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    Point Panic Beach Park

    4.3 (24 reviews)

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    Body surfing only...
    Nadine C.

    Cool spot for body surfing! Located at the end of Kaka'ako Waterfront Park, this beach has free parking, a paved walkway, an outdoor shower, feral cats, a stairway down to the water, no sand (just rocks), and a spectacular view of the ocean and Diamond Head! People sit on the wall and watch the ebb and flow of the water, the spectacular sunsets, the brave surfers, and the curious cats. It's a calm, relaxing atmosphere with fresh air, cool breezes, and rhythmic sound from the waves. Caution: visit with friends at nighttime Enjoy Hawaii Nei!

    Picturesque!
    Feb W.

    Located on a former landfill site, Kaka'ako Waterfront Park is sometimes referred as Point Panic Beach Park because of its bodysurfing site popularity located offshore at the east end of the park which is called Point Panic. Basically this place is popular diving location, strictly for bodysurfers only! But if you're not into that kind of sport, Kaka'ako is a perfect place for family gatherings & picnics because of the park's shaded & spacious grassy area. Most people who come to visit the area want to just relax & do some shoreline fishing. I've also seen old people come in here to do their daily jog & stretching. ~ You've also notice on the east part that there were plenty of cats hangin' around the rocks which on the other hand, people do take snaps and so fond of staring at them. This beach park is so clean too and peaceful most of the time. The park's shoreline doesn't have a sandy beach though. Instead, a seawall along the water's edge & large boulders is what you will see. Indeed! This is a perfect place for bandit's juander-time. ~ For sure, we will be coming back in here with a big box of pizza & diet ginger ale! (insert excited face) ~ Mahalo & HAPPY JUANDERING fellow yelpers! www.juanderbandit.world

    Austin H.

    This is an amazing spot and I normally would give this a five out of five but the parking is crazy bad. There's one little small parking lot for the beach? Seriously? They need to make more or do something about that issue. Other than that amazing spot!!!!!

    Nanea L.

    I love the view. It's a good surf spot when the waves are big. But it's supossed to be a "ALL BODYBOARDS ONLY" spot. The cops occasionally come through to check. But they really don't do anything. It seems kind of ghetto because there's bum's that live there and kakako park which is right next to it. But hey can't help it, the bums aren't going to harm you. The parking lot is small. But there's always plenty of street parking. Not a lot of people know this spot, it's kind of a local one. But it's a hella good place to burn and chill out. Maybe even have a little picnic. I honestly love it here. SHHHH* don't tell anybody tho:)

    Good place for fishing. Wish I didn't come here hanging tho cause all I want to do is "SLEEP" my other half dragged me to do something cause I seriously slept more then half of my day away lol. We came here yesterday for have a few & I guess he wanted for see if we can catch something here. The kids love it cause they can ride their bikes & scooters here. The place is clean, I think they cleaned up the homeless people!!!!! Ps! Choke flies tho

    Scott B.

    Point Panic is part of Kakaako Beach Park. It is located on the west side of the Kewalo Basin channel. The surf break is primarily for body boarding, but many surfers access the stairway down to the water then paddle across the channel to get to the breaks on the other side. I come here mostly for SCUBA diving. From Point Panic, you can swim out to Horse Shoe reef which is a popular dive spot with many of the dive boats that operate out of Kewalo Basin. To find Horse Shoe reef, swim out about fifty yards past and west of the second big green buoy. Look down for the horse shoe shape at the end of a finger reef. There are other reefs to the west of Horse Shoe reef as well. There are always green sea turtles and plenty of moray eels along with all the reef fish. Keep an eye out for octopus as well. This is the same dive spot that the dive boats charge "big bucks" to get to. With a pleasant fifteen-minute swim, you can dive there for free.

    Little D.

    We are not a regular here. Very nice small beach park with clear blue water, without sand nor lifeguard. We saw surfers, spear fishers, and snorkelers. No shades, but nice place to picnic by the ocean. PS. I thought beach needs to have sands, but I guessed wrong.

    Summer swell in June!!!!
    Jameson I.

    I love surfing at this spot and the parking lot is so confident as I can watch the waves while sitting in your car. The locals that hangout in the parking lot are very friendly and if you have any questions they are more than willing to help out as best as possible. The surfing is prioritized for the body surfers as they have the right away to all the rights. Surfers can go left. If they do go right I was told that they get a citation and their board taken away. So I wouldn't chance it and plus it's disrespectful to all the locals. There are not too many places that gives the body surfers the right away so let's respect this spot for them. Other than that just remember in Hawaii respect is a big part of our culture n people will feed off of that energy whether positive or negative so let's all keep the vibes good and the times better.... yeeeeeee aloha

    Point Panic by night
    Alicia T.

    Really scary at night. Lots of homeless line the streets down here. I brought my DSLR for some night shots and was legitimately scared for mine and my cameras life lol. Lucky I had my big Tongan friend with me so I felt a little safer but he was even a little worried for us. Lol. A lot of people chill and fish on the rocks. It's really dark so very peaceful. Oh lots of cats (meow) haha. Very beautiful though. Got some stellar shots!

    Full moon over Waikiki from Point Panic
    Tim L.

    Meh. I don't know why this beach gets such high marks. Sure, it's clean and protected. But the water is kinda murky until you get out a ways. And the sand is just okay. Funny that we saw so, so many Japanese couples having wedding pictures taken there. There are so many other nicer beaches... While this beach is a five minute walk for us, we've only been there once. I prefer to drive to nicer beaches especially on the windward side.

    Zippys tray!
    Neil G.

    Despite the taste of the ocean due to the gasoline from boats/ship engines and trash from inconsiderate people, I give this surf spot a 4/5 stars just because of how beautiful the waves are to BODYSURF. This spot is for the purest form of wave riding without the use of a board. Majority of board riders that surf at this break usually get scoldings from old uncles or if you're lucky, a police may spot you and instruct you to get out of the water so he can give you a citation and confiscate your board. Trust me, I've seen it happen multiple times and it's hilarious.

    Kumu D K.

    OK - so here's the deal ... I come here to drop off my son! That's the truth - I would not "choose" to just come down here as often as I do, but my boy loves the water, and its a great place to body surf. The view is 5STARS all by itself ... and every single time I am here - I see the wonders of my Creator in a whole new way ... as it is revealed in clouds, mountains, tides and waves and, most of all - the sunsets! Yes - I must admit, I've had my breath taken away by many of the sunset views I've witnessed while waiting for my son to swim in from the surf. Its a nice place to just take a walk along the water -- the stone walkway is different than many walkways ... and then there are large sidewalk areas through the adjoining Kaka'ako Park that you can enjoy by skates or a bike. If you are looking for a "beach" that comes up along the cement wall ... no sand, no dirt - just a rock wall and a rock walkway ... with gorgeous views of the ocean and mountains ... especially Leahi ... then this is a wonderful place to be!

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    spacious walk , beautiful view of Waikiki and Diamondhead- and upper valleys. True aloha - don't miss the sunset

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    Review Highlights - Point Panic Beach Park

    If they do go right I was told that they get a citation and their board taken away.

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    Pu'u 'Ualaka'a State Park

    Pu'u 'Ualaka'a State Park

    4.8
    (173 reviews)
    2.9 mi

    Visiting Pu'u Ualaka's State Park is on my top ten favorite things to do in Honolulu. The Park…read moreoffers spectacular views of the entire Southside of the Island. I travelled up Mount Tantalus to the Park yesterday with my daughter. We travelled through beautiful dense forest at the Park entrance. At the highest overlook, we could see everything and more from Diamond Head out to (and beyond) the airport. We could see all of Honolulu. I felt like we were on top of the world! Plaques offer fascinating overviews of the history and geology of the landmarks below. We could even see inside the famous tuff cone, Punch Bowl! Nearby is the first macadamia nut orchard in Hawaii. The overviews are paved with railings and easily accessible. The Park offers picnic areas with a couple pavilions and picnic tables. There is a charge for non-resident parking of $7 that can be paid electronically. Resident parking is free. Parking is limited, but there are several parking areas. We had no trouble finding parking mid week. Warning signs tell guest not to leave valuables in the car. Pu'u Ualaka'a State Park is only two miles from downtown Honolulu (maybe a couple more miles to the top). The Park is an easy 5 star and worth a visit.

    Puʻu ʻUalakaʻa State Park offers some of the best views of the greater Waikiki and Honolulu area…read more It's well worth the drive up for the panoramic vista that stretches from Mānoa all the way to Diamond Head, and out toward Honolulu Airport and Pearl Harbor. The park officially closes at 6pm, but I've walked in after hours before to enjoy the city lights, and the views are just as impressive at night. It's a bit off the typical tourist path, so it doesn't get overly crowded. Highly recommended if you want a different perspective of Honolulu.

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    Pu'u 'Ualaka'a State Park
    Pu'u 'Ualaka'a State Park
    Pu'u 'Ualaka'a State Park

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    Leahi Millennium Peace Circle Garden

    Leahi Millennium Peace Circle Garden

    4.8
    (12 reviews)
    4.6 mi

    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.

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    Leahi Millennium Peace Circle Garden
    Leahi Millennium Peace Circle Garden
    Leahi Millennium Peace Circle Garden

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    Moanalua Gardens

    Moanalua Gardens

    4.3
    (146 reviews)
    4.2 mi

    Moanalua Gardens is such a lovely, central place on Oahu to come and enjoy a little rest and…read morerelaxation in nature. My husband and I have been coming here for years, and remember coming here when we first started dating. The price went up a little bit to a few bucks a person, but it's still worth the entrance fee. We came back here with our kids, who had never been, and they had so much fun playing in and around the huge trees, running around the big open spaces, and feeding the ducks in the duck pond. A picnic was a delight at a table, and we brought a blanket to sit on and eat snacks again a little later while we were walking around. The bathrooms are nice and renovated. Really appreciate that touch. Overall, a great place to come for a little communue with nature.

    Moanalua Gardens is a nicely maintained wide open park with many large "Hitachi" monkeypod trees…read morespread out. Definitely more so a park than a garden. Been wanting to visit here for years as the last time was probably in elementary school for a field trip, and I forgot what exactly was here. It was closed during and after covid for years, then reopened to private functions only, and had no idea when it was reopened to the public. $10 for adults ($4 for Kama'aina and military) 7 for ages 6-12, under 6 (and Kama'aina and military) is free. Moanalua Gardens is conveniently located right next to the H-1 freeway. Heading westbound direction is very easy. Note: the parking entrance is literally right before the off ramp. Look for the "Moanalua Gardens" signs. Take the Tripler exit. Look for the entrance on the right. If you're on the off-ramp, you passed it. But that's okay! You can make a right (H-1 eastbound, you'll make a left at the Triper off-ramp), then left on Mahiole St, and turn in the next driveway. You'll drive through the service entrance to the parking lot. Plenty of parking! Pay at the entrance kiosk where they also sell snacks and drinks. Once inside, there's a moss/algae and leaf filled pond. There's koi fish, but the water is dark and murky, you can barely see their bright colors. King Kamehameha V's cottage that looks like a like a usual house. A Chinese style structure that looks like it has seen better days. Both are not accessible. As for the rest, the "Hitachi" monkeypod trees are all well maintained. Even though, there's PLENTY of monkeypod trees around the island, there's not many that's grown in this wide, umbrella shaped figure with branches close to the ground. Overall, it's cool to see the umbrella shaped Hitachi trees in a wide open, park-like space, but the other areas are not very well-maintained. There's not much else to do with some places restricted making it difficult to appreciate the history and importance. Charging $10 regular entrance fee, even the $4 Kama'aina fee, isn't worth it to just go in a what is basically a park. Isn't Hitachi paying atleast $400,000 per year to use the image of the tree in their advertising?

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    Moanalua Gardens
    Moanalua Gardens
    Moanalua Gardens

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    Foster Botanical Garden

    Foster Botanical Garden

    4.5
    (287 reviews)
    1.6 mi

    I visited the Foster Botanical Garden while vacationing in Honolulu, and I think it's the perfect…read moreactivity to do during a gap in between longer activities or even the first thing to do on a day-long itinerary. First off, the $5.00 per person admission fee is reasonable considering that the garden itself isn't particularly huge. The fairly small space notwithstanding, the Foster Botanical Garden is very peaceful and calming. The entire time I was here with my brother, we both felt the urge to slow down and really take in the atmosphere as we're both very accustomed to the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles. The staff are welcoming and exceptionally knowledgable about the foliage and history of it as it pertains to Honolulu, and the different types of wildlife who inhabit the garden are really cool too. All in all, I'd strongly recommend the Foster Botanical Garden for anyone looking for something a little more peaceful and intimate while hanging out in Honolulu.

    Loved this place. Great place to just decompress and walk around for a good 45 mins. or so. The…read morebotanical garden is basically right in the middle of HNL. Check this place out. The collection of plants and trees are remarkable.

    Photos
    A closer look inside a Cannonball Tree (Couroupita guianensis) flower. These trees are commonly seen around Hindu temples in India.
    A closer look inside a Cannonball Tree (Couroupita guianensis) flower. These trees are commonly seen around Hindu temples in India.
    The Corpose Plant is one of the most popular specimens in our collection! This endagered species only blooms once every 2 to 5 years.
    The Corpose Plant is one of the most popular specimens in our collection! This endagered species only blooms once every 2 to 5 years.
    The Main Lawn located on the norther, mauka most portion of the botanical garden.

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    The Main Lawn located on the norther, mauka most portion of the botanical garden.
    Booth District Park

    Booth District Park

    4.6
    (25 reviews)
    2.3 mi

    We went to Booth District Park a few weeks ago. It was my first time going there that I remember…read more It's a pretty big park and they have parking spaces all around the park. We went there for the playground but there wasn't any spaces in front of the playground so we had to walk just a little to get there. It's a really nice park to go to if you're in the area. They have a nice field, playground, basketball courts, and pickle ball courts. The playground is a little different from others because it has a zip line for kids. You hang onto a handle and with enough momentum you can swing yourself to the other side. My daughter loved that when we went to a park in California and we just never saw one of those in Hawaii. But now we know... They do exist! The playground is also in the shade so you won't get fried when waiting for your kids to finish playing. And there is a bench to sit and rest while you wait. Great park, we hope to go back there soon.

    This is a hidden gem in the heart of Pauoa…read more When I heard about the Yelp Earth Day Challenge, Booth Park immediately came to mind. My husband works for the DOE and wanted to "check out" this park last year. Although we live in Moiliili, the drive is quick since it's right off the freeway. So glad we did... It's now one of our top 3 parks to take the boys! The facilities are well maintained, shaded by the huge trees that offer parents and kids shelter from the midday sun. My oldest son (4.5yrs) loves the swings and riding his scooter around the basketball and tennis courts. My youngest (3rd) enjoys jumping off the concrete benches and mastering the playground (which is more elaborate than the usual city park playgrounds around town). There's spinning chairs, slides, a mini zip line, drums, and chimes that kids can make music with! So cool! Parking is fairly easy to find around the park perimeter. Area has been consistently safe when we take the kids (about once every couple of weeks). Great for all ages but adult supervision is still recommended esp for the littles.

    Photos
    Booth District Park
    Happy 100 Mr. Ing- thank you for sharing
    Happy 100 Mr. Ing- thank you for sharing
    Ing display 2015- Where's Waldo? Mahalos Mr. Ing!

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    Ing display 2015- Where's Waldo? Mahalos Mr. Ing!

    Point Panic Beach Park - beaches - Updated August 2026

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