Kapiolani Beach Park

The first public park in Hawaii, dedicated in 1877, this park's 300 acres of green space feel like a tropical "Central Park", only oceanside. The south end of the park fronts the beach and ocean at the eastern end of the high-rise district of Waikiki. This is the gentler end of Waikiki Beach, with coarse white sand and very little wave action, making it beginner swimmer-friendly. If driving into town, this park has plenty of curbside parking spots. For those staying in Waikiki, follow the city sidewalks to the long oceanfront walking path that stretches the length of this beachfront park.

AT A GLANCE:
HIGHLIGHTS: Located at the eastern end of Waikiki, this park is green and much more relaxed than the extremely busy central portion. Large expansive 300-acre urban park and green space also hosts an aquarium and a zoo.
ACTIVITIES: Swimming, walking, running, beach volleyball, stand-up paddling, kayaking, picnicking, and field sports.
LIFEGUARD: YES 9am to 5pm daily.
WARNINGS!: Off shore reef and rock, water near shore can get abruptly deep.
AMENITIES: Street parking, a few small parking lots, restrooms, showers, and picnic tables and benches.

Waikiki is world-famous and its beach spans several oceanfront miles of famed hotels and vacation rentals. The center section of Waikiki beach is packed daily with crowds from around the globe, creating traffic and parking hassles to the max. This park and its expansive grounds comprise an oasis of green space a short distance away from the downtown highrises. Whether driving in, taking a taxi, bus or walk from your nearby vacation accommodations, this park has large majestic shade trees, and ample space to spread out and feel the beautiful Hawaiian temperate climate. Kapiolani Park, named after the Hawaiian Queen who inspired the park, is the largest park of its kind in Hawaii.

Oceanfront part of this park is actually comprised of several smaller county beach parks: Kuhio, Sans Souci and Waikiki Marine Conservation District. Kuhio Beach Park stretches along the last of the hotels on the Waikiki strip west all the way to Duke Kahanamoku's statue, and is usually packed with the beachgoers. It actually has a beach, and a portion of it is protected by a seawall, creating a safe lagoon great for kids and those afraid of ocean swells. Sans Souci State Recreational Park, the most immediate shoreline to Kapiolani Park, consists of green fields, amenities and picnic tables, but does not have a beach. Its oceanfront is Waikiki boardwalk. Waikiki Marine Life Conservation District caps the beach to the east.

At Waikiki's Kapiolani Beach Park you will find tennis and basketball courts, rugby and lacrosse fields, playgrounds, an open air concert venue and a zoo, all across from the quieter end of Waikiki Beach. Along the beach, a wide paved pathway runs for a mile and then links to downtown streets in just a half-mile. The crowds usually filling Waikiki beach are not so numerous here, and the ocean waters are warm and calm. Depending on the time of year, variety of the boats are visible off-shore, offering a range of activities. Parasailing boats, sailing catamarans and stand-up surfers fill the space closer to the shore. About 150 yards off-shore there is a deep-water surfing break that is very popular and provides great surf-watching opportunities.

Ocean safety link for Waikiki at Kapiolani Beach link:
http://oceansafety.ancl.hawaii.edu/v/2.0/?bch=kapiolanibp&shid=4&i=oahu

Bus routes: 14/19/20/22

Closest town: Honolulu/Waikiki

Directions:
West entrance is from Kalakaua Avenue and Monsarrat Avenue coming from the direction of Honolulu and Waikiki.
East entrance is from Kalakaua Avenue and Diamond Head Road coming from the direction of Diamond Head and points East.