I stumbled upon this pasture of paradise on one morning while walking to work. For a park that's called Kalakaua district park, it's not in Waikiki, but in Kalihi near Farrington high school. I decided to check out this place out since I had time to kill and needed a place to mentally check out before I check into work.
Community Parks always is a nice place to seek out refuge from the urban rat race we all face on a daily basis. These vast urban landscapes help us humans rekindle our youth while reminding ourselves that life is something beautiful. I arrived here on a brisk Friday morning in mid April 2020 after being dropped off by a friend. I figured it would be a nice starting point and I'd walk to work from there. The park itself is quite the small space. Almost like vacant green space that was probably someone's extended back yard, but was converted into Kalakaua district park. During my morning experience here at Kalakaua district park, I basically walked around the perimeter of the park, as parks are generally closed to the public, and people watched as much as I can - either in their cars driving or people walking nearby. There wasn't much people to watch in an early part of the morning (6:45am), but there was a couple of people with their dog that happened to pass by and ended up here to kill time it seemed. I watched them spend time with each other while I walked laps and killed time before heading to work. It reminded me of better days beforehand and reminded me of better days to come. With the rise of COVID-19 affecting our lives, we can only hope that it will get better. I also tried to enjoy the fact that I was outside enjoying the fresh breeze. I think I did about 3 laps around the park perimeter before deciding to make the trek to the office that morning.
You can't really sit down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so I just leaned under some trees to take the edge off before walking around a bit more before heading to work. It was nice to see those two people at the park at such an early hour, but I guess 7am isn't so early at all, especially with the morning rush hour. The overall experience here at Kalakaua District Park was quite nice, quiet, and definitely a nice change in scenery - especially in Kalihi.. It was very quiet, cultured, and serene. The park itself is maintained by the good folks at the City and County of Honolulu Parks division. The park is located at 720 McNeill Street in the heart of Kalihi. Kalihi Kai elementary school is nearby, as well as Kalakaua Middle school, along Kalihi Street. There is mostly street parking where you can find it or any legal parking slot really.. If you are like me, many bus routes come through the area through North King Street or Dillingham Blvd, but you would have to walk a block or two where the bus drops you off, depending on the street. Kalakaua district park attracts a bit of homeless here and that ain't cool. Although the park itself is clean enough for everyone to come and hang out in, it can get sketchy, especially into the evening hours. With the rise of COVID-19 considerations, you can be sure that you can always come here to exercise and enjoy the view, but you can't sit down - in the traditional sense. The facilities here are a multi use gym and some basketball courts..
I bet there are public restrooms here at the multiuse gym, if nature calls. I didn't need to use it at the time of my experience here at the Kalakaua district park, but on my next visit, I'll go and check. Needless to say that walking laps around the perimeter did give me joy, even though the morning was quite pleasant and the breeze helped me set the mood for the day. Kalakaua district park is also a dog park of sorts, where many people bring their furry companions here to play and socialize with others. I saw a couple of people with their pets here while I was doing my laps./It was soothing and nice to people watch. Nestled in the heart of Kalihi, you can find peace and convenience here at this park, although you may be be disheartened when some homeless people are there with you on any given day. While it can be out of the way for some people, it can be worth the effort, just need to stay away from the homeless encampments and you should be okay.. Kalakaua district park is usually enjoyable and therapeutic. Takes the edge off when you have had a tough day at the office. Recommended if you're in the area
5.0 stars for the overall experience when you keep distance from the encampments. Public spaces are admission free. No charge!
Support local!
A+ read more