The island of Oahu is home to a plethora of beautiful Honolulu parks. The abundance of beautiful parks offers plenty of alternatives for picnics, volleyball, yoga, beach time, and just about any other pleasant outdoor activity you can think of, from seaside parks to parks well inland. It’s no surprise, given that Hawaii residents are known for going out on weekends and spending full days at the Honolulu parks.
To satisfy your desires, we’ve compiled a list of some of the 10 best parks in Honolulu that you shouldn’t miss while on vacation. Sunset Beach Park and Waimea Bay Beach Park, both on the North Shore, are two of the most magnificent beach parks on the island.
Nu’uanu Pali is home to a historically significant landmark that represented a crucial shift for Hawaiians, as well as breathtaking panoramic views from high above. Explore the U.S. Army Museum at Fort DeRussy to learn about military history from a more recent era.
Meanwhile, Hanauma Bay, located east of Honolulu and just outside of town, offers some of the best snorkeling on the island. Fish thrive on the reef inside the former volcano crater, which is protected from fishing and boating as a natural preserve.
Check out Kapiolani Park Beach and Ala Moana Parks for a more urban vibe and people watching while still being close to the ocean. You can enjoy the surf and city life in Ala Moana, and people-watch under a lovely tree near Kapiolani. Whether you’re looking for a quick escape from the vehicle or a day spent outside, Tripononline has you covered with Oahu’s parks.
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Best Parks in Honolulu
Allow Tripononline to assist you when your options are limited. We’ll point you in the right direction for the best parks in Honolulu. We hope that our list of the 10 best parks in Honolulu, helps you plan a fantastic trip to the city.
1. Diamond Head State Monument
The extinct volcano crater known as Leahi, which means “brow of the tuna” and refers to its look from the west, is widely recognized as the symbol of Hawaii.
It got its more well-known moniker from 19th-century British seamen who mistook soil crystals for diamonds. Its peak has been the location of shrines and military installations over the years, and today, hikers flock to the crater for breathtaking vistas of Oahu.
The hike is somewhat difficult for most people, though you may wish to carry a torch because some sections of the trail are dark. This is a historical moment.
Expert tip: Bring a camera to capture the breathtaking views.
2. Fort DeRussy
This park, which was formerly a US Army station, was constructed in the 1950s when threats to Honolulu faded. The attractively maintained greenspace is now designated as a military recreation area, however it is open to the public.
The US Army Museum is located within the park, while Hale Koa, a hotel for military personnel, is located on the outskirts. A beach, as well as picnic areas, restrooms, and volleyball and tennis courts, are all accessible for use.
Expert tip: While cruising Waikiki, have a look at it.
3. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
This bay, formed by a collapsed volcano crater, is shielded and peaceful, making it perfect for snorkeling, as evidenced by the crowds around you.
The snorkeling is simply wonderful, as the preserve preserves the biodiversity and provides a preferred eating spot for the fish. It has a fantastic beach and hiking paths, as well as excellent opportunities for seeing marine life.
Picnic spots, showers and restrooms, snack booths, a volleyball court, and lifeguards are among the other amenities. A shuttle bus runs from Waikiki in the mornings and returns in the afternoons, despite the fact that parking can be difficult if you come early.
Expert tip: Don’t forget to bring your mask and snorkel!
4. Kapi’olani Park
This lovely greenspace Kapiolani park beach was Hawaii’s first public park, opened in 1877 as a gift from King Kalakaua to his people. The Kapiolani park beach, named after the queen, quickly became a city gathering area, and residents still flock to the 100+ acres to jog, picnic, play soccer and tennis, and simply relax in the sun.
Water features and old trees offer a sense of stability and grace, while musical performances by diverse ensembles and the Royal Hawaiian Band lend a festive ambiance. The Honolulu Marathon takes place in the park.
Expert tip: A nice spot for a picnic.
5. Ala Moana Beach Park and Magic Island
Ala Moana Beach Park is a 100-acre park in the heart of Honolulu, with Magic Island occupying around 30 acres. Both regions are quite popular, with visitors flocking to the beaches, picnic spaces, and running and bicycling trails. Showers, bathrooms, and refreshment booths are all available.
The Ala Moana Park also provides excellent views of the surrounding area, and as a result, it is frequently busy with families, locals, and tourists. On weekends, parking may be difficult to come by.
Expert tip: If you’re a surfer, the area offers a variety of wave options.
6. Nuuanu Pali
A lookout on a high ridge in the Koolau Range (the mountains that separate windward Oahu from the rest of the island) provides spectacular views of the eastern countryside.
In the campaign for Hawaiian unity in 1795, legend has it that King Kamehameha I and his forces drove opposition warriors over the cliffs. True or not, just thinking such an occurrence at such high heights is enough to make you stop and think.
The location, which is accessible by a climb into the mountains, has a propensity to be frigid, with strong gusts, so dress appropriately.
Expert tip: Bring a picnic and watch the sunset or sunrise while you’re there.
7. Waimea Bay Beach Park
This gorgeous bay, which is home to some of the world’s most severe surf, may be deadly to inexperienced swimmers. That is, when the waves churn up and some of surfing’s top talents take to the water to test their mettle in the winter.
Rip currents are intense this time of year, and waves can reach thirty feet. Summer, on the other hand, offers calmer waters, allowing even simple mortals to appreciate Waimea’s magnificence. They’ll then be protected by lifeguards and have access to picnic spots, restrooms, and showers.
Expert tip: Make time to visit this beach, as it is one of the greatest on the North Shore.
8. Kailua Beach Park
This gorgeous beach is located on Oahu’s windward (east) shore and is perfect for swimming and windsurfing. It has spectacular views of the area and is less congested than some other island beaches. One of the best Honolulu parks.
A stream runs through the park, adding a new dimension to the park’s aquatic activities. The beach is patrolled by lifeguards, and there are picnic spots, a volleyball court, restrooms and showers, food services, a cycling path, and equipment rentals available.
Expert tip: This is a fantastic option for a whole day at the beach.
9. Sunset Beach Park
People who follow the surfing circuit flock to this North Shore beach. During the summer, its two miles of white-sand beaches are generally safe, and swimmers and snorkelers can be found frolicking in the calmer surf.
However, in the winter, the surf is rough, and rip currents can be dangerous. At this point, it’s best to leave the powerful waves to the professionals and merely observe skilled surfers from a safe vantage point on the beach.
Expert tip: Make a point of seeing the sunset while you’re here.
10. Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park
Head to this thrilling Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park when the temps rise and the youngsters have had enough sand on their suits.
A variety of fun-filled activities are spread across 25 acres, including open-air and enclosed water slides (some of which drop seven stories! ), wave pools, a tubing river, and a children-only water park.
A volleyball court, arcade, café, food court, gift store, and even an adult-only spa with whirlpools and refreshing drinks are all available. One of the best Honolulu parks. Waikiki is around a 40-minute drive west.
Expert tip: Arrive early in the morning to avoid huge queues.
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FAQs About Best Parks in Honolulu
What are the best parks in Honolulu?
What should you not miss in Honolulu?
5 Things Not to Miss in Honolulu
1. Turtle Beach.
2. Waikiki.
3. Pearl Harbor.
4. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve.
5. Ali`i Beach Park.
What is the best part of Waikiki beach?
My two favorite Waikiki Beaches are Fort DeRussy Beach Park and San Souci, both of which are family oriented and tend to be more tranquil.
How many days do you need in Honolulu Hawaii?
Oahu should be visited for at least five days. You’ll have enough time to see the south and north coastlines, see the greatest beaches, attend a luau, and see the worthwhile activities and attractions on Oahu if you stay for at least five days.
What is the best time to hike Diamond Head State Monument?
Arrive very early, or much later in the day.
Diamond Head State Monument’s gates are open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., with a 4:00 p.m. cutoff for commencing the hike. If you plan to drive yourself, get there early, preferably before 8 a.m., to avoid parking lines and avoid the heat of the day.
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