmas season and have the lights up for the money. Who ever sponsors to have the lights thank you so much for keeping the tradition going up strong. So people keep it cool we don't want things to disappear in the future makings. I would definitely recommend this spot prob for special occasions if you don't catch a crowd.

    Halfway up.
    Joyce T.

    This is a special park in that its a top of an off shoot from Diamond head crater volcano. There is a steep paved driveway that you walk up in 2 minutes for a commanding 360 degree view of craters, oceans, city and mountains. Takes 2 minutes to walk the perimeter. Its grassy. No restrooms, benches or water fountains. This late day, it transformed to a dog park, it seemed. Great view for sunsets!

    Mike O.

    In the last month, I've been here about 10x just to relax and take some cool pics. There are no benches but small grassy are surrounded by a small wall. Its a great place to take a plate lunch and take in the beautiful sunsets. Theres views in all directions from Kaimuki to Hawaii Kai, to Diamond Head and Waikiki. In the evening theres always a group with cute dogs. Theres alway parking close by. You know there are some late night shenanigans going on here as there are alway beer bottles and laying around. I wish they would at least clean up after themselves!

    1000 check-in.  No better place
    Ric C.

    Passive, active, maxi, mini. Public parks in Hawaii come in all shapes and sizes- there are some that are as small as a tiny residential lot while others can humongous in size over rolling hills and valleys. Puu O Kaimuki was once known as Menehune Hill and for Kaimuki folk, da bunker hill above and behind da Kaimuki fire station. That's because there was once an abandoned flat bunker type of bldg,loose rocks and keawe brush that made for great exploring during our wonder years. This was our battlefield, jungle, alien planet, you name it- a great place to imagine what adventures would lie ahead for some twenty somethings minus ten. Today, the area consists of a nice level grassy area that has spectacular views of Diamond Head, the Honolulu skyline, Wilhelmina Rise and Kokohead (when the trees and brush are trimmed back) There is a bldg that has cell-type antennas located on top. Official entry is via Ocean View drive which is just around the corner from the fire station. Usually on the night of the Kaimuki Christmas Parade there is a tree lighting ceremony on top of that hill where the lighted string tree can be seen by many parts of Kaimuki and when traveling on the freeway. The tree shines throughout the night during the Christmas holidays. This park is considered a passive mini park meaning it's not large (less than an acre) and does not have lights, table or benches. It is a daytime park, do not recommend going at night as it can get sketchy- posted hours are there for a reason. Really nice at sunset, would not stay there too much later than that. Still worth a visit during the day. There used to be geocaches there, not sure if it still holds true. Buy some snacks from the Crack Seed Store, walk up the asphalt walkway and daydream about the fun that decades of Kaimuki kids had up on bunker hill. Listen, can you hear their laughter? It's from that glorious and wonderful past known as small kid time.

    Beautiful Views here always
    Justin T.

    ***DATE NIGHT APPROVED LOCATION!*** Most locals know this park by "Christmas Tree Park" The reason being is because there is a man-made pole there from the remnants​ of a once radio tower that is lined​ with Christmas​ lights that are​ configured in the shape of a Christmas​ tree. As winter comes and the holidays is approaching after thanksgiving usually the lights are turned on at night in green and can be seen from different areas in Honolulu​. Its quite beautiful. FAST FACTS: Please be mindful of the residents that live near this park, especially when going in the evening. The park does​ have hours, and there have​ been ​incidences of police coming in at night because of noise complaints but other than that if you come here and practice respect, by not being too noisy, obnoxious​ then you'll​ definitely​ avoid having to be put​ in that situation. PARKING: Its residential​ street, so you can only park along the side streets in front of homes. DAY: This park is really peaceful with breathtaking​ panoramic views of the city, Manoa, Waialae, Kahala and also Hawaii Kai. I recommend coming here as later in the day around 1-2hrs before sunset. Its much ​cooler and if your a dog owner its a perfect time as other dog owners also come around this time and play around here. There are trash bins so no problem not having a place to dispose of​ garbage. There are lots of room here to place a mat on the comfortable grass. Perfect for picnics, and just lounging while waiting for the sunset. NIGHT: In the evening you'll be surrounded by​ the lights of Honolulu​​. When it is not winter time this park is pitch dark​ and is only lit by the surrounding city and neighborhood lights. As breathtaking as it is during the daytime​, the night view is another treat on its own. Its another story when its a full moon​, a view worth seeing. Overall this park is one of a few date night spots I​ recommend on going to after dinner or dessert (Via Gelato down the road). It's​ a great place to talk, reflect, relax, and just to find a peaceful place to just unwind​ while looking at the ​quiet and peaceful ambiance of the city in the evening. SYOY! 05/10/18

    Jon L.

    Above the Kaimuki Fire Station on Koko Head Avenue, you will find Puu O Kaimuki Mini Park. It is not really much of a park, as it is a viewpoint. While you could walk up the dirt path in front of the park, it is much easier to enter from the concrete pathway on Ocean View Drive. There is a confusing sign in front along with a chain rope that makes it seem like it is not okay to enter the park. But it is okay as long as you visit during the hours posted. The walkway is a little steep, but it should be no problem for most people. Much easier than actually hiking to one of the places that you see here. The park has an expansive view of East Oahu. You can see the Honolulu skyline to your west, Diamond Head to the south, Pacific Ocean to the east and the Koolau Mountains to your north. This park is also the spot of a tradition in Kaimuki during the holiday season. This is the site of the Kaimuki Christmas Tree which is a holiday light attraction that can be seen by the nearby community and by drivers on the H-1 Freeway passing through. The only con about this viewpoint park is that it is prone to vandalism. There is a structure on top of the park that was full of graffiti. I would not recommend venturing alone here at night. Puu O Kaimuki is a nice find. You would not expect a place in Kaimuki to have such a great view, but this turned out to be a great spot to take Facebook worthy landscape photos of Honolulu.

    Gina K.

    This little park is so majestic. There are two sets of steps on the Koko Head Avenue side or a steep slope up on the Oceanview Avenue side to enter. Once up the views are amazing. Great for pictures, picnics, or just to get away for awhile. At night while driving on the H-1 for a brief moment you can see the lights of the tree.

    Gary N.

    I had no idea that Pu'u O Kaimuki Mini Park existed until my professor mentioned it. It is wonderful to have a professor that likes taking field trips. This park is the perfect place to see multiple sides of Oahu with sweeping views. You can see as far as Waianae on one side, Hawaii Kai on another, and Diamond Head. There's even the ocean to see. This park is also the place to find the popular Kaimuki Christmas tree. It is a metal tree decorated with lights. One thing that may be tough is getting to the top. There is a ramp that is a little steep on one side, and a staircase on the other side. That seems to be the only way to get up to the field where the park is. There are no restrooms here and parking is street parking only. Best time to come is during the day as the street parking often fills up at night.

    looking up (Pu'u'o Mini Park, along Koko Head Ave)
    Natalie T.

    This mini park may not compare to the other larger and more accesible public parks out there, but it's definitely one of my favorite spots in Kaimuki. Located right above the Koko Head Fire Station, it is a steep trek to reach the top of the park, but once you get there, the view of Kaimuki and the city beyond is amazing. During the Christmas season, a giant Christmas tree (made of metal and lights) is lighted and can be seen above the fire station. I usually go up here if I want to get away and clear my thoughts (kinda like a secret hiding place). And while I would prefer to keep it a secret, this park deserves a review of its own on the pages of Yelp.

    Mabeline M.

    First timer. Went during night. Awesome view. Got to see lights from a top as well as check out the light tree. Felt like I wasn't in Hawaii. It could be like a casual romantic stroll at the park during the night

    Secret spot at the park. Superb view and if you come early the moon flowers are still blooming :)
    Nicole H.

    I only come here twice a year for the awesome fire works view on fourth of july and new years. However there are no bathrooms, only street parking on adjacent streets. Steep incline to get to the top not good for elderly. The little foot traffic makes this park relatively private if your willing to hike it. Its not lit at night however so pick your stays safely. They also removed the benches. My thanks goes out to the community that made this past years tree lighting possible. Mahalo nui loa.

    Happy holidays :)
    Jenny G.

    Very simple little park with a giant Christmas tree lit during Christmas time. Not much to see or do, but it's a nice place to look at the city lights and enjoy the view.

    View from the park

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    Puu O Kaimuki Mini Park Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Puu O Kaimuki Mini Park

    When do they turn off the lights?

    It's seasonal.. historically the light stopped being lit after New Years. I don't know if that changed since they recently redid the lights. But.. normally when it is on, they turn it off 6am. Per fire station there.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Puu O Kaimuki Mini Park

    During the Christmas season, a giant Christmas tree (made of metal and lights) is lighted and can be seen above the fire station.

    Mentioned in 6 reviews

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    Pu'u 'Ualaka'a State Park

    Pu'u 'Ualaka'a State Park

    4.8
    (173 reviews)
    2.9 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)
    0.7 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)
    7.7 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
    (282 reviews)
    4.7 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!

    Was still open at the end of the year and New Year's Eve which was lovely for a holiday stroll :)…read moreWas kinda busy which was nice because usually when we got it's kinda empty. People want to come during the holidays :D

    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)
    4.1 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!

    Puu O Kaimuki Mini Park - parks - Updated June 2026

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