Soak up the Beauty of Oahu at These Scenic Parks

A Guide to Some of Oahu’s Best Parks

From small neighborhood parks to large regional parks, Oahu is home to a variety of beautiful parks. Here are some of the top parks to visit on the island:

Kapiolani Park

Kapiolani Park is an enchanting and historic public park located in the heart of Waikiki on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. The park is named after Queen Kapiolani, the wife of King Kalakaua, and was established in the late 1800s.

The park spans over 500 acres and features a wide variety of recreational facilities and natural beauty. It is home to several significant landmarks, including the Waikiki Shell outdoor amphitheater, the Honolulu Zoo, and Kapiolani Community College.

One of the most popular attractions in Kapiolani Park is the beach. The park’s sandy beach is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. The beach is also a prime spot for watching sunsets over the Pacific Ocean.

Kapiolani Park is also home to several other recreational facilities, including tennis courts, soccer fields, and a nearby golf course. There are several walking and jogging paths throughout the park, offering stunning views of the ocean and Diamond Head.

The park is also a popular spot for cultural events and festivals. The annual Waikiki Artfest is held in the park every year, featuring local artists and craftspeople. It’s also a popular spot for live music performances and other outdoor events.

Visitors to Kapiolani Park should also take the time to explore the park’s beautiful natural features. It’s home to several large banyan trees, as well as a variety of other exotic trees and plants which also makes it a popular spot for birdwatching, with several species of tropical birds and waterfowl found throughout the park.

Overall, Kapiolani Park is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Oahu. Its natural beauty, recreational facilities, and cultural significance make it a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.

Ala Moana Beach Park

Ala Moana Beach Park: This large beach park in Honolulu offers a wide variety of activities, including swimming, surfing, paddleboarding, and more. The park spans 100 acres and features a half-mile long sandy beach with calm waters, making it an ideal spot for swimming and sunbathing. Ala Moana Beach Park also has several picnic areas and barbecue grills, making it a popular spot for family gatherings and outdoor parties. Additionally, the park has several tennis courts, volleyball nets, and plenty of space for sports enthusiasts to setup and play soccer, football, frisbee, and more. For those interested in water activities the calm waters on the inside of the reef are perfect for small children and swimmers who want to practice their strokes and standup paddleboarders. It’s also a popular spot for watching the sunset and taking in the beautiful ocean views. As the sun sets the land and water are bustling with recreational activities like SUP yoga classes alongside vigorous water polo matches, walking, biking, fishing, exercise classes, wedding couple photoshoots, canoe paddling, sailing, and surfing. The air of Ala Moana Beach Park is filled with the smells of BBQ and salt air on a daily basis as visitors and locals alike come out to enjoy evenings at the oceanside.

Diamond Head State Monument:

Diamond Head State Monument is a popular tourist destination located on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. The monument is known for its distinctive volcanic cone and stunning views of the surrounding coastline.

The name “Diamond Head” comes from 19th-century British sailors who mistakenly thought that the calcite crystals found on the nearby beach were diamonds. The monument itself is a 300,000-year-old volcanic crater that has been inactive for thousands of years. The crater is approximately 3,500 feet in diameter and 760 feet in height.

Visitors can hike to the summit of Diamond Head on a trail that is just under one mile long. The hike is moderately challenging, with steep sections and uneven terrain, but the reward is panoramic views of Waikiki and the surrounding area. Along the way, visitors will pass through a series of tunnels and climb a set of stairs to reach the summit.

At the top of Diamond Head, visitors will find a viewing platform and an observation deck that offers 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape. On clear days, it’s possible to see as far as the neighboring islands of Molokai and Lanai.

Diamond Head State Monument is open daily from 6:00 am to 4:00 pm, with the last entrance at 3:30 pm. This is one of Oahu’s most frequented hikes so expect a lot of foot traffic on the trail! Non-residents of Hawaii are required to make reservations to enter the park and pay a $5 entry-fee plus a $10 parking fee. Come prepared with sturdy shoes, sunscreen, and plenty of water, as the hike can be strenuous and the area can get quite hot.

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve:

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is a popular destination located on the southeastern coast of the Hawaiian island of Oahu. It is an excellent natural bay that is famous for its coral reefs and diverse marine life, making it a top spot for snorkeling and scuba diving.

The bay was formed within a volcanic cone and is sheltered from strong waves, creating a calm and clear environment for visitors to explore. Hanauma Bay is home to over 400 species of fish, as well as a variety of other marine creatures such as sea turtles, eels, and octopuses. The beach at Hanauma Bay is also popular for sunbathing and relaxing.

To protect the delicate ecosystem of the bay, Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve has implemented several conservation measures. All visitors are required to watch a short educational video about the preserve’s rules and guidelines before entering the park. Visitors are also not allowed to touch coral or marine life, feed the fish, or use certain types of sunscreen that can harm the reef.

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is open every day except Tuesday and certain holidays, and admission fees are charged for non-residents of Hawaii. The park offers various amenities such as restrooms, showers, and a snack bar. Visitors can rent snorkeling gear on-site or bring their own. There is also a shuttle service available from Waikiki, which is recommended as parking at the preserve can be limited.

Overall, Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and snorkeling enthusiasts. Its unique ecosystem and stunning scenery make it a memorable experience for all who visit.

Waimea Bay Beach Park:

Waimea Bay Beach Park is an attractive and popular beach park located on the North Shore of the island of Oahu in Hawaii. The park is known for its stunning scenery, clear blue waters, and towering waves, making it a popular spot for both visitors and locals.

One of the most distinctive features of Waimea Bay Beach Park is its massive waves, which can reach heights of up to 30 feet during the winter months. This makes Waimea Bay a prime destination for surfers, who come from all over the world to ride its legendary waves. The beach is also a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking during the calmer summer months.

In addition to its natural beauty, Waimea Bay Beach Park is home to several amenities. The park has restrooms, showers, and picnic tables available for public use. Lifeguards are on duty during the day to ensure the safety of swimmers, and there is ample parking available.

Waimea Bay Beach Park is also home to the Eddie Aikau big wave surfing competition. This competition is only held when waves are consistently over 20 feet in height, and is considered one of the most prestigious big wave surfing events in the world.

Across the street from the beach park is Waimea Valley and definitely worth a visit! Once run more as an entertainment theme park it’s now owned and operated as a non-profit entity with the mission to preserve the natural resources of the valley and educate the public on Hawaiian history and culture. The valley features botanical gardens and a leisurely trail leading to a scenic waterfall which is open to swimming and picnicking. Educational events, weekly plant sales, farmers market, and volunteer opportunities are held on a regular basis on the property.

Kaena Point State Park

Kaena Point State Park is a rugged and remote nature reserve located on the westernmost tip of the island of Oahu in Hawaii. The park is known for its stunning coastal views, unique wildlife, and untouched natural beauty.

One of the main attractions of Kaena Point State Park is the Kaena Point Trail, a 3.5-mile hiking trail that winds along the coastline and offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. The trail is moderately challenging, with some rocky and uneven terrain, but the views are well worth the effort. Along the way, visitors may see a variety of native plants and animals, including Hawaiian monk seals, albatrosses, and green sea turtles.

The park is also home to a variety of historic and cultural sites, including ancient Hawaiian burial grounds and petroglyphs. Visitors can learn about the history and culture of the area by taking a guided tour or visiting the park’s visitor center.

In addition to its natural and cultural attractions, Kaena Point State Park is also a valuable conservation area. The park is home to several endangered plant and animal species, and visitors are encouraged to help preserve the area’s natural beauty by following all posted rules and regulations.

Visitors to Kaena Point State Park should come prepared with sturdy shoes, sunscreen, and plenty of water, as the area can be hot and dry. The park can be accessed by foot from the north or south end. However, visitors should be aware that the park is rugged and remote, and there are no amenities or services available.

Overall, Kaena Point State Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Its stunning coastal views, unique wildlife, and rich cultural and historical significance make it a truly unique and unforgettable experience.

Liliuokalani Botanical Garden

Liliuokalani Botanical Garden is a hidden gem tucked within the urban landscape of Honolulu, Hawaii.The garden is named after Queen Liliuokalani, the last monarch of Hawaii, and is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the flora of Hawaii.

The garden spans over 7.5 acres and features a wide variety of native Hawaiian plants, including ferns, orchids, and fruit trees. The garden also contains several rare and endangered plant species, which are carefully tended to by staff and volunteers.

At Liliuokalani Botanical Garden, visitors can stroll along winding paths that meander through lush vegetation and cross a stream. The garden also offers several benches and picnic areas, making it a peaceful spot to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Hawaii.

The garden is free to the public and is open from dawn until dusk. Visitors should be prepared for some uphill walking, as the garden is located on a steep hillside. There is also limited parking available on the street, so visitors may need to walk a short distance to reach the garden entrance.

by Honolulu Vibes