Dropped by after hiking nearby to see if we could Tour Queen Emma's Summer Palace without…read morereservations. We paid for the self tour and entered the building. Read through the information so we could understand the different items we were viewing. Fascinating walk through Hawaii History and Queen Emma's own personal involvement . Some of the furniture is beautifully made with local wood. There were interesting gifts received from other rulers. There were beautiful feathered capes on display, which the handout how they were produced by only taking a few feathers from multiple birds and releasing without doing harm.

Who knew royalty had such cozy taste? Queen Emma Summer Palace is like the Hawaiian version of a…read moreroyal Airbnb--modest, charming, and surrounded by lush jungle vibes. It's a peaceful little escape just minutes from the buzz of Honolulu. You walk in expecting a palace, but leave with a deep appreciation for Hawaiian history and a strong urge to redecorate your living room. The staff and volunteers are lovely--part tour guide, part history buff, part grandma energy (the good kind). I learned about Queen Emma, her travels, and her love for the people. Bonus: no crowds, no stress, and plenty of photo ops if you're into vintage furniture and sacred feather capes. Highly recommend if you need a quiet, cultural detour--or just want to pretend you're Hawaiian royalty for an hour.

Koko Crater Botanical Garden is a great, easy, low-impact walk that's perfect for spending a…read morerelaxing day surrounded by Hawaii's beautiful native plants and trees. If you enjoy walking, getting a little exercise, and taking in the natural beauty of Oahu, this is definitely a must-visit. Peaceful, scenic, and a wonderful way to experience the island's landscape.

Lovely botanical garden in Hawaii Kai. Free entrance and parking. The garden is located inside the…read morecrater and is much more desert and dry like than other botanical gardens on the island. The gardens open up with a grove of plumeria trees and then you can choose a route on the garden loop. We had limited time on our most recent visit in January and elected to take the Americas path which featured many cactus type plants. They are amazing and huge! Note that most of the plumeria trees were not in bloom and were bare of leaves in January. Great find, but can be very hot and dry so recommend visiting on a "cooler" day. For those that need it there is a porta potty just after the plumeria grove.

It's basically by Manoa Falls hike and it's in a jungle. Like basically we in the jungle…read more Surrounded by plants it definitely feels like you have escaped into a different world. I appreciate the fact that they hold plant sales here twice a year because usually this place is blocked off from the public until they open it up just for this.

Truly in awe of how lush and gorgeous this arboretum is. It doesn't look like much from the…read moreoutside, but once you make it inside, it's like a whole different world. The Lyon Arboretum has the most vibrant plants and some of the most fabulous views that I've seen within Hawaii. My friend and I visited the arboretum after hiking nearby Manoa Falls. The arboretum is actually located within Manoa Falls Park, and the entrance is located just before the beginning of the Manoa Falls hike. We hadn't planned on visiting, but we decided to check it out since it was so close. Best decision that we could have made! While we really enjoyed the hike to Manoa Falls, we both enjoyed the hike through the arboretum so much more. Entrance into the arboretum is free with a reservation, but it's just a nominal fee of $5 if you stop by same day. We paid the fee at the visitor's center and were given trail maps to follow along our journey through the greenery. The visitor's center also has other maps and souvenirs for purchase. There are actually quite a few trails that run through here. We started our hike off without looking at the maps but then realized that we kind of needed them. That's when we realized that we couldn't find them. It's not a huge arboretum, but it is easy to get lost depending on how and how deep that you decide to go in. Would highly recommend that you use the trail map if you're planning a longer hike. We ended up hiking up to Aihualama Falls which weren't as grand as Manoa Falls, but it was still really beautiful and secluded. The hike to Aihualama Falls was also extremely gorgeous! We were practically surrounded by beautiful flowers during most of our hike. We literally stopped just to smell and admire them. We found the most vibrant orchids, roses, tropical wildflowers, succulents, and so much more. The gardens are so amazing here. The great lawn is so impressive! I was actually kind of bummed that I didn't bring my lunch because the lawn is the PERFECT place to sit out and have a picnic! We saw a few people relaxing out on the lawn and enjoying themselves, but it was so empty and secluded. Plus, the view of the mountains from the lawn is ridiculous! A spot that I could definitely see myself chillin' at all damn day. It was so lovely. We hadn't planned on doing any long or strenuous hikes here, so we just went with the flow. I will say that you can really get your hike on here. I think we ended up doing 3 or 4 miles from, but we weren't really prepared for the inclines through the forest since we had originally planned to only hike Manoa Falls. Make sure to bring plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen and bug spray. We were there in the early afternoon but it was already super warm, and many parts of the arboretum are exposed. Also, the bugs can be quite aggressive in certain areas. Nothing that a little bug spray can't handle though. All in all, I'm extremely impressed. I would definitely come back to this arboretum to partake in a more extensive hike and for a picnic.

April is Earth Month…read more.. Absolutely so lucky we live in Hawai'i as we're able to enjoy the beautiful greenery year round. Queen Kapiolani Garden is in a busy corner many drivers transition between Kaimuki/Waikiki/Diamond Head area. Though the address is Paki Ave if you're driving there are some dedicated parking stalls though the entrance is on Leahi Ave which I had no idea so I parked at across the street which is free and usually available making this area a great place to explore. Though majority of the area are paved it's all cracked and uneven making walking a bit of a hazard for kids or folks if you're not careful, the grass is nicely kept as it seems like it was freshly cut though some of the plants looked so sad and dry though I don't want to glorify it's lack of attention having this lovely area is still greatly appreciated as there were several Hibiscus and Bougainvillea among other plants with cute little flowers not quite in full bloom and enjoyed the view of the sun ready to set on this cool afternoon is a great way to wind down my day. Thank you!

May Day is Lei Day in Hawai'i…read more.. Wanting to do something special on the First Day of May, I decided to finally go to Queen Kapiolani Garden. The borders on three sides of the garden are Paki Avenue, Leahi Avenue, and Monsarrat Avenue. I've passed by this garden countless times when leaving Waikiki. I found a free parking stall on Leahi Avenue. There's also a free small parking lot on Leahi Avenue, after the Fire Station. This garden used to have roses... If I remember correctly. Now - sadly - it seems to have been neglected... Or maybe the flowers aren't in bloom? There were some placards which identified some plants. I recognized the bougainvillea, ti leaves, hibiscus, and a plant with spikey round balls on a stem. Some plants looked familiar, but I don't know their names. I saw an overgrown archway, a couple of picnic beaches in the shade, several cement stools, some feral chickens, doves, and rats. Yes... Rats! I heard some rustling and looked at the ground by the bushes. Ack! Those little beady eyes don't belong to mongoose... Ha! There were a few black rat traps laying around. That's when I decided to leave. Plus, there were a few sketchy people lurking in the distance. Spooky... Don't go at nighttime!

The memory of being parked at Magic Island, the perfect spot at 7:20pm with unobstructed views from…read morea distance. At times, I rode the city bus into Waikīkī to be on the beach or better yet, on resort property to watch the pre-show at the Hilton Super Pool. That was me, years ago when I used to live on O'ahu. To watch fireworks at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, on a Friday night at 7:45pm. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ It's 2026, many years later and now residing on the Big Island of Hawai'i where I was born and raised. Traveling to O'ahu recently, I decided to select overnight accommodations specifically on a Friday night at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. To enjoy the fireworks show. Staying on-site gave me zero logistical hassles, walking right from my hotel room avoiding pre 'n post show traffic on the roads and sidewalks. By watching the fireworks from the comfort of a private balcony/lanai, it allowed me to avoid crowds and skip the time of securing a spot on the beach or within the resort property. Dining reservations were made months in advance. It's 7:24pm and there's a massive crowd already on the beach fronting the Hilton Hawaiian Village for the 7:45pm fireworks show. If you're not a registered resort guest, take the time to secure a spot here. Then, venture on-property to enjoy the resort offerings for a cocktail or snack, enjoy live entertainment or shop at one of the many boutiques. The open shoreline in-front of the resort provides perfect, unobstructed views. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ It's 7:45pm. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ As the controlled explosions, those brilliant colors fill the sky above the Hilton Hawaiian Village, a sense of emotion comes over me. Filled with nostalgia, I began to remember watching fireworks while growing up in my hometown with my family. Along with those special summer trips to Disneyland. A tear began to roll down my cheek as the visual spectacle continued. Once I passed the emotional stage, my adrenaline started to kick-in with the booming sounds. As I began to anticipate what colors, what flashes of light and shapes will appear before me. A thrilling high, a deep euphoria from fireworks in the Waikīkī sky. My eyes, frozen in-position as the sensation of wonder begins to pull me out of my worries. Brilliant chrysanthemums, electric blues and pinks, ruby reds and golden yellows bursts in the horizon, as flares rain down sparks and create a dazzling light show. The deep, echoing booms resonate across the sand and water, followed by a "crackle" and "hiss". Amplifying this visual, multi sensory experience. It captures my attention, sparks wonder and amazement. A smile appears, I can't believe I'm actually here. Watching it live with such an amazing viewpoint, I've waited years for this. As each firework shell is mounted on the white sand beach in-front of the balcony I'm perched on, a feeling of gratitude comes over me as the dazzling display comes to an end. What a spectacular finale. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Watch the show from a distance, time your arrival accordingly to obtain that perfect viewing spot. Or venture into Waikīkī and join the crowd on the beach hours before as you take a dip in the ocean, then venture on resort property to explore. Become a registered guest at the Hilton Hawaiian Village and enjoy the fireworks show from your balcony, from exclusive viewing areas for resort/dining guests. The sensory combination of light and sound, allow it to capture your emotions and trigger childhood memories. Like it did for me. As the sky transitions from darkness to brilliant bursts of color, let it symbolize a new chapter of hope, unity and fresh beginnings. Right here at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, every Friday night at 7:45pm. (photos and videos of the fireworks were taken from my iPhone)

Second time visiting here. We like this hotel. Has live entertainment/music outside barread more

I attended the 71st annual Ho'olaule'a in Waikīkī on Sat, 9/20. They block off most of Kalākaua…read moreavenue for vendors, stages for music and for food. We ate at Dick's Lechon. I had Dick's before at another festival, and really enjoyed the food. The stand was hard to miss bc of the smoke wafting and a choke (long) line. Luckily, the line moved quickly. Despite a quick shower, there was plenty of music. One of the groups was family members of Moani in IMP. They are a reggae group, and had the crowd moving to the reggae vibes. I saw a lot of vendors doing biz, so hats off to the crowd for supporting local businesses. I'll have to remember the timing of this festival, so I can enjoy it again.

A first for us as we used to only come for the parade and sit across the Moana. Hubs was very…read moreexcited so he spent about half an hour browsing what was happening on Kalakaua while I got banded and waited at the one day only Beer Garden sponsored by the Aloha Festival. Parking was convenient at the International Market Place. We came for the 6 pm special . We got a few freebies laid on the tabletops and spent $20 on two virgin drinks to get an item hubs wanted badly. Hubs returned all happy saying he bought an Aloha Festival tshirt. He excitedly shared there were craft booths. Concerned about an upcoming trip I told him I'll pass cuz I have Covid phobia, haven't caught Covid yet and maybe next year I'll brave that celebratory crowd. Instead of enjoying the merriment or getting dinner at one of several restaurants upstairs we inserted out stickered parking ticket and left Waikiki. Choice A: Side Street Inn but I pulled a fast one and drove towards King Street, University Avenue area and found an awesome place for dinner.

Art that will brighten your day. Friendly and affordable. Taking home peace of paradise.read more

Owner, Susan Brooks, is an amazing artist. I purchased…read moreartwork from her a couple of years back, on my return trip to Waikiki I decided to commission a custom painting on a repurposed surfboard as the canvas and I am beyond happy. Susan's art has so much character and originality. If you're looking for Hawaiian themed art as a souvenir of your time in Oahu, go see Susan. Way better than any other gallery catering to "high end" customers offering boring repetitive pieces. Mahalo, Susan!

Peace and tranquility. Nature and realistic rustic surrealities converge here at the Leahi…read moreMillennium Peace Garden. It's one of those places that can bring peace in a troubling world. Be forewarned though, it can get warm and humid here during the summer months, so you might want to go in the winter. You never know what you can find when you least expect it. Even in your backyard or neighborhood, there's always something cool to find, whether it's hidden or out there in plain view. I have come to know the Leahi Millennium Peace Garden during my days attending Kapiolani Community College, but those days are long gone. These days, I've come to rediscover the gardens during my time here on the KCC campus and appreciating the gardens each time I come to visit. It's one of the many bright spots in the ol kaimuki neighborhood. Although it is usually combined with the Kapiolani Community College campus, the Leahi Millennium Peace Garden is as therapeutic and majestic, as nature is always is. As often as I come through Kapiolani Community College to run through the campus, play Pokémon Go with friends, or just enjoy my alma mater on any given weekend. I would usually come here on the weekends though and be reminded of life and how fragile it can be, among random things. The Leahi Millennium Peace garden is a great compliment to the campus and I always look forward to strolling through the area when I come over. Even though the garden isn't technically on the Kapiolani Community College campus, it's maintenance is provided by volunteers connected to the KCC campus. Best bet would be to come here in the morning hours before it gets warm, or late afternoon so it isn't too terribly hot. The unique flora makes it an interesting walk through the gardens. Seeing the bees and other various insects do their thing with the plant life here gives the area its purpose and life meaning. The overall experience here at the Leahi Millennium peace garden is as good as it can be. The garden isn't as large as a community park, but it's quaint and beautiful any time of the day or night. The location of the peace garden can be found at 4184 Diamond Head Road in Honolulu, HI. It's literally across the street from Kapiolani Community College's Diamond Head Road border. Since it is a peace garden, there is not an entrance admission fee to be found. Like all community parks in Honolulu, it is free to come here and I am happy to come here whenever I can. It is connected with the Fort Ruger Pathway and the Bryan Clay workout stations are nearby too. Since I live close to the Leahi Millennium Peace Garden and the Kapiolani Community College, walking there is usually not a problem. You can drive there and park on the Kapiolani Community College lower campus and walk across the street to enjoy the gardens. If public transit is more of your thing, bus routes 3, 9, 23, and 24 come through the area from Waikiki and stop at the Diamond Head State Monument bus stop. From there, you can walk about 50 feet and into the Peace gardens. Uber and Lyft are always options too, if you prefer. For the most part though, a trip to the gardens provides an excellent way to spend the morning or afternoon. It's a way to not spend money and a place to declutter your mind and soul while reorganizing yourself. Much like the beach or public community parks, the Leahi Millennium Peace garden works the same way. It functions easily as a way to minimize stress and helps you focus on what's important in your life. Mindful and spiritual opportunities are abound here and it is definitely helpful when you can get away from the television or your mobile devices and just experience nature in your back yard. Do yourself a favor and come and visit the Leahi Millennium Peace garden one of these days and you would possibly be surprised at how magnificent and magical it can be. It is an uplifting experience that can be one that can fulfill your dreams. Well, maybe not, but it does have a way of brightening up your spirits when life throws curve balls at you. 5.0 stars for the overall experience. Definitely recommend coming here if you are in the area. If you are climbing Diamond Head anyway, take a moment and go through the gardens on the way out. It would be a good cool down from the hike. Support local! A+

Kind of a sketchy place to run through when it is dark but it's definitely a nice effort at trying…read moreto give some greenery and a place of respite in this area. Would I venture into this place at night? No. But an effort was made and that is being acknowledged. I also enjoy seeing the resident feral cats that frequent this area when I go for my runs. They are so cute.