Maui

Big Island

Oahu

Kauai

Lana'i

Moloka'i

All Islands

Site Pages

[?] Subscribe To This Site

Enjoying Oahu Parks

Like all the Hawaiian Islands, the Oahu parks system is extensive and varied. It is hard to go very far without stumbling upon one of the parks on Oahu, an oasis within the urban sprawl of Honolulu.

Usually not crowded, it is easy to enjoy the green and shady areas. The exception is on the weekends and holidays, when the local population is out in force enjoying the Oahu parks too!

So try to plan your trips to the parks in Oahu with that in mind. Remember, you are the tourist and you can visit the parks anytime, but the locals need to do it around a work schedule,so practice good vacation etiquette.

Parks in Honolulu

It's a great boon to visitors to have these green, spacious and beautiful parks in Honolulu. An oasis in the middle of the city or along the coast highway to stop and take a break in the shade of a banyan tree.

banyan tree at wai alae beach park on Oahu

banyan tree at wai alae beach park on Oahu

Like this beautiful banyan tree in Wai'alae Beach Park, which is located near Diamond Head.

green space in kapiolani park on oahu hawaii offers shade

Some of the better known parks on Oahu are Ala Moana Beach Park and Kapiolani Park, both of which are in the Waikiki area.

In addition, there are small neighborhood parks scattered throughout the city. Many will have facilities such as restrooms and drinking water, which are vital necessities to visitors and locals alike.

You can always count on finding shade in the parks on Oahu, no matter what size the park is.

Oahu Beach Parks

windsurfer at wai'alae beach park on Oahu Hawaii

Oahu has so many beach parks, it would be impossible to choose a favorite. Most of them will have some type of facilities, such as restrooms, drinking water and for the beach parks, many will have showers to wash off the sand and salt.

A few of my favorite Oahu beach parks are Sandy Beach Park Oahu east of Honolulu, Hanauma Bay where you can do some snorkeling, Sunset Beach Park Oahu to join the evening ritual of watching the sun go down on the North shore of Oahu and Kailua Beach Park Oahu located in the seaside town of Kailua on the east coast of Oahu.

Oahu State Parks

The most popular of state parks on Oahu is without a doubt Diamond Head. In addition to be a place of historic value, it also offers an interesting hike to the top and some awesome views once you get there. You can read more about the Diamond Head hike here.

looking down onto Hanauma Bay on Oahu Hawaii

Hanauma Bay is a state park that is also Nature preserve. Although there are facilities here and a very nice beach for sunning on, the real show is under the water.

Both Diamond Head and Hanauma Bay can be reached using the Oahu transit system, otherwise known as "the bus" which goes all over the island, or you can take the trolley to Diamond Head.

No matter what type of Oahu parks you are looking for, the selection is so diverse you are sure to find what you are looking for. A shady spot to sit and contemplate the universe is always a welcome treat on Oahu.

You can spend a few minutes to recharge your batteries or an entire day lounging on the beach. Many of of the Oahu parks are within easy reach of stores to grab snacks or drinks too.

Return from Oahu Parks to Hawaii Vacation Guide

Read More About Hiking Diamond Head on Oahu

Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

Looking for Sunset Beach Park on the North Shore?