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    Kaka'ako Waterfront Park

    4.0 (116 reviews)
    Closed 5:00 am - 7:00 pm

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    Julienne P.

    This park is right by Uni. of Hawaii. It's such a beautiful place to take a walk and get both grass on 1 side and the sea on the other side. We caught the sunset here and it was beautiful!!

    Beach
    Takashi Y.

    It is a very peaceful place and a great place to relax. It's a great place to enjoy fishing, walking or jogging! Unlike Waikiki Beach, it is not crowded, so I recommend that you spend some time relaxing on your own.

    Entrance
    Kevin H.

    Kaka 'Ako waterfront Park Honolulu Hawaii Perfect weather, great sunset, not to mention a nice ocean breeze.

    Beautiful sunny day
    Irene M.

    The place to explore... I say this as if you don't know you don't as this hidden gem is further down from Kewalo Basin and though has similar seawall structure making it another great place to watch the sunset as the you see boats sailing by with planes flying in the horizon. It has been years since I've been to this location that I've learn was once a municipal landfill that explains the hills I guess and how it has evolved into this lush green park home to many that enjoy what it has to offer. With decent amount of parking available it makes it easy for many to spend time here for various activities even on this day there were a few folks doing some yoga in a quite corner while near the observatory lookout area there was a kid sliding down the hill with a cardboard while several joggers taking advantage of the pathways winding around the park and kinds riding bikes in this spacious par. There was even a wedding couple taking advantage of the sunset for pictures as it's so nicely maintained seeing various folks here for different activities is so nice to see all in Kaka'ako. It's a nice place for it's convenience though there aren't any beaches I do love to just relax and chill here with lots of parking and being less crowded it's a nice place for a stroll and escape. Thank you!

    Sunset Walk
    Suri S.

    This is a great place to watch the sunset and go for a nice stroll. Great view! Parking is easy and free. I like that there are benches and tables you can sit and enjoy food if you want. I've been coming here for years and it's usually very peaceful and relaxing compared to going to the crowded beaches in the area. You can usually see people body surfing as well.

    Table, chairs, and some shade.
    Tin Lung C.

    I moved to Kakaako area about six years ago and I have been coming to this park to run during the weekend. If you trying to avoid the crowd at the nearby Ala moana Beach Park, this is a perfect place for you to come. The park is located right behind the UH Medical Center. There are two parking lots, you should have no problem finding parking at all. There are plenty walking path. It is very nice to walk along the ocean with the ocean breeze in your face. They also have table and chairs, picnic area, bathroom and shower facility for surfers. There are a few homeless people here and there in the morning, but generally speaking is not that bad. There are a lot of chicken and wild cats in the park. Lot of people come to feed the cats everyday. You can enjoy watching the sunset while watching the surfer or just relax and walk around. If you never been to this park, I will highly recommend you to come check it out.

    View from the park
    Debbie H.

    Plenty of free parking. Beautiful walk beside the water. Picnic areas and free restrooms. It's "in the city" yet it doesn't feel like it - that's always nice. There were many people walking, fishing, or playing with their children. I enjoyed the sunset prior to heading back to my hotel. There is no beach but the seawall is nice.

    Pavilion
    Craig T.

    What a beautiful park didn't realize it's a pretty big park good for walking or jogging . It's start from the Diamond head side of the old John Dominis restaurant building all the way behind the John Burns medical campus on the Ewa side. There's 3 Pavilion located on the ocean side with a overhead but no shelter but it's nice over looking the ocean and just a nice place to kick back and relax . This park has a lot of paved walkway and rolling hills . It's a famous place where kids use to slide down with their card boards. Lots of surfers come to this place to surf locals call it "Point Panic". Small parking lot right next door to the John Dominis building. Definitely be back probably during sunset I'm sure it will make a nice photo. Be safe and support local

    Craig Y.

    Located off Ohe St in Honolulu. Nice park the views of the ocean and surfers and fishers come here. There are restrooms and picnic areas as well. A very nice place to walk during the morning and afternoon hours. Overall a cool place to get ocean views

    Jada C.

    This spot makes for the perfect getaway from the crowded city. Some people come here to fish, others come here to surf, jog, skateboard, and some come here to go on a diving expedition. Whatever the decision may be, people often come here to relax. The backdrop of the city beyond the waterfront park looks amazing. Sometimes during a cloudy day, the sky looks breathtaking and this gives people the opportunity to take pictures. Some people go far beyond the city limits to get close to nature. The Kakaako Waterfront provides a chance for city dwellers to get involved in the aquatic sports such as surfing, swimming and diving. During the weekends, we would ride our bikes here. Around the waterfront, some stray cats live near the park. Some people come here to feed them, and even to take pictures of them (like me). The cats look confortable around strangers. . Other species of animals living there include chickens and their little chicks. They tend to run away they see people. Come to the Kakaako Waterfront Park. Bring family, friends, and or a date.

    Joe C.

    Wow I haven't been here in forever since all the homeless problems and garbage. To think I once saw a group of people with a living room set under the awning strung out on meth. They literally had a carpet and tv electric tapped through a light pole. I thought it was nuts. I had some time to kill before picking up my wife from work and decided to take my dog Lola out for a stroll. It's really cleaned up and all the adjacent areas. I hope the start utilizing this space again. Eat the street and stuff but the waterfront promenade area just looks like it would be amazing for live music and stuff. I'm even seeing Segway tours through the area. It's a nice change from Ala moana park and is pretty easy to miss.

    Kakāako
    Julie T.

    My husband and I stopped by here to take a brisk walk to look at the ocean. He wanted to check if they cleaned out the park. It looked awhole lot better from the last time we were there. We enjoyed looking at the water and it sure was crowded. The waves were about 2-6" and there was alot of people in the water surfing. We enjoyed our day here today and happy we found parking. We were on our way out and just in time a parking opened up for us. Yay !!! We will surely return another day. I had a nice day with hubby.

    Main entrance to the Kaka'ako Waterfront Park AKA Point Panic Park
    Lyla D.

    "You don't realize how much you miss something till it comes back to you, and then you wonder how you went so long without it." - Cassandra Rose Clarke It has been a month (March 23, 2020) since our local government leaders proclaimed Stay At Home Orders (with limited exceptions) for residents and quarantine for travelers as our Nation grapples with the rapid spread of the deadly COVID-19 virus. Since the proclamation, our State has managed to keep the infection rate below 650 and our health systems have been able to manage the hospitalization of confirmed cases (68) very successfully. That being said, today, April 25 marked relaxations of our Stay At Home Order WITH limitations. Our State and City parks have been opened to allow for active exercise such as running, walking, and jogging as long as social distancing are followed. In addition, these other outdoor activities are allowed such as swimming, surfing, and walking pets. So, today, we took advantage of our beautiful weather and the opening of parks by visiting the Kaka'ako Waterfront Park which is located behind the University of Hawai'i's John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) on O'ahu's South Shore. The Kaka'ako Waterfront Park is also called "Point Panic Park" as it refers to the park's East side popular body surfing spot. Also, there are two body surfing spots located on the West end of this park called "Flies" and "Incinerators". Walking through this 35-acre park with its network of pathways that wind around man made grassy mounds leading to a wide ocean-front promenade which extends the length of the park's shoreline. The mounds rise up 45 feet above sea level at their peaks and look out to the blue Pacific Ocean. It's hard to believe that this park was once a landfill except for seeing a few vents scattered around the park. The park with its oceanside promenade stretches from Pier 1 to its West (Ewa) to Kewalo Basin on its East (Diamond Head). From the Diamond Head side, there have been some Friday evenings that my husband and I have strolled into this park to watch the fireworks displays. While either sitting on one to grassy mounds or along the sea wall on the West end, we've caught some spectacular sunsets worthy of beginners and advanced photographic captures of the Golden Hour. There isn't a sandy beach to walk on as there is a sea wall along the promenade so that means there is no beach access EXCEPT for on the East end of the promenade where there are concrete stairs leading into the ocean. In addition to this promenade, this park features a couple of pergolas, two public showers and restrooms, an amphitheater, water features, miles of jogging paths, and several sculptures (The Victim Memorial sponsored by MADD and Ehime Maru Memorial). There are several open to the public parking lots but be aware of those requiring permits such as JABSOM The Children's Discovery Center, 53 By The Sea, University of Hawai'i Marine Laboratories, and a kiawe-wood supplier. Always be aware of your surroundings as this park area has some remote areas where you wouldn't want to be alone or flaunting your finery or burying your focus into your cellphone. Just saying... Even before the COVID-19 shutdown, the State had renovated and cleaned up this park and reopened to the public on March 2. However, the shutdown mandated the closure of all parks and beaches so this park has kept its cleanliness. We didn't notice as many homeless people hanging around and the public restrooms and other facilities weren't vandalized as before. We hope that this park will continue to be maintained well as we're planning on returning.

    5/1/20 - 11:00 A.M. This is what is waiting for us when we get the all clear.  There is beauty everywhere.

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    11 months ago

    Love this park! Great place to walk through. Got some homeless on the end but they didn't bother. They were enjoying the views too.

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    Review Highlights - Kaka'ako Waterfront Park

    The park with its oceanside promenade stretches from Pier 1 to its West (Ewa) to Kewalo Basin on its East (Diamond Head).

    Mentioned in 4 reviews

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    Lanikai Beach

    Lanikai Beach

    4.7
    (1.2k reviews)
    11.8 mi

    Lanikai beach is by far one of the most beautiful hidden beaches on Oahu! It's a half-mile strip of…read morepowdery white sand and turquoise water on Oahu's windward coast in Kailua, Hawaii. The beach itself features iconic views of the twin Mokulua Islands. On a clear day you can actually see the sandy beaches on Mokulua Islands. The popular Lanikai Pillbox Hike sits right above the neighborhood for amazing panoramic coastal views. Please note: zero amenities exist directly at the beach (no public restrooms, showers, lifeguards, or trash cans). Fortunately, some of the locals have placed trash bins near the beach entry ways. Parking is easily accessible if you don't mind walking. Parking directly on Mokulua Drive and Aalapapa Drive is permanently banned. Visitors typically park at Kailua Beach Park (about 0.8 miles away) and walk or bike over. We found parking on a side road a few blocks away (didn't get towed) and we stayed for several hours.

    Soft sand, warm water, turquoise water, and beautiful views…read more The only downsides are that there are no bathrooms and no dedicated parking. However, we were able to find street parking in the nearby neighborhood pretty easily. There is another beach close by with restrooms if you need to wash up and clean up afterward. I love how calm this beach is with no waves. Easy for weak or non swimmers.

    Photos
    Beautiful clear water
    Beautiful clear water
    The boys can't wait to come back! Perfect beach day
    The boys can't wait to come back! Perfect beach day
    Lanikai Beach

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    Magic Island

    Magic Island

    4.6
    (172 reviews)
    1.3 mi

    Took the kids here for a picnic while gazing away with views of the majestic ocean. We found a…read morebench which overlooks the waters. It was a nice bright sunny day. Really enjoyed the time together with my kids. So peaceful while we bond and laughed. But.....this park was full of homeless and cops every where. Mixed feelings were rolling in like if we should be worried or if it was safe at the park. There were tons of people, but everyone minded their own business so no one bothered us. I set the thought aside of something bad was going to happen so I can enjoy the day. We went to the beach took pictures and soak in the beauty. The water was so warmed and clear. Wanted to stay longer and dip in, but my son was looking forward to the arcade elsewhere. Good quick spot to stop by intaking breathtaking views of Honolulu.

    Magic Island is an easy, no-stress spot in Honolulu. The loop is a quick, scenic walk with nonstop…read moreocean views, and it's perfect for a chill picnic, people-watching, or just hanging out. The vibe is super local--families, couples, runners, and groups all posted up with snacks and music. Sunset here is the main event. If you go late afternoon, the views are unreal and it's such a good way to end the day. It can get busy on weekends, but there's usually still space to spread out if you walk a little farther. Pro tip: bring a towel or mat, some drinks/snacks, and go a little before sunset to grab a good spot. Definitely a must if you want a simple, beautiful outdoor hang in town.

    Photos
    Night
    Night
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    Sunset
    Sunset

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    Kaneohe Bay Sandbar

    Kaneohe Bay Sandbar

    4.8
    (134 reviews)
    12.3 mi

    If you haven't made a visit yet to Kaneohe Bay Sandbar, do it asap because this is a once in a…read morelifetime experience. I had the hesitation to book it due to the fact my son is on the spectrum and wasn't sure how he was going to react during the experience. Took the chance and made a reservation through Hawaii Ocean Sports. They took us on a boat to access the beautiful Sandbar. It's nestled in the middle of the ocean 3 miles stretch of sand. Unfortunately, we ended up doing the afternoon tour where high tides took place water level up to our necks. During our ride there, we were served lunch consisting of a turkey sandwich, fruits, and a cookie. Very filling as we were on to our destination while we listened to live music entertaining us along the way. Snacks, towels, drinks, and a bar are available for additional cost. As we approached the Sandbar, we were required to do a brief safety class before heading into the beautiful water. My kids and I were surprised how magnificent the Sandbar was. Definitely a true paradise where our dreams came true. I didn't think I would ever experience this kind of beauty. My son and I were terrified at first as we entered the water, but our life jackets saved us as we were floating. Lots of activities offered which are part of the package including SUP, kayaking, volleyball, snorkeling, or relaxing at the dock while sipping on drinks. We mainly enjoyed ourselves floating in the ocean. The current did get a little rough as it started to pour rain right before heading back to the marina. One advice is to head out early onto the boat before everyone does because the changing and bathrooms can get wet with dirty grounds. Music was blasting with great hits as we ended the day. Made my son and I stand up desiring to dance. Truly this is an unforgettable magical experience. You bet I will make a reservation again when we return to Oahu next year!

    Fun spot to visit and snorkel , try to time it at low tide if you can, walking around is easier and…read morea few spots will be exposed

    Photos
    Kaneohe Bay Sandbar
    Shortly after I came back, a stand-up paddler I met at the sandbar came back as well
    Shortly after I came back, a stand-up paddler I met at the sandbar came back as well
    SUP! (Included in "ticket")

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    SUP! (Included in "ticket")
    Hunakai Beach

    Hunakai Beach

    4.1
    (31 reviews)
    5.5 mi

    Peaceful and secluded. Definitely not the prettiest beach in the world, but in a place where the…read morecrowds seem to take over pretty much everything, it's nice to find some solace in the sand. And the reason why it's so peaceful?! It's tucked behind a residential neighborhood. Parking is on the street only and there's not much of it. So, it'll be a short journey to get there, but this is what also deters the big crowds. The sand isn't the softest and the views aren't amazing, but the sunsets are pretty and the water feels good. There are no facilities here either (except for one large garbage can near one of the entrances). You gotta pack it in, pack it out, and use the restroom before you go unless you're a local who lives in the area. Had a little picnic here and it was really enjoyable. The few people that I come in contact with were really friendly. Most of them were walking their dogs on the beach, so I feel like this is the local dog beach in town. There's a nice breeze on this side, so it's a great beach to come to when that hawt Hawaii heat attacks. It's also really clean. If you're looking to escape the crowds and don't mind a longer trek, Hunakai Beach will do you right.

    Hunakai beach was our third destination to go to a couple of weekends ago. My daughter wanted to go…read moreto the beach. First we went to Ala Moana beach park but there was some paddling competition so there was no parking. Then we drove to Waikiki and there was a craft fair at the park so there was no parking there either. So we just yelped a place closer to home and found Hunakai beach. You just park on the side of the road and walk down a beach access road. It was surprising because there were quite a few people there. People were all spaced out so that was good. The beach itself is very beautiful. There was just a lot of coral and rocks. Not really the best place to go swimming. That didn't stop my daughter though, she just took her floatie and pulled it in the water and kicked her legs so she floated down the ocean. She had a great time. Great for parking and sunbathing but if you want to swim, you should probably try to find a new place.

    Photos
    Hunakai Beach
    Hunakai Beach
    Hunakai Beach

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    Kaka'ako Waterfront Park - parks - Updated August 2026

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