Outdoor sights in Honolulu & Waikiki
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Lyon Arboretum
Managed by the University of Hawaiʻi, this hilly arboretum tempts with wildly unkempt walking paths through Oʻahu’s most accessible tropical rainforest. Its seminatural state is such a relief from the touristy, manicured tropical flower gardens so common elsewhere in the islands. Key plants in the Hawaiian ethnobotanical garden include ʻulu (breadfruit) and kalo (taro); ko, the sugarcane brought by early Polynesian settlers; kukui, which was used to produce lantern oil; and ti, which was used for medicinal purposes during ancient times and for making moonshine after Westerners arrived. It’s a short walk to Inspiration Point, or keep walking uphill for about 1 mile along a…
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B
Pu'u 'Ualaka'a State Park
For a marvelous panoramic view over Honolulu, visit Pu'u 'Ualaka'a State Park. The park entrance is 2.5 miles up Round Top Dr from Makiki St. It's half a mile in to the lookout; bear to the left when the road forks. The sweeping view extends from Kahala and Diamond Head on the far left, across Waikiki and downtown Honolulu, to the Wai'anae Range on the right.
To the southeast is the University of Hawai'i at Manoa, easily recognized by its sports stadium; to the southwest you can see clearly into the green mound of Punchbowl crater; the airport is visible on the coast, with Pearl Harbor beyond that.If you're taking photos, the best time is during the day; however, this is …
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C
Kaka'ako Waterfront Park
South of downtown Honolulu and just off Ala Moana Blvd at the end of Cooke St, little Kaka'ako Waterfront Park is protected from much of the city noise by a small grassy rise. Roller bladers cruise along the rock-fringed promenade, which offers clear views of Diamond Head, Waikiki and Honolulu Harbor. The 28-acre park attracts experienced surfers in the morning and picnickers in the afternoon.
It's not a safe swimming beach, but the tricky surf break is near the shore, making Kaka'ako a great place to watch surfers and boogie boarders up close. School children from Japan journey to this shrine each year as a gesture of peace.
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Kapi'olani Park
At the Diamond Head end of Waikiki is Hawaii's first public park, the nearly 200-acre Kapi'olani Park, a gift from King Kalakaua to the people of Honolulu in 1877. The king dedicated the park to his wife, Queen Kapi'olani. The park is the city's communal backyard, hosting sports games and family picnics under shady banyan trees. The park's tourist attractions include the Kapi'olani Beach Park, Waikiki Aquarium and the Honolulu Zoo.
Outdoor musical events are also held at the park.
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