Kapiolani Park

Kapiolani Park is a 300-acre public park at the Diamond Head end of Waikiki, bordered by the beach on one side and the slopes of Diamond Head on the other. Established in 1877 by King Kalakaua and named after his queen, it is the oldest public park in Hawaii and the largest green space in Waikiki. For families, it serves as a free, open-air playground, picnic ground, and decompression zone amid the density and commercial energy of Waikiki.

The park's most distinctive feature is its collection of enormous banyan trees, some over a century old, with aerial roots that drape from the canopy to the ground like natural curtain walls. These trees are magnificent in scale -- a single banyan can spread over an area the size of a basketball court, with a root system that forms a labyrinth of hanging ropes and natural hiding spots. Kids are drawn to the trees instinctively, climbing low branches, swinging on roots, and playing hide-and-seek among the trunk columns.

The shade they provide is also practical -- natural air conditioning in Waikiki's heat.

The park has a playground with modern equipment near the Honolulu Zoo entrance, wide open grass fields for running and ball games, paved paths for strolling and cycling, picnic tables and pavilions, and free public restrooms and water fountains. The fields are large enough for serious frisbee, kite flying, or simply lying on a blanket and watching clouds drift over Diamond Head. On weekends, you will see local families having birthday parties, picnics, and barbecues throughout the park.

The Waikiki Shell, an outdoor amphitheater in the park, hosts concerts and events ranging from the Honolulu Symphony to Hawaiian music festivals. Some events are free or low-cost. Check the schedule at waikiki-shell.com for what is happening during your visit.

The park's location makes it a natural connector between Waikiki's main attractions at the Diamond Head end. The Honolulu Zoo is at the park's edge. The Waikiki Aquarium is adjacent.

Waikiki Beach is a short walk through the park. Monsarrat Avenue, which borders the park to the east, has some of Honolulu's best casual restaurants (Diamond Head Market & Grill, Pioneer Saloon, Bogart's Cafe). The Bare Foot Beach Cafe, located inside the park itself, serves good food in a shaded outdoor setting that feels removed from the Waikiki commercial strip.

For families, the park's greatest value is as free, flexible, unstructured space. After a morning at the zoo or an afternoon snorkeling, kids need to run, climb, and burn energy. Kapiolani Park provides that without cost, without crowds, and with Diamond Head as a backdrop.

The late afternoon golden hour (4-6pm) is especially beautiful, with warm light on the crater and a gentle trade wind keeping temperatures comfortable.