Kapiolani Park

The park provides an escape from the bustle of nearby Waikiki. Active visitors can take advantage of the jogging paths, tennis and basketball courts, and the softball, soccer, and rugby fields. A steep and narrow beach offers gentle waves that are great for swimming and snorkeling, while families can enjoy the Honolulu Zoo. Live concerts at the Waikiki Shell are also popular.

It’s easy to visit the park independently. Many sightseeing tours—including walking, bike, and hop-on hop-off trolley tours—pass by or stop at the park and its attractions.

• The park is suitable for families and all types of visitors.
• There are lifeguards on duty at the beach.
• The waters offshore can get deep quickly due to offshore rock and reefs.
• Amenities include restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and benches.

Kapiʻolani Regional Park is on the eastern edge of Waikiki Beach between Kalakaua Avenue, Monsarrat Avenue, and Paki Avenue. There is free and metered parking along the streets bordering the park, as well as in the lots next to the Honolulu Zoo and at Waikiki Shell. The hop-on hop-off trolley also stops here, as does bus no. 2. The park is also within walking distance from Waikiki.

The park is open year-round. It rarely gets too crowded, though weekends and holidays are more popular. The Royal Hawaiian Band provides free concerts every Sunday afternoon in the Kapiʻolani Park Bandstand. (Check the Waikiki Shell website for the event schedule.) The outdoor Art on the Zoo Fence gallery is held along Monsarrat Avenue every weekend. The park is also the location of the finishing line for the Honolulu Marathon, held in December.

Located within Kapiʻolani Regional Park, the 42-acre (16-hectare) park is home to more than 1,200 animals in special enclosures across three main zones: Tropical Forest, African Savannah, and the Pacific Islands. There’s also a Keiki (Children’s) Zoo, café, and gift shop. The zoo also offers special programs, including summer concerts, twilight tours, and overnight camps.