Kapiʻolani Park Park

Address: Kapiʻolani Park, near Waikiki and Diamond Head, Honolulu, HI (roughly bounded by Paki Ave, Monsarrat Ave, Kalakaua Ave)

Website: https://www.honolulu.gov/parks/

Hours: Park open daily, typically dawn to dusk

Kapiolani Park is a large public park in Honolulu on the island of Oahu, located at the eastern end of the Waikiki neighborhood and at the foot of Diamond Head. It is named for Queen Kapiolani and functions as the principal green space separating Waikiki from the slopes of the volcanic tuff cone.

The park contains open lawns, mature shade trees and purpose-built event facilities that host concerts, festivals and community activities; it also adjoins major visitor attractions. The presence of the Waikiki Shell and the adjacent Honolulu Zoo makes the park a frequent destination for both residents and tourists.

The park was established in the late 19th century and named in honor of Queen Kapiolani; it has been developed incrementally to include recreational facilities, event areas and landscaped public spaces. Over time it has remained Honolulu’s primary large urban park while surrounding Waikiki became a dense visitor district.

Geographically the park occupies the eastern edge of Waikiki in Honolulu on Oahu, immediately seaward of the slopes of Diamond Head and within easy walking distance of the Waikiki beachfront and hotel district.

• Location tip: Located at the eastern end of Waikiki next to the slopes of Diamond Head and bordered by major beachfront avenues, providing easy pedestrian access from Waikiki hotels and beaches.
• What to expect: Contains large open lawns, mature trees and organized event spaces that are commonly used for festivals, concerts and community gatherings throughout the year.

What to See#

• Waikiki Shell: An outdoor band-shell used for concerts, festivals and public events located inside the park near the Waikiki edge.
• Honolulu Zoo: A city zoo located at the edge of the park occupying roughly 42 acres and housing a range of animal exhibits and visitor facilities.

Within walking distance of Waikiki hotels; from Ala Moana or downtown Honolulu take TheBus routes that serve Kalakaua Avenue or Waikiki. Street parking is limited; public transit or rideshare is easiest.

• Arrive in the morning to walk under the banyans before the beach crowds roll in.
• Combine the park visit with a walk up to the Waikiki Aquarium or the Honolulu Zoo, both adjacent.
• On Saturdays check for local events - the bandstand and open lawns often host hula performances or community runs.